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Have you ever noticed when someone mentions developing our KSAs (knowledge, skills, and abilities) that knowledge is the foundation upon which skills and abilities are built? We have all studied training manuals in the fire service. God has a “training manual” that...

In the final segment of the top 5 leadership tools for the officer it should come as no surprise that passion is a key tool for today’s fire officer. Noted author and speaker John Maxwell stated, “Leaders must bring their vision and the aspirations of the people they...

I am blessed to be a part of the fire service and be involved with passionate leaders such as yourselves. Today I was fortunate to climb with my fellow firefighters 110 floors in Charlotte NC for the fourth year in a row. However, this stairclimb was very different for me. Before...

We are taking today to reflect on all of the firefighters who have paid the ultimate price not only on 9/11 but anytime. Please join us and say a prayer for those who have paid the ultimate price and for God to guide and protect us all in the future. To Those Who Have made the...

Is There A Problem With Our Communications? As an experiment try doing this scenario. Have a member gear up complete with SCBA. While wearing their face piece have them run a set of stairs two or three times until their heart rate is up and they are breathing heavy. Have them...

Have you ever read something that changed the way you think or behave? Do you have a book that has so much meaning in your life that you go back and re-read it again? As firefighters, we are in the business of saving lives; therefore, we value human life. Our dedication to the...

Being an officer takes effort and this effort is required every day. One of the key ingredients for successful leadership is possessing and maintaining a positive mental attitude. Leadership Tool #3 – Maintain A Positive Mental Attitude There is little doubt that officers...

Recently my department had a drill at our county fire academy. Yearly, we go out there four to five times for live fire drills to brush up on tactics, give the new members experience and to keep the senior guys skills sharp. Even as a chief officer I always come away from there...

As we move forward, we will explore 5 ways that can help each of us build our faith as firefighters. #1 – Studying The Training Manual As firefighters, we are constantly about the business of reading, learning, and applying. The same disciplines hold true with building our...

“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” — Michael Jordan The officer’s leadership influence depends upon self-confidence, creativity, flexibility, and the ability to take responsibility for the future. Without these traits...