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020 – Do You Have What It Takes To Be A Great Chief?
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Firefighter Toolbox Podcast/ Internet Radio Show Episode #20
Interview with Chief Christopher James
Fire Chief Christopher James
About this Episode:
(After this exclusive interview, we felt Chief James did an outstanding and honest job of sharing what it takes to be a great leader and chief. Therefore, I titled the interview as such. Let us know in the comments below if you agree.)
“We can buy million dollar trucks; we can build multi-million dollar buildings, but our most important resource is our firefighters,” he said. “Their morale has a direct effect on the level of service they provide to our citizens.”
Chief Christopher James, City of Augusta Fire Department, Augusta,GA
Augusta Chronicle – Jan 18, 2013
In this episode Chief James shares with us what it takes to be a great firefighter and leader in the fire service. He also shares what it takes to be ready to fulfill the role as chief of a department.
He discusses why serving in specific roles throughout your career will give you the skills you need to succeed as a chief and how to prepare for the position and I must say I think he is spot on.
Learn how to be in-tune with the citizens of the community but also see how important it is to be in tune with those that work for you and how to lead them. Chief James shows us how to handle and respond to personnel conflicts, issues and when someone “drop’s the ball”. He gives insight to the main responsibilities you take on and what most firefighters don’t always understand about being a chief. One day “you’re one of the guys” and the next day you’re ‘the boss” . This affects a lot of things and it’s not as easy as one may think.
If you’re looking to learn from a chief who exemplifies great leadership while his department dealt with budget cuts, scandals, apparatus fires, fire station collapse, social media issues, etc, this episode is for you.
This and so much more.
About Chief James:
Chief Christopher James is the fire department chief for the city of Augusta, GA and has over 25 years in the fire service. He has been a part of the Augusta Fire Department/ Richmond County Fire Department his entire career and has started serving as chief on February 2012 and he was the interim chief from December 2011.
Chief James believes a great leader is one of integrity. He feels it’s also important for a chief or leader to put the needs of the people who work for them above their own needs.
About the Firefighter Toolbox Podcast/Internet Radio Show
The FirefighterToolbox Podcast/Internet Radio Show is audio program for up and coming firefighters and leaders who want to become better at the ever evolving skill of firefighting and to continue growing into a better leader. We interview great firefighters and officers and others who can bring great ideas, insights and information and share it with us so we can take our skills to the next level. New episodes every Tuesday. (Most listen to it on the commute to work, working out, doing chores or as a company training.)
To learn more about the show– Click Here
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*Some photos of Chief James are courtesy of the Augusta Chronicle
