Category Archives: Uncategorized

Bridging the Gap: Communicating Across Multiple Generations in the Firehouse

In today’s diverse fire stations and departments, communication spans multiple generations, each with its own unique values, preferences, and communication styles. Whether you’re a station officer seeking to foster collaboration among team members of different age groups or a chief officer navigating multiple station relationships, understanding how to effectively communicate across generations is essential for …

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Preparing for Personnel Issues is the Fire Sprinkler of Command

Preparing for personnel problems is crucial for maintaining a healthy fire house work environment and ensuring smooth operations within a department. Firstly, establishing that firefighters have a clear and comprehensive understanding of human resources policies, SOP’s and procedures is essential. These policies should cover areas such as employee conduct, disciplinary measures, grievance procedures, and conflict …

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Discipline Does Not Send A Message, But Consistent Discipline Does

Consistent discipline is essential for maintaining a productive and harmonious fire house. When it comes to employees, consistency in discipline ensures that all team members are held to the same standards and expectations, fostering a sense of fairness and equity. This consistency helps to establish clear boundaries and guidelines for behavior, making it easier for …

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The Little Everyday Trainings, Don’t Miss Them

A few days ago, I was able to participate as a safety officer in a controlled burn for a property owner. The owner gave a donation to the local fire department to perform the burn and the department used it as a training session for their current recruit class and invited six other fire departments …

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There are Two Sides to Every Story, and Sometimes They are Complicated.

Fire officers are often called to investigate incidents within their departments. In doing so, those officers must remain neutral. The age-old adage, “There are always two sides to a story,” reminds us of the importance of perspective and empathy in our understanding of events and situations. Every narrative, every conflict, and every experience in life …

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Leading from Across the Street, or the Country…… Reaching People

Recently, a peer suggested to his chief officers that the only way to perform as the incident commander at a fire, was from the front of the building.  I am assuming here that he meant the alpha side of the structure.  The addendum to his instructions were that the incident commander should not be in …

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Govenor Cuts Fire Department Funding, Some By 50%

Today, Massachusetts Govenor Maura Healy cut funding for the fire departments in 32 cities in her state, some by 50%. What is going on with government finances? Government funding lies at the heart of a nation’s ability to function effectively. It fuels essential services, infrastructure development, and public welfare programs. However, managing government funding is …

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Starting a New Year at the Fire House

As we embark on this fresh journey, I want to take a moment to reflect on the past year and look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead. The beginning of a new year is a time for renewal, a chance to set new goals, and an opportunity to embrace change and reflect on the …

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Tips on Being a Stable Boss of Firefighters

Leadership is a skill that transcends industries and professions. We can find valuable leadership lessons in unexpected places, such as the world of horsemanship. Being the stable boss in the equestrian world means more than just managing horses; it involves establishing trust, clear communication, and creating a harmonious environment. In this article, we’ll explore some …

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Muscle Memory and the Dinosaurs

Muscle memory is a term often used to describe the phenomenon of our muscles and motor skills “remembering” how to perform certain tasks, even after periods of inactivity. This concept has profound implications for both firefighters and individuals learning new skills. While muscle memory can greatly aid in skill acquisition and performance improvement, it can …

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