Those lessons that are learned in recruit school ingrain action in your mind that teach the brain the right and safe way to perform a specific task. The specific process to accomplish a task also require you to be able critical think through the process and make a judgement based upon the facts at hand. […]
You must possess discipline, self-respect, pride in the department, pride in yourself, a sense of duty and obligation and the physical ability to perform. The mission of the training division is to develop firefighters who achieve results on the fire ground by making the right decisions and completing skills and maneuvers proficiently and consistently. Learning […]
The price of teamwork Sacrifice Time commitment Personal development Unselfishness Are you a “we” or “me” kind of person? We persons make great team players and leaders. WE thinkers are the opposite of ME thinkers. You can usually tell the difference within the first 10 minutes of meeting them in how they describe activities. […]
No matter how hard leaders try, communicate, persevere and motivate there will be persons who don’t fit and therefore: Not everyone will take the journey. Not everyone should take the journey. Not everyone can take the journey. There are weak links on every team. The impact of a weak link. The stronger members identify the […]
Been here done that, not a problem, I know my job. Lackadaisical attitude about the problem creates a dangerous mindset. Making decisions with inadequate information and preparation about the building, size of the fire resources, water supply, the size and location of the fire and many other factors contribute to a lackadaisical attitude. Preparation, planning, […]
Just as important as establishing a realistic set of goals is envisioning success. If a person cannot envision being a winner, he never will. As a whole, most people find it less stressful to “not lose” than to win. To most people, losing is easier than winning. Winning is a complex process that involves preparation, […]
John M. Buckman III has served as fire chief with the German Township (Indiana) Volunteer Fire Department for 34 years. He served as president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and is the co-founder of the Volunteer and Combination Officers Section of the IAFC. He has also attended the National Fire Academy.