Where firefighters come to talk training
One Piece of Advice
So far there has been a lot of discussion in different places about mentoring, growing our own, and making our people better.
So here is the question......
You are an Officer and your senior firefighter is about to get promoted. What is the one piece of advice you would give?
I realize there may be more than one, but if you had to boil it down, what direction would you send this firefighter in and how would you try and help with the transition.
I posted it here because many may not see it in one of the groups.....
So here is the question......
You are an Officer and your senior firefighter is about to get promoted. What is the one piece of advice you would give?
I realize there may be more than one, but if you had to boil it down, what direction would you send this firefighter in and how would you try and help with the transition.
I posted it here because many may not see it in one of the groups.....
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by David Rhodes on -
"Lead by example, be consistant and predictable, be honest and don't tolerate things you know are not right. Everything you do will now will be judged and justify others actions if you do it wrong. Train everyday but don't forget you can't get it all acomplished in 1 shift. Make sure to decide what it is you expect from your crew and sit them down and tell them the 1st day you are there. I'll call and check on you from time to time but you call me if you need anything or if you need any help. I'm proud of you and I know you will be a great officer."
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Permalink Reply by Michael Reed on -
Remind this new Officers of three things, BE FAIR, BE FIRM, AND BE CONSISTANT. Talk to all of his or her direct reports and listen to what the expectations are from them for you. Take the time to relay to them what your expectations will be for them also. .(remeber, you must crawl before you walk.). You must earn their respect and trust.
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Permalink Reply by Todd McKee on -
Be an Example! Where your seat belt and others will to, train hard and others will to, be respectful and others will to. A good leader has good followers, a great leader has great followers!
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Permalink Reply by Bob Carpenter on -
When you get your first assignment, don't go in thinking that you have all of the answers. Especially if you are going to be assigned to a rig or station for a defined period of time. I agree with David with one caveat; make it a short list. Right is right but don't think you are going to right all of the department's wrongs on your first shift as a Lt. Check the pace and abilities of the crew and try to distinguish between an issue and the the crew testing you. I also strongly agree with his closing statement; tell him/her that you will check on them from time to time ( and do it) and make sure he/she knows that they can call you if they are stuck.
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Permalink Reply by Bobby Halton on -
Enjoy the ride, be your very best, never give up, be kind, understand just because you see if differently doesn't make you right or anybody else wrong, never stop learning, and when you get mad don't do or say anything, if you still are mad the next day wait another day, eventually most suff is chin dribble. Remember you don't deserve anything, no one is better than anyone else, no one is worse than anyone else, you can't control how people are going to see you but you can control how you see them. And always remember it is not about us it about the good people you need you, take care of everyone you can, very chance you get. That is why it called a service the Fire Service, put service first last and always in all you do. .........oh yeah and get a subsciption to Fire Engineering and sign up like twenty good guys on the community site and never miss FDIC.......Hey guys I gotta earn a living too LOL your brother Bobby
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Permalink Reply by Ray McCormack on -
Take Care of Business - On the Fireground and in the Firehouse. We know our loss is another companies gain. You were trained well and we expect you to pass on your knowledge to those you work with now. Always be proud of where you came from
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Permalink Reply by Brian Arnold on -
Take a deep breath and handle your business. Give your crew the necessary tools and training to be successful. Make everyday a training day. 15 min or two hours there is still something new to learn on each day. When things don't go perfect use it as an opportunity to learn more about the service we have chosen to provide. Help others succeed and obtain their own goals. PTB and smile in amazement that they actually pay us to do this job!
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Permalink Reply by Dave LeBlanc on -
Great stuff so far.........
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Permalink Reply by Mike Walker on -
I agree with Bob. I had a Chief tell me when I made Captain to not make too many rules because I would have to enforce everyone of them. It was good advice.
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Permalink Reply by Scott Thompson on -
Take care of the guys; be their leader, not their friend (Thanks Boss). Also, remember who you work for. Do this and the rest will come. Good Luck........
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Permalink Reply by Anthony Avillo on
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you have one major responsibility: the protection of your personnel
this is accomplished through training, setting an example, and always doing the right thing
Let them know that you are there to support them and always go the extra mile for them
If you serve them, they will serve you. A great officer is nothing without his personnel
Be consistent, firm, fair, and friendly
Keep reading
Set expectations for your company so that they know what is expected of them
Learn to be a captain and think like a captain -- that does not happen overnight
Set good examples and seek advice from senior officers
Don't be afraid to make mistakes or ask questions
Learn the paperwork side of the business and be thorough in your documentation
On the fireground, get em in safe, work em safe, get em out safe
keep your eyes open, always pay attention -- never freelance
stay humble
have fun
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Permalink Reply by Jim Duffy on -
Have your people's backs. You take care of them and they will take care of you and make you look good. Give them the credit for success and be an umbrella for them when there is failure.
Be honest, loyal, fair, consistant & firm and above all ethical.
remember
Rank Does Not Confer Privilege or Give Power. It Imposes Responsibility!
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