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Comment by Brian Mackie on February 5, 2011 at 9:44am

Thanks Michael. I appreciate the sentiments.
Also, thanks for clearing up what I obviously mistook for whining and complaining. Without knowing exactly what the officer is doing, it is safe to say that when he gives orders or directives is one thing, but for him to then micro-manage those same orders or directives is not right, unless the person on the recieving end is a rookie, or otherwise inexperienced firefighter. While in that case, it might be just that the officer is trying to better the firefighter, if it were a more seasoned veteran, there is no real good reason for this officer to tell HOW its done. If for example, the offcer directed the crew to "open the roof" or "ventilate", the crew should know HOW.
I also know the feeling about the appointment based on - well anything except qualifications. I have seen it many times. Just because a member has seniority, doesn't necessarily mean he/she is the best person for the job. Old school tactics are good to a point, but if this senior member has not been upgrading in terms of new tactics, and fireground management skills etc., while the new kid on the block comes in and is fully "book smart", there tends to be some resentment between the officer and the said member.
I wish I knew more. I guess all I can say, is be the best you can be. Study, learn, practice, and then study learn and practice it all over again and again. You will know when right is right and when wrong is wrong and dangerous. Don't just sit back in silence, and offer nothing. I suspect you can help the officers out, and should be, and in turn the officers should be receptive to suggestions etc. when it comes to trying other methods.
Also, as the officer, the do as I say not as I do, thing is quite common. As the officer, their role has changed somewhat. No longer should they be frontline, and on the knob all the time. Their role is to oversee the crew and keep them safe. If he is qualified and experienced, as he should/needs to be, he no long

Comment by Weisscough (Michael Weiss) on February 5, 2011 at 9:19am

@BRIAN
Well Brian it is not complaining that I am doing. Simply asking a question from a volunteer fire service. I have been on for almost 15 years. I am more than willing and ready to move up in the ranks of our fire service. But when you serve on a volunteer fire service like ours its not about stepping up and trying your hand at leadership like you may think. In our Department officers are chief appointed and it goes by seniority. I do have a say when it comes to things on the Fire ground. When I wrote the question I was just asking people what they thought about officers who like to use their power to tell you how to do things when they don't do the same in return. I am not looking to over throw the government because these same officers are knowledgeable when it comes to the fire ground. It is more on how they represent themselves to other fellow firefighters who are there to do the same job. Which is put the fire out safely and effectively........... But thanks for your comments. Good Luck to you and your Health Issues. I hope all goes well for you and you can find your way back into the fire service.

Comment by Brian Mackie on February 5, 2011 at 8:52am

Why would you want to change it? IF the officer is qualified and experienced (sadly, sometimes one or both of these qualities are absent ) the subordinates should trust the judgement of whoever put the officer in the position in the first place. I don't believe in elected officers, but in many jurisdictions that is the norm. If the officer was voted in - by the members... they need to just shut up and suck it up.. for now. If the Chief put the officer there, he/she more times than not, recognized something good about the person to make them an officer. I noticed that you have a fair number of years in service, so perhaps you need to start stepping up and trying your hand at leadership. Oh, and for the record, I don't this method of complaining (if that is in fact what you are doing here) is the best way. Don't get me wrong, there are many many good people, and there are lots of great people here that can and will offer you some great advice. But, in my opinion, I suspect there is a bit of unhappiness, or jealousy happening in the dept. and some are not liking it, and are in the market to over throw the government so to speak.
Try talking to them, (the officer and the Chief) about your concerns. ESPECIALLY IF IT IS A SAFETY issue. If it is a tactics issue, keep in mind that firefighting is not intended to be a hobby, therefore fires should not be fought like it is a hobby. There are many different ways of doing the same jobs.
You failed to mention specifics, therefore I can only ASS U ME what you were trying to do by reaching out to the nation.
I hope things will work themselves out.
Stay safe k.