Trending Topics

‘If you find yourself alone, start worrying’: Linda Willing shares advice for all firefighters

It’s important to connect with your fellow firefighters, get involved in training, and avoid silos

Sponsored by

Despite seemingly endless opportunities for connection, many firefighters find themselves more alone than ever, sometimes inadvertently, so we must double-down on our efforts to build connections and avoid silos that create division. Linda Willing – a retired career fire officer who works with departments on issues related to leadership, decision-making and diversity training – offers insights into how to build connections among crews, manage problem members, and foster diversity of all types to build stronger teams.

  • Don’t miss: The question Willing asks whenever she sees a news story about firefighters behaving badly.
  • Power quote: “I don’t know a single fire crew that has somebody that can just be written off. … You go on a call, and any one of those people that’s with you could be the difference between life and death – for you.”

This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore.

Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. You can also follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. And email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback!