Larry Zeitzmann of Washington MO, the retired Fire Chief of the City of Glendale Fire Department in St. Louis County, Missouri, is a longstanding advocate for firefighter health and safety. Throughout his decorated career, Larry Zeitzmann emphasized operational readiness and physical resilience as core tenets of fire service professionalism. Today, his insights continue to shape the conversation around preventing line-of-duty illnesses—particularly those tied to extreme heat and dehydration. As the frequency of high-temperature events grows, the fire service must double down on preventive measures, placing the health of firefighters at the forefront. Larry Zeitzmann of Washington MO believes this begins with preparation, education, and a shift in firehouse culture.
Firefighters operate in some of the most punishing conditions imaginable. Whether battling structural fires, responding to brush fires in the height of summer, or working long shifts during disaster response, they are frequently exposed to high ambient temperatures compounded by radiant heat and the insulating properties of turnout gear. Larry Zeitzmann of Washington MO stresses that heat stress is not merely an inconvenience—it is a compounding hazard that can silently deteriorate physical performance, mental clarity, and overall safety. As body temperature rises, decision-making slows, endurance falters, and the margin for error shrinks.
Larry Zeitzmann has repeatedly emphasized that even seasoned firefighters are susceptible to heat-related illnesses. In fact, the risk often increases with age or experience, as more tenured firefighters may push themselves harder or avoid signaling weakness. This stoic approach, while admirable in its intent, can be dangerous if it leads to overlooking early symptoms such as dizziness, rapid heart rate, nausea, or impaired focus. Larry Zeitzmann of Washington MO calls for greater vigilance from both individuals and leadership in identifying the early signs of heat stress before they evolve into serious medical emergencies.
According to Larry Zeitzmann of Washington MO, the most important battle against heat stress is won before the call even comes in. Hydration must be an all-day strategy, not a reactive response. The body requires consistent fluid intake to maintain thermoregulation. Waiting to hydrate until the turnout gear is on or the hose line is charged is already too late. Larry Zeitzmann advocates for structured hydration routines built into every firefighter’s daily prep, including shift changes, training drills, and even while performing administrative duties.
In addition to hydration, Larry Zeitzmann of Washington MO highlights the importance of physical fitness. A firefighter’s conditioning directly affects their body’s ability to dissipate heat and recover from physical exertion. Larry Zeitzmann has long supported fitness programs within fire departments that simulate the intensity of the fireground, conditioning the cardiovascular and muscular systems to handle physical demands in hostile environments. A healthy, well-conditioned firefighter is not only more effective but is also less prone to collapse under heat stress.
When firefighting operations stretch beyond a few minutes, structured rehabilitation zones become essential. Larry Zeitzmann of Washington MO has pushed for formal policies that establish rehab as a tactical requirement, not a luxury. Rehab zones must be designated, stocked, and staffed before the first engine rolls out. These areas should be shaded or climate-controlled, provide cool fluids (not just water but electrolyte replacements), and allow firefighters to remove gear and cool their core body temperatures.
Larry Zeitzmann explains that these zones must be more than just a place to rest. Medical personnel should monitor firefighters for vital signs, and there must be enforced work-to-rest ratios based on incident severity and environmental conditions. In many departments, firefighters resist entering rehab because they fear being seen as weak or not pulling their weight. Larry Zeitzmann of Washington MO asserts that this mindset is outdated and must be replaced by a culture that views rehab as critical to operational readiness and survival.
Command staff have an essential duty to enforce health protocols during operations. Larry Zeitzmann of Washington MO stresses that the incident commander must take responsibility for ensuring proper crew rotations, hydration monitoring, and use of rehab facilities. In his time as Fire Chief in Glendale, Larry Zeitzmann implemented standard operating procedures that gave company officers authority—and obligation—to pull members off the line for recovery.
According to Larry Zeitzmann, when leadership takes safety seriously, it sets the tone for the entire department. Commanders must not only plan for rehab zones but also ensure those plans are followed. This includes planning mutual aid for long incidents to rotate crews effectively. Larry Zeitzmann of Washington MO encourages ICs to view hydration and rest breaks not as downtime but as part of a continuity strategy that keeps teams operating at peak performance.
The onset of heat-related illness can be subtle, but early intervention can make the difference between recovery and tragedy. Larry Zeitzmann of Washington MO encourages firefighters to look out for one another, recognizing behavioral or physical changes that may signal distress. This includes slurred speech, disorientation, confusion, or even overly quiet behavior. Often, those in distress don’t realize it themselves. Peer accountability, Larry Zeitzmann believes, is one of the most effective tools in preventing escalation.
In departments led by strong safety cultures, peer intervention is not seen as criticism but as a life-saving gesture. Larry Zeitzmann of Washington MO teaches that firefighters must normalize checking on one another throughout incidents—not only during rehab, but even on the hose line or while operating a ladder. It’s this watchfulness that keeps the team strong.
As summer temperatures continue to climb and wildfires increase in intensity, the fire service must adapt. Larry Zeitzmann of Washington MO suggests several strategic adjustments departments can make during extreme heat events. These include increasing the number of personnel dispatched to an incident so crews can rotate more frequently, deploying misting systems in rehab, and carrying cooling towels and water-enhancing supplements in response vehicles.
Larry Zeitzmann has also encouraged departments to collaborate with local emergency medical services and public health agencies to develop regional heat event response plans. By coordinating across agencies, fire departments can ensure that all responders—not just firefighters—have access to adequate cooling and hydration measures. Larry Zeitzmann of Washington MO firmly believes this interagency planning is the future of modern emergency response in a warming world.
Throughout his career, Larry Zeitzmann has spoken openly about the need to shift cultural norms in fire service. For decades, firefighters have prided themselves on their toughness—a quality that undoubtedly saves lives. However, Larry Zeitzmann of Washington MO warns that this toughness must be redefined. True strength lies in self-awareness, in knowing when to pull back, when to cool down, and when to speak up about feeling unwell.
This cultural transformation extends beyond the physical. Heat stress and dehydration can have lasting cognitive effects, including fatigue that compromises safety in future calls. Larry Zeitzmann emphasizes that departments must invest in mental health support, educating members on the physiological toll of heat and how to recover holistically. By fostering environments of openness, departments create space for honest dialogue around health, safety, and sustainability in the career.
Larry Zeitzmann of Washington MO, as a retired Fire Chief with decades of experience leading crews in St. Louis County, leaves behind more than just a leadership record—he leaves a safety legacy. His work continues to influence best practices around hydration, heat illness prevention, and overall firefighter wellness. Departments across the country are implementing measures that reflect his teachings: pre-incident hydration protocols, structured rehab zones, peer monitoring initiatives, and leadership accountability systems.
The fire service has always been about more than putting out fires. It’s about protecting people—both the public and the firefighters themselves. Larry Zeitzmann of Washington MO remains a powerful voice in urging departments to view heat stress not as an unfortunate side effect of the job, but as a preventable threat that can be addressed through preparation, policy, and cultural transformation. By embracing his vision, the next generation of firefighters can operate more safely, return home healthier, and carry the mission forward with pride and resilience.
