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We dont live in glass houses do we?
I am constantly amazed (actually not) at the number of individuals who come on here and post discussions criticizing, slamming members and leadership within their department or organization. Do they not realize they do not live in a vacuum here. Everything is open for all the world to see. Your picture, name, department and community are all represented by you and what you say represents them. Did you stop to think about that before you posted your criticism? Did you run that by your Chief or Officers to get their perspective and support? I think not. Therein lies the problem in most cases. If you WERE discussing this with your leadership we wouldn't see it posted here for all to see. Its been said those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. Well, if you really had a concern or question shouldn't you be taking it to the source? I am sure your Chief, Officers, other firefighters and your community would rather have these comments kept in house and dealt with there rather then brought out for all to see. Of course if you choose to do this you may reap the consequences of your lack of forethought by getting a phone call, requested visit to the Chiefs office or worse find yourself on the outside looking in. Finally, we all represent a department and others. That said, be part of the solution rather then the problem. Do yourself and your department a favor. Take the time to think about what you write here before your post it for all to see.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on
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Chief....I agree with you to a point.....Problems are best dealt with internally.....But then again...the last time I checked this was a free country (Depite what Bush thought) and therefore anyone has a right to express themselves and their thoughts without anyone carving them a new butthole...Personally I agree with you....but I have to defend those that choose this site to express their feelings/thoughts...it IS their right....Stay safe...Keep the Faith....Paul
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Permalink Reply by Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp on
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Paul, so true! Opinions are one thing. Criticisms are another.
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Permalink Reply by Kenneth Holley on
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Yes it's a free country. But just remember that ANYTHING you put in cyberspace stays there forever. Be carefull what you post, pictures or statements, because they can come back to harm you. Recently a firefighter was fired for posting pictures he should not have. I go by the rule of "Don't post anything you wouldn't want your mother to see."
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Permalink Reply by Alan on
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Chief, I couldn't agree more with you. If you have problems, then the individual needs to discuss it with their Chief, Officers at least before bringing it onto a site like this. Give the Chief, or Line Officers a chance to work the issue.
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Permalink Reply by Padre Pete on
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Great post Chief. It is possible for a single posting or more, even from unanticipated sources, to push your button in such a way as to inspire a hard and fast reaction without regard for obvious consequences. Possibly even without regard to your own higher standards. Thats called "out of control" and its wrong. I speak from profound personal experience that related, not to my dept. but to FFN. Advising the use of caution and maybe even taking of a few deep breaths before hitting the Add Reply key is very good advise for everyone. Thanks. God speed.
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Permalink Reply by Mick Shelley on
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Chief, I think this is a good reminder to all, remember to think before responding.
Once you hit the reply button, be sure of what you have written won't come back
and bite you in the ass. The other thing is, that we have to remember that we are
all here as brothers, and sisters of a family of firefighters, and we should at least
respect each other, as well as the organization you represent. As we all know,
we all have the right to freedom of speach, but on the other hand I was always
told, If you don't have something good to say, maybe it be best to say nothing at all.
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Permalink Reply by Art "ChiefReason" Goodrich on
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Those who come here to air their dirty laundry and who suffer the consequences from it will be right back here complaining about THAT.
They want affirmation. They want support for their position on a certain situation.
They want something that they can take back to their department and say "see; I told you so".
When they come here to air their dirty laundry, they don't care about their department anymore.
They only care about their perspective.
"Image" is whatever they want it to be.
Personally, I would rather see info on a particular problem that was identified and resolved-"here's what happened and here's how we fixed it".
Art
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Permalink Reply by Jay Nicholson on
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But some of us may live in glass firehouses. Couldn't resist. Apparatus bay is glass walled
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Permalink Reply by Cody W. Nelson on
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All I can say to the criticizers is: BE CAREFULL!!
A friend of mine was turned down for a promotion when some of his "postings" made their way back to the Chief. A lot of departments have a clause in their policy/procedures or by-laws that states the member will not defame or belittle any member or the department itself with any actions or comments.
Good Post!!
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Chief, as always thanks for your comments. We can only continue to stand for higher regard and respect.
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Jay, thanks for adding humor to my seriousness. I have to remind myself that being serious all the time is what caused me to come to conclusion one day that I no longer liked the guy I saw looking back at me in the mirror.
Not to take away from this subject but thanks for your addition. :)
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Chief, perhaps I should have commented on your post before lightening up the thread. It is an important thought that we all, particularly rookies, should look at. It was something I didn't realize until I was in that 'middle management' position. Sometimes things are done the way there are not because they have always been done that way but because it is still the best way of doing it.
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