Developing Professional Firefighters (Part 1 of a series)

“The ideas in this series weren’t developed in a classroom. They were shaped over more than three decades as a firefighter, truck captain, academy instructor, football coach, and student of leadership and the craft.

Developing Firefighters, Clarity Creates Competence (Part 2 of a series)

The Five Prioritized Responsibilities That Changed My Career “Clarity doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from understanding your role and responsibilities and establishing a system, with proven priorities to fulfill them.” In Part One, I asked what it really means to be a professional firefighter. My answer was simple: professionalism is not a label we […]

Developing Firefighters, Clarity Creates Competence (Part 3 of a series)

Developing People Before They Wear Bugles “The day someone starts watching you is the day you become a leader.” In Part Two, I introduced the 5 Expected Responsibilities that became the foundation for my career. Over the years they gave me clarity when I faced competing priorities, difficult decisions, or the responsibility of developing others. […]

Command Driven and SOP Driven Fire Operations

Operational Rhythm: How Command and SOPs Shape the Modern Fireground I remember back to the early 1990’s and being a newly promoted lieutenant on a 3-person engine company.  Like all young officers, I wanted to do a good job. As the reality of my new position sunk in, the responsibility to my firefighters and the […]

One Team: Building Trust Before the Call

When an active shooter, natural disaster, or other large-scale emergency strikes a community, the public does not see separate police, fire, and emergency medical services. They see first responders. They expect us to work together, solve the problem, and save lives.

Reflections from a Retired Firefighter

I hear other retirees say YOU HAD A GOOD RUN, YOU LEFT THE DEPARTMENT BETTER THEN WHEN YOU CAME ON, MOVE ON AND ENJOY THE NEXT CHAPTER IN YOUR LIFE. All sensible advice.