Definition of a Professional Fire Fighter

Here is a saying about being a professional firefighter that was published in “Last Alarm: True Stories of Fire Fighters” (page 75) by Jerry Laughlin. I am not sure who said it as it was not credited in the book.

I think that it speaks volumes and gives credo to the whole volunteer vs. career argument.

The fact that you are a paid fire fighter in no way makes you a professional. The fact that you are a volunteer fire fighter in no way makes you a professional.

You become a professional only when you exhibit on the fire ground those professional skills that you have acquired over the years…

Your conduct on the fire ground is and will be the only yardstick by which your superiors and the public can judge you and the organization you represent…