By Jamie Thompson
FireRescue1 Editor
DALLAS — New U.S. Fire Administrator Chief Kelvin Cochran promised an “assertive and aggressive” approach to reducing firefighter LODDs during his keynote address to Fire-Rescue International on Friday.
Chief Cochran, who was officially sworn into the position during the previous day at the conference in Dallas, said he would be looking for support and assistance from “all of our fire service stakeholders” in his mission.
During the address, Chief Cochran focused on the theme, “Fully Involved,” and talked at length about the current economic climate and attitudes within the fire service.
“As fire service leaders, we cannot wait for the world to change before we take responsibility for leading our communities, departments and families though these challenging times — we must become fully involved.”
Looking back to before the recession began, Chief Cochran said, “We were still whining and complaining when we getting everything we wanted and needed.”
“Expressions of ingratitude in a time of plenty has led to an economic conflagration that has swept across America to other nations.
“Moping and leadership don’t mix. We cannot mope and lead at the same time and expect our departments to thrive.”
Chief Cochran urged the audience to look at those leaders who seem to remain strong in both good and bad times.
“The primary factors which cause some fire service leaders to thrive in both environments is the same faith, hope and determination which caused us to become fully involved in the beginning of our careers.”
He closed the speech by urging the fire service to champion and celebrate all of its success in order to show its value.
“We keep waiting for the few very high profile, large incidents that make the evening news for our elected officials to change and recognize our value,” Chief Cochran said.
“We are the ones who need to change and focus on the things that accentuate our value and virtue on a day-to-day basis.”