Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Carmen L Arnold on January 24, 2008 at 1:49pm

Thanks!

Permalink Reply by Sheila Sellers on February 9, 2008 at 9:01pm

I can understand how you feel at times. I am a lieutenant in a large department (500+\-) volunteer and career. I am the only female company officer in the department. Between my volunteer and career time with this department I have been here almost 21 years. I never had any problems while I was a firefighter but since I became an officer, there is always someone doing their best to find something wrong with what I do. It can be extremely aggravating at times. There leadership classes that we can take and they are helpful. however, remember that you have what you need to do the job - leadership development and fire experience. Use the two together and use plenty of common sense and you will be fine.

Permalink Reply by Vicki on February 11, 2008 at 4:16pm

I totally agree with Shelia use ur leadership knowledge with ur Fire knowledge, there's always going to be someone that is going find fault in a decision u make, ur in a higher position, and they (male or female) think they can do it better! But u got the position, so that speaks alot! Have u went thru NIMS, or IC, That can teach alot ...I have always been in a leadership roll,so it's kinda easy for me to take charge, even when I shouldn't! LOL.....

Permalink Reply by Carmen L Arnold on February 11, 2008 at 5:03pm

Shiela and Vicki, thanks for your comments. I definitely agree that we have to have strong fire skills and knowledge to get credibility, and that probably helped me get to this role. I have taken ICS courses to the intermediate level, and that gives me a structural guideline. So far I'm finding some of my colleagues are very supportive and helpful, but we have a couple of officers that tend to breathe down your neck (and they do this with all new officers, not just females). I'm sure I'll get more comfortable over time, and I definitely appreciate the feedback and ideas from both of you -very affirming, for sure!

Permalink Reply by Regina Tribley on February 15, 2008 at 1:28pm

Congradulations on your promotion..Just remember that you earned it the same as any guy would have. Never let them get the best of you as there will always be some jackass guy that has to push your buttons just because. There should be fire classes you can take such as Incident Command, that is a good class. Be proud of your new position I come from a small vol. fire dept. and for a long time I was the only female for years. Now we have just a couple, but there is still a cloud of being female with some of the guys. No matter how hard they push me at times I have just learned to push back even harder.

Permalink Reply by Sheila Sellers on March 16, 2008 at 3:44pm

I have taken several NIMS classes and also ICS. It does help alot. I ahve also been taken business management courses. I have been told by several other officers when I got promoted that I needed to start as a B***H and then when the crew proved what they were worth, then back back off. I do not necessarily believe you should go this way. I believe that you should be good to your people and then, if they make you, be more of a b***h. What do you think?

Permalink Reply by amanda on March 29, 2008 at 10:20am

we do! we have all sorts of trainings for everyone. i work for the brighton area fire dept in michigan. we always have something going on here.congrats on your promotion. it gives me more hope for my future as an officer.

Permalink Reply by Carmen L Arnold on March 29, 2008 at 5:04pm

On the fireground, you have to be clear and directive but not intimidating. Some of the worst disasters we've had - like Storm King Mountain, which killed 13 - were the result of blind "followership" as well as poor leadership. So there's a balancing act. You want the folks you're commanding to be able to make critical decisions, especially around their own life safety. At the same time, you need to give clear directions that others will follow. As I've gotten used to this role, I've found that perhaps my most valuable leadership skill is that I don't freak out or yell at people under pressure. This seems to be getting me a lot of trust. This is a long answer :) but I guess I'm saying that the b-word is not the same as giving clear directions under command.

Permalink Reply by Anna S-C on March 29, 2008 at 8:09pm

Hi Carmen:

I am a lieutenant in a large urban department, with a very small percentage of women. I think that one of the most important things that you can do is simply to be a "boss" - regardless of gender. I actually find that I am aware of my gender less as an officer than I was as a firefighter. In some ways, I felt my rank was easier for me to adjust to (as opposed to some of my peers) because I didn't struggle with the "once an officer, you are no longer one of the guys" withdrawal that some have a hard time with. Of course, there are growing pains and there will be those who question your ability as they questioned anyone's ability as a probationary or rookie firefighter until that individual proved him or herself. Always look out for your men and women first in terms of keeping them safe and let them know that you have their best interests at heart (whether at the firehouse or a problem at home). Try not to micro-manage (if it ain't broke, don't fix it). Remain professional. If one of the firefighters whom you supervise has more time and experience on the backstep than you did prior to promotion, be open to his or her input. When you show them that your primary concern is their safety and wellbeing, and you keep dialog open, they should respond well. Just be patient. Right now they are trying to figure you out - just as you are trying to figure them out...

Permalink Reply by Scott on April 7, 2008 at 4:37pm

Can I offer some advice from a veteran male fire officer's perspective?

I serve with a large urban/suburban department who's female fire chief recently retired after something like thirty years of service. I've been a captain for over twelve years, and an officer for more than sixteen.
Pay attention to the advice from Anna S-C, she's right on target, and she'd be a captain or B/C pretty quickly if I were in charge. Don't think of yourself as a female trying to do a traditionally "man's" job. You are a fire officer who has earned your position and you musn't take that responsibility lightly. I have to say that I disagree with Regina Tribley's approach to leadership. If you go into a leadership role thinking that all your subordinates are "out to get you", and try to beat them back like so many lions, you'll get exactly what you expect (Nothing personal toward Regina, just a difference of opinion). Respect must be earned, regardless of gender, and if you treat your people with respect and show them that you ALWAYS look out for them first, they will reciprocate.
Fireground leadership for a new officer is always challenging, but know that you have the knowledge and experience to lead your troops into battle, ALWAYS with their safety as your foremost thought, and the occupants and structure after that. Experience will make you a great leader if you choose to be one, but you must learn DAILY to truly become one of the best. Understand the difference between being a "manager" and a "leader" and you'll do well.
Find a strong leader within your department and watch and learn from them...someone that you respect and that all the other firefighters would like to work for. Attend leadership classes outside your department from the greatest and most admired leaders in the fire service, and heed what they tell you. I've done some work with the International Association of Fire Service Women (Linda Willing's organization) and there are some fantastic female fire service leaders in that group. Get involved with them if you haven't already, and remember that MOST males in this business are receptive and willing to work with ANYONE regardless of race or gender.
Two of the greatest pieces of advice I ever got as a young officer...
"Always do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason", and "don't start a new assignment as a newly promoted officer by trying to change what you perceive as being wrong with your crew". If it's not immediately dangerous, it can wait 'til later to be changed.
Sorry, I'm getting long-winded...treat your subordinates with the same respect you'd expect, and they'll return the favor without condition. There's a time and a place to spout orders and throw your weight around, but learn when it's appropriate. And if anyone in your department can't deal with having you or another female as a superior, send them to see me!
Best of luck to you!!!

Permalink Reply by Nessa on May 13, 2008 at 2:25pm

first off congrats on the promotion... i am one of 4 LTs in my department ...and im an also small but it hasnt stopped me from pushing my way through the ranks ....my department doesnt have a leadership training program ...but LSU fire training institute has a officer 1 and officer 2 class ...it goes through all the things you need to know about being an officer and fire ground managment ....i am the smallest on the department but they all respect my position and the input i have to offer ....hope this has helped