When an incident commander steps off the rig at a working fire, the first instinct may be to dive straight into command decisions—assign crews, set objectives, call for more resources. But the most critical move they make at the very beginning is deceptively simple: they walk. A 360-degree walk-around of the structure isn’t just a …
Author Archives: bcsbradley
The Invisible Work of Being a Good Company Officer
In the fire service, the role of a company officer carries immense responsibility—overseeing operations, ensuring safety, mentoring team members, and maintaining the delicate balance between leadership and camaraderie. Yet, much of the work it takes to be a good company officer often goes unseen. It’s not the dramatic fireground command or the public recognition that …
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The Generation Gap and the Fire Officer
Communication is the lifeblood of any effective fire department, yet bridging the generational gap remains one of the most pressing challenges facing today’s fire officers. With multiple generations—Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—sharing stations and responding side-by-side, understanding how to foster effective, inclusive, and productive communication has become essential. Understanding Generational Differences Each …
Benchmarks Aren’t Just for The Fireground Anymore
Every fire company officer understands that effective leadership involves more than just commanding during emergencies, it includes setting clear benchmarks that guide firefighters toward consistent excellence on station and at emergency scenes. While these benchmarks can be most effective with recruit or probationary firefighters, they also can keep regular firefighters from suffering from rust out. …
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Setting the Tone: Proactive Leadership in the Firehouse
Firehouses operate on trust, discipline, and teamwork. The culture within a station can either strengthen a crew or create unnecessary challenges. As leaders, whether formally or informally, we must be proactive in setting the tone for behavior rather than reacting to issues after they arise. Creating a strong, respectful, and professional environment from the start …
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The Importance of Keeping Company Records for Fire Officers
In the fire service, record-keeping is often seen as a tedious administrative task, but it is one of the most critical responsibilities of a fire company or station officer. Accurate and organized records not only ensure operational efficiency but also provide legal protection, improve training, and enhance overall department accountability. Here’s why every fire company …
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Engaging the Firefighter Who Has Been “Voluntold” to Attend Training
Mandatory training or certification courses can be a tough sell, especially for firefighters who feel they have no choice but to attend. Whether it’s safety training, professional development, or a required refresher course, engaging a reluctant firefighter requires a strategic and empathetic approach. Here are some ways to turn resistance into participation. The first step …
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A Leadership Style for Company Officers
Fire company officers must adopt situational leadership to effectively lead their teams in dynamic and often high-stress environments. Situational leadership requires leaders to assess the skills, experience, and confidence levels of their team members and adjust their leadership style to meet those needs. For instance, during an emergency, a more directive authoritative style is necessary …
Transitioning from Firefighter to Fire Company Officer: A Smooth Path to Leadership
Making the leap from firefighter to fire company officer is an exciting yet challenging step in a career dedicated to serving others. It marks a transition from being a peer among the crew to becoming a leader who inspires, motivates, and guides the team in high-stakes situations. Many new officers worry about being the scuttlebutt …
The Third Bugle 