033- How To Get Up To Speed As A New Officer

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About Episode 033:

In this firefighter training episode, I talk with Captain Erik Wood about getting up to speed as a new fire officer.  We all know it takes more than lieutenant’s bars to lead a crew effectively.  Making decisions on the fireground, running drill night, and keeping your own skills sharp are just the beginning of being an officer in a volunteer fire department.  Listen in as we discuss the challenges facing a new officer and how to overcome them. Topics include:

• Being in charge of and give direction to more experienced firefighters, as a new officer
• Gaining the respect of the members in your department so you can be the leader you need to be
• Learning what you need to know, from an officer’s viewpoint, about your crew members and their abilities
• Preparing for your new on-scene responsibilities (knowing your district, using your radio effectively and more)
• Taking your leadership to the next level by mentoring, training, and developing every member of your crew

Intro provided by Assistant Chief Rob Fling, Dix Hills Fire Department (Long Island, NY) and Ryan Pennington of Views from the Jumpseat

Captain Erik Wood

About Captain Erik Wood

Captain Wood is a 16 year veteran of the fire service. He started his fire service career in the United States Coast Guard in 1997 where he specialized in shipboard and oil rig firefighting and hazmat mitigation. He eventually became an instructor for maritime firefighting certification courses.  Erik currently serves as a captain with Shawnee County Fire District #2 in Auburn, Kansas. In addition to his home department Erik assists in writing policy, procedure, and standard operating guidelines for several other departments and is a contributor with Firehouse.com. His current responsibilities with Shawnee County Fire District #2 include acting as the on-call shift commander, supervision of department probationary personnel, development and instruction of the department “rookie class,” and general oversight of the department’s training program. Captain Wood has been a IFSAC certified instructor since 2005. He currently serves as an associate instructor with the University of Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute where he teaches Firefighter 1 & 2 national certification courses and serves as an exam site evaluator for national certification. He is currently a member of the Kansas State Firefighters Association, State Capital Area Firefighters Association, and the International Society of Fire Service Instructors.

About the Firefighter Toolbox Podcast/Internet Radio Show

The Firefighter Toolbox Podcast/Internet Radio Show is an 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, officers, and other authorities inside and outside of the fire service who bring great ideas, insights, and information to share with us so we can take our skills to the next level.

About The Game “Are You Smarter Than A Probie?”

David Soler and Firefighter Toolbox are also the creators of “Are You Smarter Than A Probie?” game show. Listen in weekly as brave firefighters compete to answer 5 FFI/FFII questions on the hot seat and prove they are smarter than a probie. 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 —–

Mentions On The Show

Like this podcast?  You may also like How To Get Up To Speed As A Firefighter.

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