Top Rung

07/03/2026

As we celebrate Independence Day with family, friends, cookouts, and fireworks, let's remember that the best memories are the ones where everyone gets home safely.

A few simple precautions can make all the difference:
🎆 Leave fireworks to the professionals whenever possible.
🔥 Keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby.
🚗 Never drive impaired—plan for a sober ride home.
🌊 Wear a life jacket when boating and keep a close eye on children around the water.
☀️ Stay hydrated and take breaks from the summer heat.

At Top Rung Testing, safety isn't just what we do on the job - it's a mindset we carry into every day.

From our team to yours, we wish you a safe, happy, and memorable Fourth of July! 🇺🇸

06/16/2026

06/12/2026

👋 GET TO KNOW US: CONNOR HOGAN

At Top Rung Inspection & Testing, our people are what set us apart. This month, we're proud to introduce Connor Hogan, our Lead Foreman, Technician & Coordinator.

Connor has been serving in emergency services for OVER 11 years. As an EVT Certified professional, he brings extensive technical expertise, leadership, and dedication to every project and every client we serve.

🏅 Fun Fact: Connor is a 2-Time Paralympian!

He represented Team USA at both the:
🎿 2018 PyeongChang Paralympic Winter Games
🎿 2022 Beijing Paralympic Winter Games

The determination, discipline, and commitment required to compete on the world stage are the same qualities Connor brings to Top Rung every day.

Whether he's coordinating crews, supporting testing operations, or ensuring projects run smoothly, Connor is an integral part of our team and our commitment to delivering quality service to fire departments across the Northeast.

We're proud to have him on the Top Rung team!

06/04/2026

This week, Top Rung Inspection & Testing along with the JLN Associates safety team had the pleasure of welcoming members of the New London County Fire Chief's Association to our headquarters for their annual meeting.

We appreciated the opportunity to showcase our operations, answer questions, and connect with the fire service leaders who work tirelessly to protect their communities every day. Special thanks to Flanders Fish Market and Illianos for the great, local fare.

05/26/2026

As Memorial Day comes to a close, we reflect on the true meaning behind today. Throughout this day, we have remembered and honored the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

At Top Rung Inspection & Testing, we are grateful for the sacrifices made to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day. We remember those who never returned home and honor the legacy they left behind.

05/21/2026

Spring-season update from the Top Rung crew 🚒 It’s been a busy season already. We’ve been all over the Northeast testing ground ladders, aerials, hose, and pumps for departments and facilities that count on their equipment to perform when it matters most.

One of the best parts of this season has been watching our team grow. We’ve got newer crew members gaining experience fast, and some of our rookies already working toward EVT certification. That’s something we take a lot of pride in.

A lot of miles, long days, early mornings, and plenty of hard work - but we’ve got a solid crew behind it all.

Big thanks to the departments and partners that continue trusting Top Rung season after season. We appreciate every one of you.

Interested in joining the crew?

We’re hiring seasonal positions now: 📩 [email protected]

05/05/2026

100,000 feet. In just ONE month.

The Top Rung Inspection & Testing team is kicking off the 2026 testing season with serious momentum - surpassing 100,000 feet of fire hose tested in the first month alone.

This milestone isn’t just a number. It represents:
✔️ Departments ready for response
✔️ Equipment you can trust when it matters most
✔️ A team committed to safety, efficiency, and getting it done right the first time

Our crews are already covering ground across the Northeast - helping fire departments stay compliant, reduce downtime, and ensure their gear performs under pressure.

Here’s to a strong start and an even stronger season ahead. 💪

04/30/2026

The Top Rung family is keeping Assistant Chief Brian France, Firefighter Tiffany France, and their daughter Mack in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.

When one family in the fire service is hurting, we all feel it. We stand with our brothers and sisters at the Middletown Fire Department and Local 1073 as they support the France family.

If you’re able, please consider helping by contributing to their meal train. Your support - big or small - can make a real difference while they remain at Mack’s side.

Wishing Mack strength and healing, and the France family comfort in the days ahead.

In the early hours of Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Tiffany & Brian experienced a medical emergency no parent should have to endure. Their 4-year-old, Mackinley, was rushed to Connecticut Children's Medical Center with a brain bleed and has been in the PICU. Tiff & Brian have been round the clock at CC...

04/16/2026

REPOST:

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Supporters,

I am reaching out to you today to share some deeply personal news and to ask for your consideration. Jason is currently facing Stage 4 kidney failure and urgently needs a transplant. This is a result of his Lupus diagnosis that he has been living with for the past 16 years. As you can imagine, this has been an extremely challenging journey for our family, and we are now seeking a compatible living donor as his best hope for recovery. (As an O blood type, Jason has the longest wait time from a deceased donor, approximately 7-8 years.)
Throughout his life, Jason has been known for his strong passion to serve his community. Having been a volunteer firefighter for more than 25 years, he has dedicated his time to helping and protecting others. Sadly, he now finds himself in need as he battles this life-threatening condition. I understand this is a personal and significant decision, and our family deeply respects and appreciates any consideration you can give.

If you or someone you know might be interested in learning more about the donation process, we kindly ask that you please contact:

The Center for Living Organ Donors
Hartford Hospital Transplant Services
(860) 696-2021
And
Yale New Haven Transplantation Center
866-925-3897

With heartfelt appreciation,
Kristin DeManche (Jason, Zachary, & Chelsea)
Stratford, CT