It is hard to imagine FDNY Battalion Chief Jerry Tracy as a green-horn.
But during a keynote address Thursday at the FDIC conference in Indianapolis, he showed the depth of his insight and set the tone for the event.
The 30-year veteran of the FDNY, so influential in developing a range of innovative training programs, delved into his days as a probationary firefighter in a keynote speech, titled "Change and Influence."
The fire culture of today, said Tracy, is a far cry from his beginnings in the service in the Bronx. He spoke of bad influences and poor role models, of firefighters whose actions never matched their bravado.
"In my world then, I operated with teams of firefighters and I believed my safety was in the hands of others, thereby relieving myself of that responsibility," he said. "We all know firefighters who talk a great fire but that their actions on the fireground are quite different, they show no credibility."
Tracy said today's fire service is about each and every firefighter taking responsibility for their own actions and decisions. He said recognizing that fact has been essential to his professional development.
"The decision (to transfer) not only was a major turning point in my career, it has influenced my attitude and way of thinking until the day I leave this earth," he said.
Tracy then turned to the senior members of the audience, those who actions shape the attitudes of the new generation of firefighters.
They must express, he said, of what is acceptable and what is expected.
To further illustrate his point, Tracy used HISTORY:
Honesty.
Integrity.
Self discipline.
Teamwork.
Obedience to duty.
Respect.
Yourself be true.
Tracy called on firefighters to always look to support and inspire their colleagues.
"Work with others to develop their skills," he said, "as they may be in a position to save your life one day.
