The fire service, as we all know, is a proud
profession that is rich in history. We are a unique
group of individuals who are looked up to by young
and old and who kids dress up like for Halloween
every year. We are in the public eye both on and
off duty. Our actions are continuously being
monitored and scrutinized.
In the day of instant information via the
internet and text messages and mutli-media
messages, we can be recorded in the heat of the
moment and transmitted over the web in a matter
of seconds. Whether we are performing a rescue
or performing a bone head act at the grocery
store, we are being watched.
How we act on and off duty is a direct
reflection of us as individuals, an organization and
as a profession. Like it or not, the fact is that we
represent all of us at all times. There is no
differentiation between volunteer or paid, we are
viewed as firefighters to those on the outside.
I like to watch Youtube.com for training videos
and other fire related clips that I can use as a
teaching tool. I can’t believe how some of our own
act when out in the public eye. It wasn’t too long
ago that we were hearing about firefighters using
roman candles to shoot it our of their a#$. We
have to be aware of what we represent and how
we want to be seen.
We need to act appropriate, not only on duty,
but off duty as well. Most of us wear fire
department apparel frequently and it identifies us
as someone in the fire service, whether it is
department specific or not, it is easy to pick out
firefighters by what they are wearing. So, if you
are involved in an altercation or are stumbling
drunk, you may become an easy target and may be
placing a negative view of “those firefighters.”
How you treat people and how you use your
respected position counts. It matters. But, don’t
think that this is just your responsibility. Your
officer is directly responsible for your actions as
well. Some would argue that the officer cannot be
held accountable for what you do on your time off,
and to a point you would be right, but the officer
should be developing his people into future role
models.
The officer has a responsibility to convey his
expectations as soon as that new firefighter
arrives. Not only his expectations at the
firehouse, but how pride and honor and integrity
get left at the door when you go off duty. New
and current firefighters must be reminded by
telling and example of what we represent as
firefighters. This is the officers responsibility
and it molds his firefighters into responsible fire
service “professionals” and people.
I know that there are many who disagree with
much of this, and I expect that. But, lets face it,
you don’t hear about Joe Blow was involved in a
DUI accident and mention that he was a plumber.
If that person is a firefighter, it is mentioned and
that is not good for any of us. The more it
happens, the more our reputation is damaged as a
whole group.
We want parents to continue to tell their kids
that if they are in trouble or need anything that
they can call a firefighter. We want to be
revered in our communities, but we have to
continue to earn it, not just expect it.
Officers, take the time to be a mentor and
positive role model. Create an environment that
makes your people ashamed to act inappropriately.
We are a noble profession and we are and should
be proud. We do a great deal of good things and
we have great people making a difference. Be
diligent and make your community proud of you
and your organization.