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Comment by Tiger Schmittendorf on September 15, 2009 at 1:22pm

Thanks Christina -

You are correct. I'm sure that there are other occupations that are impacted just as much by this generational gap. Nonetheless, much of the challenge and responsibility of adapting to our changing society falls on our shoulders, not just theirs.

We need to get better educated about them and their attitudes and adjust accordingly - them and us.

Regardless of the age of the recruit, I definitely agree with your comment that we need to become more selective, but for the all the right reasons. For too long we've chosen quantity over quality and now we're seeing the results of that mis-guided approach.

Stay safe. Train often.

Comment by Cristina M Blanco on September 15, 2009 at 1:08pm

This isn't just a fire service issue ( though that's what we talk about in here ). what about the up and coming doctors, who wants one of these kids being you medical director just because he was a brain and could go through medical school? The majority fo the 20 somes and 18,19 yo that we see have this "you can't touch me attitude". We, as a whole in this field, need to be more selective and possible add some courses to the naltional standard on "answering the call to authority". the wild ones (though lets face it we all are) that can't and won't learn the "what, where, and when" give us all a "black eye".

Comment by Loyd Dittfurth on September 8, 2009 at 8:28pm

I kinda have a comment in the opposite direction. In May I hired on to the fire dept the first thing I was told is that you do not "hang out" with other members of the fire dept. The traditions and commrodery of the dept were not like what i was brought up around. I believe that the way it was seen it was a job not a calling. The few members that accepted me into there homes and lives I have become very good friends with. These gentlemen are my age "YOUNGSTERS" as the old folks would call us. But when it comes right down to it WE are the ones here that are holding the firefighter image alive by just inacting the morals instowed in us from childhood.

Thank you

Comment by Bill Brierton on September 8, 2009 at 9:59am

Its a double edged sword.... Let me explain. Those with experience seem to know what they are doing and how to do it. Those coming in to the fire service think they know what they are doing and refuse to learn. Somewhere there has to be a meeting of both parties so both can work together. Those who have been around and are experienced need to show those who are coming in. Those coming in, need to learn and find out that they don't know everything. In the end both learn something.

Comment by lutan1 on September 7, 2009 at 10:44pm

I agree that the fire service is ripe for the picking for culture change.

So true!!! ;-)

Comment by Tiger Schmittendorf on September 7, 2009 at 10:28pm

Thanks Lutan -

For the record, I'm not advocating we try to change the people coming in, but certainly to influence them with our traditions and values in a way that motivates them to join our ranks.

I agree that the fire service is ripe for the picking for culture change. And, as I've said many a time, we can either control our own destiny or rest assured, someone else will control it for us.

Stay safe. Train often.

Comment by Tiger Schmittendorf on September 7, 2009 at 10:25pm

Thanks FETC -

I've made similar observations. I especially agree with "Fire service leaders who have lacked keeping up on their professional development, are the one's who are struggling the most."

Somewhat in their defense, they also may not have had the proper leadership training to begin with. I encourage folks to look outside the fire service to see what has worked for other successful businesses.

That's why the NYS Association of Fire Chiefs has taken on an ambitious initiative to rebuild the fire service from the ground up. "7 Habits of Effective Firefighters" is a program designed for firefighters who have demonstrated leadership potential but who don't have the human relations or life skills to take it to the next level. It's not designed for chiefs or long-time officers, not writing them off, but more so focusing on the future of the fire service.

We're just implementing this grassroots program statewide now. I look forward to the potential outcomes. God knows the top-down method of creating leaders has seen its limitations.

Stay safe. Train often.

Comment by lutan1 on September 7, 2009 at 6:14pm

To be the devil's advocate and to perhaps get a bit of discussion going, maybe the fire service needs to change instead of trying to change the people coming in...

Comment by FETC on September 7, 2009 at 8:10am

I have seen the same in my travels as well. Unfortunately some fire service leaders, who are in your words, "more experienced" are out of touch with today's youth. Fire service leaders who have lacked keeping up on their professional development, are the one's who are struggling the most.

During my deliveries for officer development seminars, most department leaders and line officers would benefit greatly by being introduced or even "re-introduced" to interpersonal dynamics that includes the latest generation of personalities that we must influence and mold into future fire service professionals.

FETC