The Power of the Fire Service

A few weeks ago, I had the humbling experience to be part of a new theory developed by a local volunteer fire company. Colonial Park Volunteer Fire Company, PA., is an all volunteer organization being led by disciplined, energetic, and talented young firemen who want to make a difference for tomorrow. This inspirational group of Company Officers and Firemen decided to develop a mini FDIC in their own backyard; offering and delivering some of the best classes and instruction over a 3 day period for the Central Pennsylvania Region.

Firefighters from all over the country gathered on a Friday night for fellowship and brotherhood, listening to Chief Bobby Halton open with a powerful keynote speech; one that he has never given before. The room was so quite as Chief Halton spoke about leadership in the military and fire service, what it means to put our lives on the line for others, and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice serving others. Service before self! 

But how do we get to where are are in our careers? It's thousands of hours of commitment and training, and that is what the Colonial Park Volunteer Fire Company envisioned; commitment to our brothers/sisters, and what training is all about.

As I sat in attendance (just like many of you do) pulling together a few minor changes to our presentation, I couldn't help but feel so happy to see a local volunteer department tap into their local resources. Acknowledging the talent in their surrounding area was a huge leap of faith, as many fire departments and leaders fail to utilize those local rogues who are just as talented as the ones making the big bucks in our own backyard.

The power of the fire service is that our resources are so unlimited that all it takes is a little initiative and a great group of people to pull off an event for the history books. If the fire service contributes an all out effort to make a positive impact on our people, tomorrow's outcome will be far greater than we have witnessed in the past. The vision of the CPVFC was just that, and they pulled off the event that so many doubters said would be a failure.

The weekend was filled with many discussions on various topics from the classroom...to the hand line...to the forcible entry simulators; ending with a powerful message once again on leadership and teamwork from Chief Viscuso and Chief McGlynn. A special thank you to Captain Kelly Lemmons and his team of dedicated members for including Chief Horst and I as instructors. It truly is amazing at what the fire service has to offer! I encourage each of you to keep your eyes open for next years event.

Photos courtesy of Rickey D Weese

~ Jeremy Rebok & Michael Horst ~

Trident Training Specialists L.L.C

Team Gold Front