They Need Guidance…

I get a lot of questions. Whether it is through email, texts, FB messages, or posted to The Fire Critic FB page. I wish I could get to all of them…all I can say is that I try.

The underlying theme is firefighters, both young and old who need some support. They need answers, guidance, ideas for making things better.

Illustration by Paul Combs. Visit his web site here: http://www.artstudioseven.com/

Illustration by Paul Combs. Visit his web site here: http://www.artstudioseven.com/

All too often, I read comments that say “STFU and know your roll”…That isn’t good enough. If a firefighter (no matter their tenure, age, experience) asks a question looking for help, the answers should be positive, helping, guiding.

That is what we need…GUIDANCE!

I don’t care how long you have done the job/volunteered. I don’t care how many fires you have fought. I don’t care how great you think you are…show us. Show everyone how great you are by lending a helping hand and GUIDING your Brother and Sister Firefighters.

This isn’t entirely meant for those who comment. This is directed mostly towards the “good ole’ boys” who only care about themselves and their buddies. The guys who the questions are about. I know I won’t reach them, they don’t take the time to read this type of internet rag. They are too busy holding court with the boot-lickers who will tell them what they want to hear and continually let them know how great they are…They aren’t.

As long as we have young/new/interested members, the fire service will thrive. But it is our job to GUIDE them. WE HAVE TO take the time and teach them.

I don’t care how much experience you have, explain to them some of your experiences. I don’t care about the classes you have been to, go to a class with them…better yet, teach them what you learned. I don’t care if you have put your gear on a thousand times, do a gear drill and make sure they are doing it right.

Do it with them. Teach them. Guide them.

You aren’t better than them. They are you…when you started. Make it count. Make a difference. Make change.

[End of rant]

Rhett Fleitz
– The Fire Critic