Information Overload

We are thankful to have been a small part of it, the Fire Engineering Books & Videos and FDIC event staff were second to none. We are grateful to have been able to pass along what we have learned, from those mentors who inspired us so deeply. We met with and talked with hundreds of you, and it was our pleasure...

Here is the key, found early in our book, honestly found in the introduction on Page XI: 

"The question here is what do we do with the information?"

Approach every topic and presentation you heard and hear in the future with an open mind. While you in class... really listen.. When you get home, look at your notes, re-learn, read more about it and DECIPHER all the information you garnered. See how the information you discovered can be applied to you and to your fire department. Just because "XYZ FIRE DEPARTMENT" or the presenter with the "IFIGHTWHATUFEAR" group "does or doesn't do it", isn't enough.

If you change tactics, policy and procedure do it because it is making your operations and company more efficient and effective. This in turn will provide the best possible outcome to your citizens, for they are first. 

To adapt change 'just because'... is almost as poor as the company that relies on to ol' adage "we have always done it that way"

Always remain a student of this profession, question change... but don't discount it arbitrarily. See what is out there and make the best of what you find, learn and hear about.

As Chief Bobby Halton said in his inspiring opening speech, HONOR, DUTY, COUNTRY. HONOR those who came before you, provide DUTY and service to your community in the best way possible, and never forget we are all a part of a larger thing COUNTRY... #FDIC2015 brought us together as an INTERNATIONAL event... 

Take what works for you, no need to always re-invent the wheel. Swipe ideas that work, but only do so if they increase your efficiency and effectiveness in suppling fire suppression to those citizens in your first due!