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The way it's always been
I'm a member of a small, rural, West Texas volunteer fire department. We serve a County of about 10k people and around 1000 square miles. We do this with 45 members from 1 station. The majority of the County is ranch land and oil field. I will toot our own horn and say we are some of the best for grassland and oil field fires. We get called to aid nearby counties often, and up until about 10 years ago had a training facility that even paid departments used to learn to fight oilfield fires. The issue I sometimes have is that most of the members are born and raised right here in town, and only know how things are done right here. They don't often travel and haven't seen many other places. I, however, grow up in Los Angeles and have lived all over the country courtesy of the USN. While we do a number of things amazingly well, we don't do everything the best possibly way and there is huge resistance to change because "it's the way it has always been." With my background in nuclear power and the Navy, I despise this response because it's how bad situations get worse over time. From the top down, this is often the mentality of our department. We do things the way they have always done them here. I feel part of the issue is that our officers, while excellent fire fighters, don't really have much officer training. We send people every year to TEEX at Texas A&M, but no officer ever wants to go through officer training because "it isn't fun, it's all classroom." How can I, as a basic fire fighter with 3 years experience, help sow the seeds of change so that we can develop and advance as a department?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Michael S Carlson on
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Brian,
First off; I like the way that when you asked the question you wroteweinstead of I. This comes off as an GREAT indication of a well disciplined department with good teamwork. Afterall; isn't firefighting teamwork? I don't know if you planned to say that of it was just natural; but great job!
Now; enough with the English and Pyschology remarks. LOL Secondly; I, too, am currently working with a volunteer department in West Texas and I run into the same issues. Although; I think mine are worse because they cannot grasp the concept of training and have to be certified as a firefighter where I am. Why? Because "it's the way it has always been". "Back in the day", way before my time with them, they literally would stop at the local convenient store on the way to the station and pick up a six pack to take with them. PPE consisted of the standard "West Texas PPE" (dirty overalls, straw cowboy hat, and cowboy boots)[ Some of the departments around here still use that PPE. I saw it last year during the massive wildfire that torn through our county].
The best way that I have found to deal with your issues is:
1. Keep a positive attitude. Times may get rough (believe me, I know), but if you keep a positive attitude eventually you will breakthough to others and then it will spread. It is really awesome when you realize that it is working too.
2. Make the officers "step up", take charge, and learn. I work in my departments' training division (myself and one other firefighter) and I will let the "officers" (many in name only). When a firefighter talks to me about wanting to do something; I refer them to an officer (even if I know the right answer). That way (right or wrong) it forces that officer to make a decision, stick to it, and learn. Even if you know the answer, try sending a fellow firefighter to an officer for the answer.
3. Advance your knowledge, education, and training and get promoted (if that is how your department works in regards to promotions). There is only so much you can do to effect people as a firefighter. Once your an officer, you can make a bigger impact........both positive and negative.
4. I tell all my young firefighters (even my probationary firefighters), on my "day" job, to look around and start learning leadership. It is all around. Pick out good and bad qualities from the chiefs, company officers, and senior firefighters. Say to yourself: "I like those qualities that LT Dan has. I am going to remember those and when I become an officer, I want to use the same qualities." Or; "LT Dan is tore up from the floor up. He couldn't find his way out of the station with the doors open. No way would I EVER fight a fire with him" You can learn from bad company officers also. Take those examples and tell yourself "I don't want to be like him."
5. Keep in mind the BIG picture. Working as a TEAM! This, I have no doubt you are already doing.
I hope this helps a little. There is so much I have aquired over time; it's just hard to "keep it simple". Please message me if you would like more personal tips. I'll be glad to help you.
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Permalink Reply by Brian Veach on
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Thanks for the tips. I'll definitely keep all this information in mind. I'm trying to start taking a more active and visible role in the department and hoping this helps get my ideas more in the open. I know I don't always have the best ideas, but the more ideas that are shared, the more likely we as a department are going to make the right choice. I just have to be patient and keep working hard. Thanks again.
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Permalink Reply by Lars Ågerstrand on
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Ask why, a lot:-)
Why is the key to change, when you ask why the responder needs to explain the reason for doing like he does. But that may be harder then it sounds...
/ Lars
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Permalink Reply by Oldman on
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The fire service historically is the last entity to affect and accept change. This was especially true where you are. At one time, your department wouldn't have considered you for membership because you would have been considered an "outsider". You weren't one of "the good ole boys". I lived in that area most of my life until I left for the military, and most of the small towns at that time were very clannish. It took several years for this to change. But change eventually occurs, and if you look at the history of departments in that area, most like yours have come a long way.
My current department has undergone changes which have taken 20 years to occur. It has taken a lot of work, a lot of gentle nudging, and a lot of head butting. We couldn't just re-invent the wheel. It sometimes was as slow as changing the mind of one member at a time.
You have one possible solution in your post. Why don't you take some of these classes offered by TEEX and A & M? Suggest what you learn with your department, even if it is only one member at a time. Gentle nudging, rather than foot stomping can usually win people easier. Over time, things will change. But it will take time.
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