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When the firefighter/paramedic dons the white shirt and bugle, many things change. You are now a leader, a teacher, a counselor, a safety officer, and role model.
As a company officer, you must make it your personal goal to be the leader of that company under your command, whether it be as a permanent assignment with the same crew or in a department where you work with different crews every shift. Leadership, mentoring, and training cannot be accomplished from the sidelines, so suit up and get in the game. It is never too late to change for the better.
Contrary to what many may think, firefighters have little or no respect for a wishy-washy officer who is afraid to enforce the rules and orders of their superior officers for fear of not being liked or accepted. They feel that an officer who is shirking his or her leadership or teaching duties will not have the intestinal fortitude to be their supervisor on the emergency scene where their lives are at risk.
Every firefighter, especially one who aspires to become an officer, is constantly watching his or her lieutenant, captain, and chief officer for traits which can be copied and stored away until needed. Then on that day of promotion, the firefighter made lieutenant will bring out what he or she has learned by the observations of his or her former officers and attempt to incorporate the best examples and skills into his or her own method of operation.
In one officer, he or she may admire integrity and honesty, even in the face of ridicule. In another officer, his or her energetic drive and unrelenting enthusiasm for the fire service are most outstanding. In another, it may be simple bravery, which in our business is sometimes unseen, obstructed by smoke or bad press. From another officer, it may be self-discipline, as well as discipline imposed upon those who need it! Some other traits, which are often overlooked, are those of common sense, common courtesy, and consideration for others, which in today’s world do not seem so common anymore.
No firefighter who becomes a good officer can take all of the credit for his or her success. Most of the credit goes to former officers who strove to give good examples to the men and women under them. It now becomes the duty of today’s officer to continue to become more professional, to learn, teach, train, and keep your people safe. Remember, though, your reputation precedes you. If you are not dedicated to the true meaning of our existence, the “troops” will know.
Respect is earned. It does not come with the promotion. Make yourself better each day, and never coast along, because it will only hurt those who want to do a good job.
As company officers, remember your priorities in this order:
Concern and care for the firefighter/paramedics.
Concern and care for the apparatus and equipment.
Concern and care for the fire station.
When those are in order, your responsibilities and role as an officer will run smoother.
In memory of those in the fire service who were taken from their families and co-workers while in the performance of their duty, we should make it our priority to contribute to the betterment of the fire service.
Your contribution (large or small) to education, training, and safety will improve our profession greatly. This improved performance will ultimately save more lives and property while reducing our risks for many years to come.
You get authority from rank; you get respect from your actions.
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