Sharing the Wealth…Passing the Torch

This is my submission for this months First Due Blog Carnival being hosted over at Fire Daily. If you have not submitted yours, you have until midnight May 26th to submit it to John at Fire Daily!

The First Due Blog Carnival this month is looking for great stories relating to how you have had the wealth shared with you. That is, some jewel told to you by someone else which has been a moment of clarity and helped define you.

Here is the problem… I cannot for the life of me figure out one “moment of Zen” in which I have had told to me. Truth be told that as much as I talk I listen just as well. My memory sucks, but I do retain the important things. I just can’t think of a true “moment of zen”.

I have had the opportunity to hang around many firehouse kitchen tables, gotten to meet many industry celebrities, enjoyed working with some great firefighters, and met many “unsung” heroes who have so much great information to share.

One thing that someone recently told me was that the fire service is so different that many other professions. He was speaking to the fact that when we come up with a new idea, new ideals, new  ideology, new technology, or new ways of doing things we share it with ALL firefighters. In so many other professions, that information is held close to the heart yet over the heads and out of reach of their peers.

We are different in that aspect and I believe that is why I have heard so much.

I have also gotten so many little tidbits of information because I like to ask questions. I learned a long time ago that people like hearing about themselves. If you are tactful you can learn a lot by talking and listening to others.

In my days, I have hung around many retired firefighters in my department. They took a liking to me because I am interested in the history. That history was their lives. So many firefighters forget about the ones who came before us because they are so wrapped up in themselves.

Since I don’t have a juicy “moment of Zen” for you, I will instead give you some things I have learned along the way from some great guys. I don’t take credit for any of these. Some are serious and others humorous!

• You are replaceable… For those guys who think that they walk on water, to the beancounters we are all just a single notch in a magic number that creates budgets. This is more for the paid guys but I think it keeps us grounded. It is unfortunate, but most administrators and politicians don’t give a shit about you or your family. Kinda hard to swallow isn’t it!
• Never underestimate fire… Whether you have been taught to do it one way or another, always have a backup plan. Fire is unpredictable!
• Always prepare for the worst… No matter what incident, what circumstances, or whatever else if you prepare for the worst and it doesn’t come, the outcome will be easier to handle.
• Don’t kiss ass… This is plain and simple. And yes, we all know it is going on when it happens. Don’t think for a minute that we think you are being sincere!
• Don’t be so hard on yourself… Don’t worry about making the wrong decision. If you made a decision at all you are doing better than some. Mistakes lead to experience too. Ignorance is making the same mistake twice.
• A complement can go a long way… How many times have you been told you did a good job? The same goes for others. We hand out criticism too often and complements not often enough. Whenever you have the chance you should give your peers at least a pat on the back.
• You have to give respect to get respect… If you don’t understand it you probably are not respected!
• Volunteer vs. Career… It doesn’t matter. Seriously guys, it is about being professional and getting the “job” done!
• Never say “never”… I learned this early on. In firefighting, no matter what you are talking aboutff there is never a “never”. It will happen!
• Enjoy your job… If you come to a moment where your job seems like a chore reevaluate what you are doing, set goals, and move forward.
• Family first, job second… Your family comes before your job…always!
• The people we work for (in most cases our citizens) do not and probably will not ever fully understand what we do, why we do it, or many other aspects of our jobs.

For some other inspirational reading you might check out Fire Nuggets one liners here.

Learn, train, have fun!