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Remembering Where you Came From
When I look back to the day I received my first badge, there was nothing better in the world at that moment. I had just completed some of the most physically and mentally demanding training of my life...
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The Importance of Educating Officers
In a career that has long valued experience, the transitional shift has made it necessary for that experience to be backed by higher education. Let’s face it, the days of only worrying about putting...
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Leading by Example
The phrase “lead by example” is over used whereas the concept behind the phrase is just the opposite. Many officers demonstrate the skills and values needed to be an officer however once that goal is...
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Most valuable assets
If you ask the average officer what they believe is the most expensive asset, many might respond with the training or fire apparatus. This is far from the truth. Although harder to place a dollar...
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Positive outlooks and attitude will carry you far
“In every person who comes near you, look for what is good and strong; honor that; try to imitate it, and your faults will drop off like dead leaves when their time comes.”. – John Ruskins Through...
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Another life lesson
Today I was reminded that the most emotionally complex sound is that of a bagpipe at a firefighter’s funeral. Even the most hardened veteran will feel the swelling of tears. In the midst of such an...
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Reflections of a Chief
Today another good man and chief received the full honors of a Fire Department procession. He was loved by all, which was evident by the support of the local departments. For me, it was more...
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Are you abusing your position?
This subject is one that I never thought would have to be discussed in the fire service however, I have heard more than one complaint in the past few months that would classify as abuse. Once...
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Regaining Long-Lost Employees
While working on the book I am writing, I approached the subject of the different types of employees we find in our departments. With a high concentration of Type A personalities, as found in most...
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Value of Self-Reflection
When evaluating the gambit of skills needed to be a successful officer, there is one that is perhaps the most valuable and yet hardest to develop. I am referring to self-reflection, which in itself...
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