We all know fire fighters who talk a lot of talk, but fall short on the walk. They throw around the latest fire service buzz words and training topics, but are opportunistic in their implementation. This month's FE cartoon tackles this topic and poses the question "Are You All Bark?".
In my view, if you are going to preach wearing your apparatus seat-belt, then you should be the first to buckle-up. If you're going to squawk at others for their lack of training, then you'd better be the first in the door during drills. As the cartoon illustrates, these "yappers" are like the noisy backyard dog that barks at everything it sees, but is quick to hide when held accountable for the barking. What are your thoughts?
On a personal note: This cartoon represents my first editorial with Fire Engineering Magazine. After working four years with Firehouse Magazine, I've decided to take on a new challenge with FE and am excited about where we can take my commentary. I look forward to posting my cartoons within this forum to elicit feedback and stimulate "healthy" debate and conversation. After all, we ALL learn when we take time to listen.
The fire service has become more about fads than about seriously developing our trade. Just look at the various You Tube postings pertaining to the fire service. There are many, many more comments on the type of siren on the rigs than there are on safety, tactics, strategy, fire behavior, etc, etc. We must all realize that just because we show up for our duty tour, we are not gaining experience. Experience comes from exposure and learning. To be successful in the fire service takes commitment. Commitment to training, to safety, to developing the next generation. For every poor decision, chances are there is a driver, company officer, battalion commander, assistant chief and fire chief who have allowed it to happen. Just imagine if everyone took responsibility for their own actions and those in leadership positions actually demonstrated leadership……..
Scott Thompson
Paul right on!
The fire service has become more about fads than about seriously developing our trade. Just look at the various You Tube postings pertaining to the fire service. There are many, many more comments on the type of siren on the rigs than there are on safety, tactics, strategy, fire behavior, etc, etc. We must all realize that just because we show up for our duty tour, we are not gaining experience. Experience comes from exposure and learning. To be successful in the fire service takes commitment. Commitment to training, to safety, to developing the next generation. For every poor decision, chances are there is a driver, company officer, battalion commander, assistant chief and fire chief who have allowed it to happen. Just imagine if everyone took responsibility for their own actions and those in leadership positions actually demonstrated leadership……..
Jan 24, 2012