With the launch of my website and blog, I thought it appropriate to introduce myself and my business.
Kenn Kunze here. I’m a retired firefighter, serving 30 years with the Fort Wayne, Indiana Fire Department, including 15 years as a Battalion Chief in the Combat Division. As an operations supervisor in the fire service, it was critical to identify high-risk occupancies in the response territory and work to mitigate risks. As you can imagine, each incident has left its mark on me.
That’s why I’m in the business of fire prevention, officially IC Fire Prevention. After responding to countless fires — a reactive approach — I wanted to bring an element of prevention to the forefront. To that end, I have made hundreds of site visits scrap metal/recycling facilities in an effort to identify risks and help workers eliminate them. I have provided thousands of safety recommendations, which have resulted in nearly as many risks mitigated on site.
It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly. It’s where I have dedicated the remainder of my working life.
It’s all in the details, as they say. Our program challenges managers and their direct reports alike to look at their workplace through the lens of an experienced firefighter. They walk away understanding the potential outcomes triggered by risky behavior and unsafe conditions and are motivated to keep their work and home environments fire safe. Everyone wins when people are empowered to act in an informed manner.
Moreover, employers are provided with evidence of their accomplishments in fire prevention. A valuable, third-party, assessment of their fire risk helps to guide future efforts. It also demonstrates commitment to stakeholders, such as insurers and regulators, of a commitment to best practice.
On that note, I will use this as a venue to share fire safety tips and related insights for workplace and home. I hope you’ll join in on the discussion. You may also email me at kkunze@icfireprevention.com. I look forward to connecting with you.
In safety, Kenn
