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.

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?

I'm supposed to lead by example. You are too .... each of us.... no matter the years of experience or rank. I hope by posting this I am. It's surely another teaching point and quite possibly the most important lesson from the weekend. Clean and carcinogen free .... IT'S THE NEW "SALTY".

"One of the things all of us here are impressed by is his knowledge in strategy and tactics and his uncanny ability to locate the seat of the fire and the fastest way to get to it."

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.

Andrew "gets it". Tradition, Pride, Honor, Respect and the Brotherhood can be found in each article he posts.

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!

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.