Fire and EMS both have traditions to uphold
This refers to “Rampart, This Is Squad 51” (Editor’s Opinion, December 2006). The Portland (ME) Fire Department is a traditional fire department in a small city in the Northeast. We deliver EMS service from first response to transport. Before 1997, it was delivered by a third-service municipal entity; the two departments merged under the fire department.
Unfortunately, the move has not been a smooth transition. Our fire chiefs have never bought into the idea of a fully integrated department; thus, neither have many members of the department. We still have some firefighters who say, “I didn’t sign up to be a nurse,” and some paramedics who say, “I didn’t sign up to be a firefighter.” Despite efforts to cross-train everyone, each feels the other’s role is less important. The members fail to realize that “traditional” firefighting is about helping people no matter what their reason for dialing 911 may be.
By the same token, EMS providers are shortchanging the public by providing only medical care. The reason firefighters are praised by the public is that we show up quickly and help folks out with whatever problem they may have. In fact, the majority of our contact with the public is based on nonfire-related situations. If EMS providers are just well-dressed observers at fire incidents and rescues, how can they expect the public to value their role? Having worked in the fire service and as an EMS provider, I know the difficulties of both disciplines. It’s true that being in a burning building can be scary, but so can caring for a seizure patient. If one does not have the courage to face these challenges with skill and professionalism, what does that say about one’s dedication to serving the public? I would not want to explain to someone that I couldn’t help them because I found their emergency to be unworthy of my role as a responder. Furthermore, I could never dishonor the traditions of either discipline by acting with cowardice in the face of an emergency.
Christopher Fleming
Lieutenant
Portland (ME) Fire Department
What now?
Paul Stein’s “Everyone’s a Teacher” (August 2006) triggered something in me. He told of a young man who studied for seven years to try to get on a fire department full time. He never became discouraged when he did not make the cut and never quit on his dream and goal. More importantly, he had made a solid commitment to himself and the fire service that he would not relinquish.
There are hundreds of articles on how to transition from the firefighter to company officer position, but I have yet to find one on what to do when you don’t make the cut. This advice is for anyone who has a desire to be promoted and ends up on the list in a position from dead last to one spot out from promotion.
If you have taken a promotional exam, you most likely have been in the fire service long enough to see that the experience can totally change a firefighter. We all know of firefighters who take the test without studying and have no intention of promotion. They take the test just to take it or to keep their spouse happy. This letter is not directed at you. It is for those who really want to be promoted but come up just a little short in the process. Their reasons for promotion could be to provide leadership where leadership is lacking, effect positive change in the department, be part of the solution instead of the problem, or help the department grow from within the ranks. The following suggestions will hopefully guide you toward your goal of someday becoming a company officer.
The easiest thing to do is to blame the promotional process or the administration (the administration/world is out to get you). I have seen someone go from being one of the best firefighters in the department, in love with his job and the department, to an employee who is there only for a paycheck and doesn’t care about anything or anyone. This person will bring down an entire shift with negativity and constant complaining. It is easy to become bitter. It is even easier to blame someone or something else for your final position on the promotional list. Don’t be this firefighter. Rise above the situation and learn from what has happened.
Another easy route is to feel you “are owed the promotion” because you have “x” number years of service-whether you have 15 years of service or are one of the “2/20 firefighters”-young people with two years who believe they have 20 years of experience. Even though these firefighters may believe that they are ready for promotion, the reality is that they are not even close to being ready. Simply being in the department for a long time does not qualify you for promotion. We should always respect our senior members and learn from their knowledge and experience; however, years of service without updated training, continuing education, and exceptional performance do not guarantee a promotion.
Most importantly, enjoy your job and the current spot you hold. Look back at the reasons you joined the fire service and the passion you had for the job. Work hard every day to become the very best frontline firefighter/EMT/medic/person you can be. It doesn’t matter if you are a chauffeur/engineer or a back-step firefighter; become the “go-to guy” for your company, shift, and department. Become a mentor to a new firefighter. Be that firefighter others look to for advice and secretly want to become. Stay positive. A positive attitude and deep passion for your job will create the reputation and work ethic any administration would want at the company-officer level. Attend hands-on-training and seminars, and engage in other activities that can make you better at your current rank.
Go to company officer school. Attend any company officer-level classes you can. Go to conferences; hear other firefighters’ stories and tips that may have helped them to the next level. If you truly want to be promoted, spend the time to get a college degree in management, public administration, fire science, or some other related field.
Study your current officers and their management style. Many times, the decisions made on the fireground are the easy ones. It’s the decisions made in the firehouse that can get sticky. We have all had officers we want to emulate and others we don’t. Learn from both styles. Note the things you would like to include in your style and those you want to avoid. This will allow you to begin formulating your own management style for your future role as a company officer.
While in the firehouse, use your ears, close your mouth, and pay attention. Watch what is going on around you and with others. Listen to what they are saying, and watch what they are doing. You will be surprised at how much you can learn at the kitchen table by just sitting back with your coffee and listening to the many conversations. You will soon be able to identify the different personalities and recognize when trouble is brewing. Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is to listen without giving your “two cents.”
Get back in the books. Many reading lists do not change from one test to the next. Staying in the books will keep your mind current and test ready. Regardless of where you end up on the list, the studying will continue to hone your skills and improve your knowledge. This way you will not have to cram for the next promotional test; you will only have to review.
Take advantage of riding out of class, and embrace any opportunities that may come your way. Practice safety in everything you do. This will get you ready for the company officer’s responsibility of making sure everyone goes home from your crew after each shift.
Whether you took the test for the first time or the 10th, hopefully the above suggestions will help you get promoted on the next test. Stay positive, do the right thing, and remember that you are a very valuable part of the greatest profession in the world-the fire service-regardless of how you do on the test.
Kevin McFarland
Firefighter/Paramedic
Violet Township Fire Department
Pickerington, Ohio
