THE SUNDAY PREACH

"Happy Father's Day"

"We need to mentor and to mold that positive energy into the creation of good fireground habits. We can’t blame our recruits for being eager. It’s good when firefighters are ready to learn. Accept that eagerness as it is, and share with your experiences and knowledge. Be a mentor and role model to them. Make them the best firefighters they can be." Chapter 6, Page 55.

Today we celebrate one of the most important influences in many of our lives, our Fathers. Not an athlete, a politician, or celebrity should ever replace a father as a role model for a child, rather they should simply model the attributes of him.

In the fire service we have many mentors that become a father figure to their fellow firefighters. We have the privilege in our profession of instantly gaining a second family when we take our oath. Naturally, some will ascend to the vitally important role as the father figure in the fire service family. The same attributes that we seek from our fathers at home should be demonstrated by those in the fire service.

Cherish the role, grasp the enormity of the influence and impact it will have, and be humble in the rewards it will reap.

Happy Father's Day to all!