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Officers at Volunteer Fire Companies
Last night we had our election nominations meeting for 2011. It's a challenge. We are running out of people to fill these positions.Is this true across the board? Are other companies finding the same thing?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Tom Williams on
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It is a challenge Rich. We have another year before elections on our department and it should be interesting. A majority of our department has less than 5 years on the department. I do believe we have seceral good people that would do well as an officer as they have exceled during their tenure so far. Good luck yo your board of officers and stay safe.
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Permalink Reply by Rich Mistkowski on
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Thanks Tom. Times have changed. It's just another thing that Volunteer organizations have to deal with. It's tough to find good people, keep them around, and get them to participate. I appreciate your comments. Good luck to you and stay safe as well!
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Permalink Reply by Bill Carlisle on
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We also have the same problem in our dept. we have chief officers as board members, etc.(other words we officers wear a couple hats) ,but on the plus side if there is a decision to be made board wise most of us are there already lol , and after reading the by-laws our dept dropped the lieutenant and captain position many years back , so if a member wants to become a officer he dives head first into the ass't chief postion, is this good ? I don't believe so myself , (all opinions are mine and donot reflect any on my dept ) all stay safe .
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Permalink Reply by Scott Bishop on
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We have had to deal with that same issue before ourselves. We have the numbers but a volunteer officer has to be committed to the position. He (or she) also has to have the free time that is needed to fulfill those duties of an officer. These days i for one struggle to find any "free time". Between working 2 or 3 jobs and managing a family household...it's tough.
On top of that any officer should be well- trained AND experienced. How can one lead others if they aren't confident in their skills and leadership?
Don't feel your situation is unique. Put your best hands forward and go !
Best of luck
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We definately make due that's for sure. The fire service is resillient and has survived for years. Times seem different now, but I'm sure that there were times in the past when our fire fighters before us questioned what the future might hold. Thanks for all your input.
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Permalink Reply by Mark Oomkes on
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Along these lines, what are your thoughts on filling those positions with say, experienced firefighters but they haven't attended all the requisite officer's classes?
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Permalink Reply by Johnathan Turner on
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Yes it is a challenge. Most of the older members are getting out of the fire service and without the older members who can teach the younger members who will be officers in the future.
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Permalink Reply by Stephanie Shirk on
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We have plenty of eligable people...
I just cant believe how dramatic these guys get over it. The great divide has took place now that is election time and these grown men are worse then my 6 year old cheerleading squad!!!
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Permalink Reply by James R. Briggs on
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We dropped from 5 captains down to only having 3 now. If one of them move away or step down, I'm not sure who would be able to fill it. Overall membership was 30 we are down to 19 and a few of them need to go. Its not uncommen for us to have more officers than FF's on a call, and sometimes only officers.
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Permalink Reply by masonfire30 on
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At least you get to vote. Our department the Assistant Chief and Captions are suppose to be nominated by the Chief. The lieutenants which is a new position a couple years ago is suppose to voted on by the members, which hasn't happened the Chief appointed them also after we said they would be voted on. To let one of his friends take the position who didn't even meet the requirements for the position. Sorry really ticks me off becuase I applied for the same position and met all the requirements. Oh and people have left the department because of it , had 20 members now down to 13.
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Permalink Reply by Bekks on
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Our chief is appointed by town council... he answers to them.
If he is not doing his job right (ie: not following policy for promotions) they will dump on him.
How is your Chief expecting to lead if the team won't respect him?
If your Chief has someone in mind for the job he should help them (and all other candidates) to get the required qualifications... if his buddy doesn't measure up, too bad. Apply next time.
If he wants an excuse for his friend to hang out at the "officer's club" then have his friend become the Health and Safety rep (different thing from the Safety Officer where I am) or the secretary for the minutes of the officer's meetings. That way they can contribute to the greater good of the dept., learn something about admin, and still hang out with his buddy the Chief.
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5 captains? For 30 people.
I'm assuming a chief and assistant\deputy, any lieutenants?
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