Street Smart Fire Officer

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Comment by Ben Fleagle on January 19, 2009 at 10:52pm

Hey Bobby,

I can't add much more than what our good Brother Gallagher has already said, but I might add that for me, the step up came because I new I could do better than some of the people applying, and I firmly believe in leadership from the bottom up. In some departments, the only way to achieve what you believe in is to become an officer and begin to live it for the people below you. In such places, the promotion isn't always the easiest life.

Some departments are suffering from extreme shortages of leadership and as nice as it is to just enjoy the jumpseat or driving the red rig, someone has to step up.

Comment by Dave Gallagher on January 16, 2009 at 10:26am

Bobby, different for everyone. And then, there's different motivations. Some do it for ego, money, or seeing a bigger picture. Some have done it just to get a different assignment such as getting off a medic. Those types are the ones I never wanted to follow in any capacity.
Some have done it, and I presume you're asking in a noble way, in order to fill a need for themselves to give back, and perhaps achieve in their lives. Others have realized that they had a particular level of talent and knowledge, and wished to offer to expand that beyond themselves in order to better the crew, the department, and the community.
What many fail to realize is that when you become a front-seater, you are the responsible one for all that ride that particular piece on that call, and, you are responsible for the well-being of the occupants or victims of the call you are responding to. I have heard comments of "Oh, I'LL BE IN CHARGE TONIGHT!" and I tell them "yep, you go to it" for anyone who REALLY knows what that seat entails may be a bit reluctant to take that on. Think about it, one of 'those' jumps up front and rolls up first arriving on a 2 story SFD with Mrs. Smith and the little Smith hanging out the upstairs window. Whatever happens, good, or bad, now rests directly on that person's shoulders. No excuses, no 'do-overs'.
When you wish to be the person that intervenes on that call, that's when it's time to step up and take that test, or put your name in for promotion.
If it's something you think you want to do, go to your academy and take a Fire Officer 1 class before you throw your hat into the ring. It will give you some things to think about.
Oh, and by the way, my experience: I took the test just to be taking it and to get a feel for how it went. I figured I'd probably be better ready for the next one a few years later... well, I passed the written and assessment center... and wound up 3rd... they were promoting 3... It took a case of beer with a long talk with my Dad about what I should do... his sage advice "You'll make a lot of mistakes, but remember, those Firefighters on your watch come first. You are the first in, and last out. You just remember to get them home, and you'll do fine."
Be Safe Bobby

Comment by Bobby Noel on January 10, 2009 at 11:34pm

How do you know when it is time to step up and become a officer?