…. Since I know Bill Manning, I am wondering why he would write such drivel. I will assume (and hope) that he is attempting to stir the pot. But, he needs to “hear” what I am thinking based on my interpretation of the editorial.
The most recent verbiage/buzzwords being used in the fire service do represent what progressive service organizations are and have been providing to our customers. Whether he embraces those words is immaterial. The impact of those words and phrases helps us to understand things in a different, and hopefully, positive light. And those buzzwords` impact help our members understand there are different ways to approach and deliver our products. It excites and empowers them to enter the organization at a “new” level, becoming a part of the solution, and that means when something “new” is implemented, they get to enter at the particular ground floor and contribute. Hey! They achieve ownership! Just don`t tell them that secret of successful managers and leaders.
Many fire departments, paid and volunteer, are not adjusting their service level yet today; some haven`t even embraced EMS yet. So, to criticize some of our new tools in the manner Bill Manning did is simply not the right thing to do ….
There is enough cynicism, good ole boyism, lack of commitment, part-time jobs (!!!), rest on your laurels, high cost by comparison (read some annual surveys for cost comparisons), and poor service in the fire/EMS service today. We certainly don`t need Fire Engineering to add to that by allowing the underachievers to have someone like Bill Manning supporting them!
F. C. Windisch
Fire Chief
Ponderosa (TX) Volunteer Fire Department
