I am just looking for ways to aproach a fire house rumor. The rumors deal with fires I have been to and if I deserve to be an officer when I apply for a spot. Normally it doesn't bother me, but it seems like it may stop me from being an officer. I believe I know who has started it and if so it is out of jealousy. Just looking for suggestions before I take it into my own hands. THANKS

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Instead of taking it into your own hands, why not take it to the officers?
I would suggest letting your actions speak for themselves and leaving the bullshit behind.
I had a member of my department start a rumor about me cheating on my wife. It all stemed from (of course) myspace. I had a girl that I have been freinds with for years on my top 3 and my wife was not on at all. This being that she did'nt want a myspace page, She also knew that I am friends with this girl and nothing more and didnt have a problem with it. So I did'nt know who statred it but I knew it was one of the FD members that I had on my myspace so I sent the three I had suspected a message saying that if I found out who started it I would bring them in front of the officers board for disciplinary action. Well with in 2 hours two of the three people i sent that message called me and both gave me the name of the third person that started it. I confronted that person and they admitted to it and appologized. I showed them in our by-laws that it said "any actions that would be deemed detrimental to the department or any member will result in immediate termination" I told her if it continued or happened again it would be enforced. needless to say no more rumors have been started about me. It didnt really seem to effect my reputation because I was still elected captain by all 20 of the voting members. Long story short dont take the rumors seriously I wouldnt have because it wasnt true, but I wanted to prove a ponit because it seemed like we always had rumors starting from the same group of people but that stopped pretty quickly.
Do what you have to do to stop the rumers .But are they good rumers or bad you did not state this if they are good dont worry about it but if they are trying to bring you down then confront it good luck
Let your actions speak for you. If the powers that be look into your qualifications and abilities to be an officer, then a malicious rumor should be easily defeated. There is one rule in the fire service regarding rumors : Never let the truth get in the way of a good rumor. Good luck and stay safe
I agree with evryone, Let your actions speak for you, the one thing I have seen and it wasn't in the fire service was that the person doing all the good work will get noticed over someone messing around.
Welcome to the world of Volunteer politics.

It happens, especially around election time. I could give 30 years of examples of the same thing. But if you want to be an officer act like one. I tell the young guys that if you need a white helmet to be chief then you don't deserve the white helmet. This just means in you act in manner of leadership (not bossiness which is different) then it will come through. It make take a while but eventually it will happen.
My 2 cents worth. Firehouse rumors like you described are not just unique to the vollies. I've seen/heard of many incidences like this. Even in the PD. It it usually the result of some up-and-comer youngster who exhibits initiative to go out and get a promotion. Usually against someone with far more years in service.
That being said, I don't think you should be that concerned with becoming an officer. 3.5 years of experience is just not enough. I'm not saying you are not, or would not be a good fireground officer. But being an officer also involves teaching/training of those under you. Without the experience on the fireground, that becomes difficult.
Quelling the rumor should be down though. But because it isn't true and not because your bucking for Lt/Capt.
Well all I can tell you is this... If you know who started the rumor call them on it.... Find out first if that person did, and if so why... I'm sure the other guys know better but for your own piece of mind get it out in the open, and clear the air.... But, that's just me....
Piss in their air mask- that'll fix 'em!



Seriously, go to the Officers and sort it.

Ensure the officers and other members who were on scene support you....
If the person is an officer, then he may be violating department code.
If he isn't an officer, but wants to be, then the source should be considered, then ignored.
Don't discount it completely.
It could keep you from becoming an officer.
I would give it a little time, then go to the officers if it appears that it won't die on its own.
If you don't treat it like a big deal, it won't become one.
TCSS.
Art
I figure if people are talking about me, they are giving other people a rest. In addition, if they are talking about me, I can't think of a better subject to talk about.

The rumor mill has been around since before there were fires. Always will be. It sounds to me that you may be selling yourself short. People will believe what they want to believe. If you know it to be a rumor, then let it go. By taking matters into your own hands, you not only lower yourself to the level of the one you think started the rumor, but you perpetuate the circle.

Officer or not, volunteer or career, Show me what you know, don't tell me.

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