Where firefighters come to talk training

IN THE DOGHOUSE

Practical jokes and “ball-busting” have been a part of the firehouse culture for as long as there have been firefighters. It can be fun, it can bring a sense of inclusion and acceptance, it can be a stress-reliever – it’s a healthy part of the firehouse social climate.

Hazing as I define it is subjecting someone to abusive and/or humiliating tricks, ridicule, and harassment. This isn’t about water balloons by the flagpole, hot sauce in your soda, or being relentlessly hounded by a fire ground fowl-up. This is about personal, sexual, and racial torment; it’s about taking a perceived joke too far and turning it into something very ugly. Unfortunately, the line between good fun and crossing the line is not well defined – but I think most of know when something is going too far.

It’s pretty simple: If it feels wrong or looks wrong, most likely it IS wrong! Be accountable, be the leader, take the high road and put an end to it! Remember, not everyone shares your sense of humor.

To see more of my work visit: www.artstudioseven.com

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Comment by Paul Combs on January 13, 2011 at 1:33pm: Laughter is bonding; laughter is therapy - it's what keeps us from taking "bad days" home to our families.

Thanks for all your comments (and book plug - Brad:)

Comment by Mike France on January 13, 2011 at 1:13pm: Actually this is me at home , always in the DOGHOUSE

Comment by Mike France on January 13, 2011 at 12:34pm: Good one , As always

Comment by Paul Combs on January 12, 2011 at 7:05pm: Thanks, P.J!

Comment by John K. Murphy on January 12, 2011 at 2:10pm: Amen

Comment by Paul Combs on January 12, 2011 at 1:48pm: Chief Murphy: I believe there's real value to the kidding, joking, and prodding of a new recruit or probationary firefighter (or, even the ol' vets) - it lets us know what type of character this person has and what he/she may or may not do under pressure. It's a right of passage in the firehouse to be able to "take a joke" and this is also a period of bonding between veterans and rookies. But like all things, it can be taken too far!

I sincerely hope this type of camaraderie never gets litigated out of the firehouse - but it's only a quick Google search of the phrase "firehouse hazing" to see that the issue has made some very unsavory headlines. Again, we need to know when to say "stop". Thanks for your comments, Chief!

Comment by John K. Murphy on January 12, 2011 at 1:32pm: Great Illustration.

You are right on when a firefighter says to STOP you need to STOP and do not covertly continue the hazing behavior. More litigation has been created when firefighters do not STOP this behavior and the entire department suffers. Hazing especially during probation time can be construed as harassment and we need to have a paradigm change in our behavior during these periods. Like my mom once said, "it's all fun until someone gets hurt".

Comment by Art "Chief Reason" Goodrich on January 12, 2011 at 12:10pm: Ball busting has been time honored on our department.

Hell; I'm president of the board and I STILL get them busted.

That's because for more than 30 years, I have proven that I can take it.

But I have also become quite skillful at giving it.

Practical jokes are a no-no. They get too far too quickly.

Ball busting is more like "group therapy".

Great work once again Paul.

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