It’s almost a forgotten subject — the senior man in the firehouse, or to correct myself, the senior firefighter in the station.
The senior firefighter during my early years was always a 20-40 year veteran who had done more and forgot more about firefighting than I knew, that was for sure. Did I admire and want to emulate these people? Well not all of them, but certainly the ones who led by example by walking the walk.
I followed the person who always had their firefighting gear ready to go whether they were riding or not. They were the person who always checked their tools and apparatus as well as their SCBA; well sometimes. I also worked with some of those old buffaloes who did not wear a mask. They were some tough mothers and always, and I mean always, got the job done.
Technical rescue? These rescue men did the technical rescue techniques we do today but without the state-of-the-art equipment or the required certifications for these disciplines. Although these old timers do not exist as we know them today, there are many other younger leaders ready to step up and take their responsibility as the senior person.
Are you that person? Are you the first one to step up and do what has to be done or do you have to be told? I know I never wanted to be told to do anything unless I was being instructed in the proper manner or for safety purposes.
The last thing any firefighter hates to face is criticism, especially if it is a constant problem. The senior firefighter is your conduit to other firefighters as well as the command staff above you. Little problems that are really not that important were taken care off by the senior firefighter in every company I worked in. The captain, who was the commander of the company, never had to be bothered with the little stuff. If there was a problem the captain had to handle, rest assured you were in trouble.
If you happen to be a young firefighter who happens to be the senior person, you better act like it. Lead by example, step up. Know your duties and make sure you carry them out, and always attain your position at operations. The rest of the team depends on you for their own success and the success of the operation. As for young fire officers, the only advice I would like you to remember is that you are responsible for the whole team and your job is to make sure they are safe and always go home at the end of the tour.
Two final pieces of advice: first, if you think you may not be doing the right thing you probably are not. Second is for the officers: take care of the men and the men will take care of everything else.
Have a safe year and be careful.