Category

The first arriving officer (whether a chief, engine company or ladder company officer) at the scene of a working fire is tasked with many responsibilities. They must convey a variety of information over the radio, essentially make sense out of an often chaotic scene and direct...

We will all face challenging times, now and in the future. If you want to succeed especially during challenging times, I want you to have something I never had: these steps. This information when implemented will help you as it did me. Tip #10 – Possess A Strong Desire To...

Look At the Pictures Take a look at the pictures that accompany this article. Make it a long look. Let those pictures sink in. The Story My driver and I were standing about five feet from the rear bumper of this engine company when that driver plowed into us. I’ve heard bombs go...

The Performance Review Many departments use some type of formal performance review and development (PRD) system as a part of their overall human resources program.  The typical PRD document includes line items that describe job duties for a specific position, and a rating system...

Why We Must Build Our In The Fire Station Leadership Skills 90% of our time and energy as fire officers happens away from the fire ground. – John Dixon Most of us fire officers spend the bulk of our training learning how to lead on the fire ground, yet most of their issues...

Growing Future Leaders Now that we have progressed into being respected leaders in our organization, we must look to leave a legacy behind. After reading this series, you have all learned that I am a big fan of John C. Maxwell. One of my favorite quotes from Maxwell is “you’ve...

As a boy I didn’t pay much attention to making my bed.  When I rolled out I might make a feeble attempt to straighten it up a bit, but too often I’d just amble away without giving it a thought.  My mindset was, “Who’s going to see it anyway?  No one comes to my room.  I’m just...

Own It – No Excuse Recently I learned a great lesson on bad decision making. Even though my decision had good intentions; I did not follow through with what I said I did. I could sit here and give excuses or play the blame game, but I won’t. I will OWN IT. By doing this I...

We have heard countless times that the fires we encounter today are unlike the ones we responded to years ago. That being said, we need to evaluate the way we go into these fires as well as the tools we bring along. Let’s take a look at what the engine officer should bring...

Great Leaders Lead With Influence. Weak Leaders Lead With Their Rank. -David J Soler If we have been around the block a few times in the fire service, we most likely have had the privilege of being around some great leaders. The fire service is full them and at all levels....