command-leadership

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.

I wonder what the headlines what have said if this Firefighter had been injured or killed? Who would have been held liable? Think about that for a moment.

When I watched the video, I could believe what I was watching. Well, I could believe it but maybe I didn’t understand it is a better way to put it. Now I don’t typically “Monday morning quarterback” or “keyboard command” fires but I want, and feel like I have to say something on this one.

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?

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.

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.

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?

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.

And here's the thing ... you can only "step up" so much .... especially when there's no (or little) forward movement or improvement. You can only beat your head against the wall for so long before you eventually develop a headache.

Dean Russell, the Captain from #4 C-shift; did a GREAT job of "controlling the door" until we could make the connection and get the attack line in position. His efforts held the fire to a single apartment.