Here is an opportunity for the fire service to learn from industry. For a long time we have considered Microsoft to be the standard for computer software. But there is a well known competitor called Open Source development. Now there are a number of factors that define Open Source software but here is an example of how it plays out. Person A sees a need for an operating system. This person develop the core of what he is looking for and posts it out to the internet for others to use. Another person develops another piece to the operating system and does the same. Others join in on the project, adding components each feels is important, and all is loaded to the internet for all to use. Eventually what develops is a robust operating system that is comprehensive and available for all to download and use. In the computer world, one key element is that the programming code is made available for people to continue to build upon and to expand the comprehensiveness of the operating system. Now a company sees this project going on and commits to supporting it. The company will provide the hosting and support for the project and will even clean it up and create a final product for those who like the idea but do not like to download software in process. They do so for a nominal fee. Now imagine this software being available to anyone wishing to use it for free, to adapt to their own needs, or to simply utilize the components needed. One may initially think, “This development process may take forever!” In actuality, some of these projects provide updates and new editions every six months.

The idea of free and open software sounds like a pipe dream. Many of us are paying (sometimes large amounts) for something we feel or are told is necessary. However, there is an entire industry of programs, operating systems, and applications in the Open Source market. Now take the application of the Open Source software and apply it to fire service training. Imagine the ability to develop departmental training materials that can be shared across departments, that can update with standards changes, and can be developed collectively across regions. This may sound unbelievable but is very realistic. The fire service has only tapped the tip of what the internet has to offer and there is so much still available to utilize. The web now provides an interactive environment. What once was simply flipping pages has now been replaced by social networks, wikis, and even online office software. Companies like Wikipedia, Google, and MySpace have capitalized on this. The new internet (Web 2.0) provide an avenue to interact, exchange information, and network. Beyond the scope of social networking and sharing the local gossip, we have not fully utilized such environments to benefit the fire service. Consider the National Fire Academy. Why does one take a class there? There are the great instructors and in depth courses, but there is a networking component. The NFA intentionally organizes resident courses to mix departments from all over the country and different types. This creates an incredible avenue for discussion. In addition, the evenings at the Command Post and Ott House provides additional opportunities to network and share what goes on in the departments. These are opportunities that cannot be reproduced locally. The same environment can be reproduced on the web and even on a larger scale. Consider the ability to reproduce the benefits of the NFA on an international level. The same sharing of information and networking can occur with departments in the United States, Germany, China, or Australia. Such an environment would create a dynamic fire service, that can evolve with changes, and draws the benefits of all countries. But how would something like this work? It does not require a departmental computer geek or expert, just a commitment to sharing the resources you have.

Much of the web technology available allows for the sharing of information. Web based office software, the growth of wikis, and the ever expanding social networks have opened the door for sharing information. But what is available specifically to the fire service? I will talk specifically about two projects I have been involved with.

The first is the FireWiki (www.thefirewiki.org). This is a site much like Wikipedia or Citizendium. Much like these two sites, the FireWiki is the evolution of an online encyclopedia for the fire service. This project began as a local initiative to build an online encyclopedia resource of fire service terms. However, today content is added from ten different countries and is utilized by 44 countries. The way it has grown is through the ability to update information as it changes. An example, would be that someone has a term or item they want to add. Another person may view the article and provide additional content. Yet another person may make edits to the article, add pictures, or add additional content. As the information changes, the particular article may be adapted to meet the new criteria. However, we are not limited to just terms. Departments may add their own information, incidents can be tracked via the site, and content debated via the same site. Adding the international component provides a resource that is global and provides a more comprehensive resource.

The Open Fire Academy (www.openfireacademy.org) provides a more training specific site. It is designed to provide training resources to fire departments and emergency response teams. In addition, it provides a way for fire departments to network with each other to share resources and information. Because the site is web-based information sharing becomes easier. The concept behind this site is to begin to open doors of opportunity and discussion.

As I visit departments around our country, I find so many departments struggle on the issue of training. Yet training should be one of our highest priorities. Too often costs are the reason. By doing so, we have tied a price tag to the safety of our personnel. We do not say that, but that is exactly what we are doing. We are suggesting that the cost of a course or training seminar exceeds the safety of those who serve under us. Basic economics says that if the price of a product or service becomes excessive, the market will look for alternatives. Is the time for alternatives now? If we are sacrificing the safety of our personnel because of the costs of training and training materials, is it time for a change? Fire departments need to consider alternative models for funding training as do the providers. The Open Source software community has been operational and successful based on the model I provided. Perhaps the fire service needs to consider a similar approach, because so much depends on ensuring our firefighters are properly trained.