“From time to time in our careers we ask ourselves Why?”

Why do we do this job? We do this job because our inherent desire is to help people. Whether that is the people we run calls on, or the people we work with, or the people we meet when we represent our Department. Call it Love, Compassion or even a sense of duty we do it because we cant see ourselves doing anything other then helping People.

Why do we do this job? We become firefighters with a professional image. That image is proposed to be a two way mirror, a reflection of ourselves both on duty and off duty. The image we portray can be solid or transparent with the individuals we come in contact with. Their perspective and opinion of us is developed in the first minute of contact, and forever instilled in the treatment and respect that is or was given. Children are especially good readers and mimic the individuals in contact with them, both positive and negative.

Why do we do this job? We become firefighters with the thought that we are mentally and physically fit. We find ways to reduce our mental anguish of the job and re-establish the mental stability of a profession daily, weekly and even monthly. Our fire family and immediate family are the de-compressors for our maintaining of sanity throughout our career. Physically we devote time and effort at work. Typically we spend 2 hours a day or more and not to mention the physical attributes of the job in general. Off duty individuals strive to be the best by working out off duty or employing themselves in an activity that continues to build on fitness and well being.

Why do we do this job? We become firefighters and continuously strive to be better. We challenge ourselves thru continuing education. This enables us to provide a level of service that is always evolving based on that conception of service. As we evolve and educate so does the fire service in general. That educational door continues to open to another door allowing for enhanced skills and an ever changing ability in the fire service. “ In essence we are living to learn, and thus the public we protect will learn to live. “

Why do we do this job? We become firefighters and strive to be the best thru training. We cannot provide the level of service needed if we become complacent and haphazard in regards to our performances. We continue to challenge ourselves and work in area’s that are limited and seldom used, however without these challenges we see no growth and thus complacency sets in. It is easy to be good at what we have always done, and it requires tenacity, dedication and the ability to self evaluate to improve. There is always room for improvement as an individual and also a company, if we will continue to strive toward day to day challenges.

Why do we do this job? As we promote and dedicate not only our individual lives, but our family lives to the service the doors of opportunity, challenge and education become even more apparent. These original “Whys” reiterate themselves time and time again as we move thru the promotional ladder. Yet each step is more comprehensive and extensive in our abilities. Compassion, leadership, mentoring, discipline, empathy, teacher, coach and counselor as well as forecasting, team dynamics and the change agent come to mind. A new step, and a new challenge and extended education. As we step up so does or is suppose to step up in our abilities.

Why do we do this job? We do this job to make positive changes. We are suppose to bring our education and skills and knowledge to others. We are here to promote a positive outlook and give people the tools they need to excel and be better. We are here to challenge all ourselves to improve thru training, education and professionalism. We are here to promote well being both mentally and physically. We are here for a shoulder to lean on and a shoulder to pound on if the need arises. We are not here to set boundaries but to continue to increase the boundaries set for those who are in our control.

So Why is it ? So why do some continue to not challenge themselves daily? Why do some strive to be just what they are? Why is education left to those who attained just that? Why do some cancel out on improving individual abilities? Why is the professional mirror one sided for some? Why is dedication abbreviated to Dead? Why is leadership an earned right of promotion and not a practiced trait of all? Why is the political tone more important to some rather then the tone of the body? Why is perception more important then performance? Why do some just help a few and forget about helping all? Why are some of us able to see, yet others refuse to open there eyes?

“As I see it leading by example is an example of those who led before me.”

Shepsjustpondering