"It also comes down to cultural norms. As society changes you will see those issues that may have been "taboo" become everyday norms. Is their any difference between a Firefighter that can do a great job with tattoos or a 300lb Firefighter…"
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Matt Carlson's Page
Latest Activity
Steve Boothe commented on Matt Carlson's blog post Firefighter Mohawk?"I would have to say appearance is first impression and it may not be fair, but just as tattoos it is about your appearance that allows a person to trust on first impression. Now while wearing fire fighting gear I hope nobody can see your hair. I too…"
Reed T. Menz commented on Matt Carlson's blog post Firefighter Mohawk?"It seems to me a Mohawk is safer than some of the beards and long mustaches, long hair I've seen on some of the fire fighters fo my generation, which interferes with the face piece..."
"Speaking as a Chief officer apperance doe's matter , We can't control what you do , but being clean shaven and neat haircut makes you feel the part. You go out into the public with your uniform on you need to look the part and it's a…"
Profile Information
- Lives in:
- Kalamazoo, MI
- Department:
- Oshtemo Fire Department
- Title/rank:
- Firefighter
- Years of public service:
- 7
- Agency structure:
- Combination fire department
- Top issues in your department:
- Staffing
- Professional Qualifications:
- Hazmat Specialist
Instructor
Fire Chaplain
- Topics you provide training for:
- Hazmat Technician
Firefighter Resilience Training
- Areas of expertise:
- Hazmat
Mental Health
Matt Carlson's Blog
Firefighter Mohawk?
What's your take on a firefighter having a mohawk haircut? Does it matter? Why or why not?
While at FDIC, many instructors weighed in on the importance of our appearance. Most of it surrounded the topic of the generation gap (Baby Boomers-Millennials). The newest generation (Millennial Generation) was cited by one instructor as being disrespectful and lazy. He went on to say "They can't even change a spare tire."
Another instructor pushed back on this saying we (Baby Boomers…
ContinuePosted on April 22, 2012 at 12:48pm — 4 Comments
FD Calling Card
I became interested in military death and calling cards when my brother was presented with an ace of spades from a retired door gunner. The gunner kept the card on his person during the Vietnam war. 30 years later, my brother Waylon was a door gunner from the same squadron (HCS-84). For him, it was a huge honor to be handed the card understanding who it came from and what it meant. It's now framed and proudly hangs on his wall at home.
As you noted, after 9/11 the world changed for…
Continue Posted on April 21, 2012 at 5:25pm
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