Stand Up For What You Believe

Chief (Ret.) Steve Abraira of the Dallas (TX) Fire Rescue Department presented the April 27 keynote. Abraira experienced first hand what can happen when standing up for what you believe in is contrary with what your boss believes. Abreira was forced to retire as chief when he refused to reduce his personnel to satisfy budget cutting requirements.

Abraira outlined his T.A.C.T.I.C.S. of effective service leadership and character development.

Leaders must be:

Technically competent
Always doing the right thing
Commited to the troops
Trustworthy
Inspiring
Communicating
Standing up for the troops

Abraira reiterated what Chief Hayden of the FDNY stated the day before – no one else is going to fight for the firefighters. It’s up to the chiefs and leaders of the department to fight for the firefighters.

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