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Nozzleman's Creed

Aside from residing in the pantheon of the greatest movies made, Full Metal Jacket introduced the world to the Rifleman’s Creed. The mantra recited each night by the soldiers in boot camp as they lie in bed with their last line of defense, their rifle. The intimate reciting of the creed ingrains the mutually important relationship between operator and tool in completing the mission. This singular tool serves as the separation between success in their job or death at the hands of their enemy.

We draw parallels every day between our occupation and military, whether it is the rank structure, camaraderie, or the daily risking of our lives. The similarities should not stop there, the rifle is their last line of defense, and the nozzle is ours. Therefore, we would be remiss in the not “stealing” this idea and making it part of our Engine Company culture…….god knows we steal plenty of one-liners from the movie!

So when you tuck your probies in bed this evening in the firehouse, have them snuggle up to their last line of defense and in unison recite the nozzleman’s creed. The stark white t-shirt and underwear are optional…..

This verbal commitment to the firefighting nozzle is only the beginning; it must begin with a thorough inspection on a routine basis. Feel free to use the checklist provided in an earlier post to help in creating your nozzle inspection process.

Nozzle Inspection Document

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Comment by Dan Shaw on August 18, 2011 at 4:51pm: Shaun,

I don't know if there is an original artist, this is a variation I put together for our Engine Company classes some years ago based off of the Rifleman's creed used by the US Military. Probably much like the rifleman's creed, the variation is dependent upon what you want your nozzlemen to know and live by.

Comment by Shaun Avery on August 18, 2011 at 9:12am: Shaw,

Was wondering if you know the original creator/artist of "The Nozzleman's Creed?" Would love to get a color version for framing. Thanks!

Comment by Chris Mack on June 16, 2011 at 10:19am: Every time I detail out to another company, I find at least one nozzle where either the bale is too hard to open, the pattern selecter is stuck, theres something in the screen or the low/high pressure selector switch doesn't work. (TFT Mid-Force). Forget the toilets, trash cans, and floor wax. Check your air pack and nozzles & make sure your hose is racked right and neat! Then clean up.

Comment by Mike France on June 14, 2011 at 12:25pm: Outstanding

Comment by Jason Hoevelmann on June 14, 2011 at 11:48am: Awesome! Thanks for sharing.

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