You've always given 100% to everything you do but I want to ask you to hold back on this one. Save a little for your family, the ones who love you and for yourself. You are still naive, yet full of life, humility and compassion. The job will demand these qualities from you but it will also strip you of them over time.... be careful of that.
Read More »administration-leadership
Understanding Who “We” are and Millennials in the Fire Service
We had several good discussions with valid points made by most everyone in the room. It didn't take long before the word "Millennials" was thrown out. Now all of us "old guys" know that the "Millennials" are, have been and will continue to be the damnation and ruin of the Fire Service.... right?
Read More »Firefighting … a “One Way Street”?
How about leaving as "better" firefighters? As "better" EMT's or Paramedics? As "better" public servants, leaders, co-workers, mentors? How about leaving as "better" human beings ... as better people?
Read More »Leadership vs. Management
I don't have to hear a bunch of bitching and crying when I say we have to do this or that. They know I wouldn't ask something of them unless it was necessary for one reason or another.
Read More »“The Right Thing”
Doing "The Right Thing" isn't about me. It's not about making myself look better in the eyes of someone who may or may not even have a clue about "The Right Thing". It's not about impressing someone. It shouldn't be for you either. If it is ... then maybe you're missing the mark. Maybe you're NOT "Doing The Right Thing" after all. Maybe you're in the wrong place.
Read More »Large section of SW. Va facing major changes to Fire/EMS Services
So what are your thoughts? Is it the Chiefs who control"the strings" or is it City / County Administration (the politicians )? Is the old saying about the "poop" running down hill true or do we .... the "boots on the street" also have a say in the direction a Department takes?
Read More »Gambling with Firefighter’s lives
Take Randy's new Department for example.... in my opinion ... just like others all across the Country (paid and volunteer); single member staffing and POV response is a gamble. IT'S A GAMBLE WITH FIREFIGHTER'S LIVES!
Read More »Retaining young members … our future.
These members are our replacements.... the ones we will train to do the job once we no longer can (or have to). It can be argued that they are our most valuable resource and I would tend to agree.
Read More »Firefighter of the Year
In the face of adversity, the members of L-1132 (and firefighters around the Country) accomplish extraordinary deeds in service of their fellow man. The room last Friday night (as is our firehouses everyday) was full of sacrifice and true Heroes.
Read More »Making the push… a Firefighter’s strugle with mental illness
For those of you not on the job I'll offer this brief explanation. "Making the push" is what Firefighters do once they get to (or near) the fire floor / room. It's what happens after we get to the point of no return... to the point of attack (or a difficult search).
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