By Linda Willing
What is the hardest part of being a new company officer? Managing a large incident? Writing reports? Using time effectively? All of these responsibilities present challenges for officers. But when new officers have time to think about it, most of them say the same thing. The hardest part of becoming an officer? Figuring out how to lead effectively and still be “one of the guys.”
Some people would say that combining the two roles is impossible — once firefighters become officers, they can never really be “one of the guys” as they once were. These people would say that it is better for a new officer to distance him or herself from the crew, clearly defining the separation between the ranks.
But such complete division would be a mistake. Officers are part of the crew, and much of the normal fire department work day does not require the officer to be solely in charge. For example, it is obviously unnecessary for an officer to take command of such things as menu planning or television channel selection. There are times when the officer is really just part of the crew.
Yet even when an officer is not making decisions, that person remains an officer. Under all circumstances, officers must be vigilant that crew behavior is appropriate and that their crews remain safe. Safety in this regard goes far beyond protecting others from physical harm.
For example, imagine a crew washing the fire truck outside on a hot afternoon. It’s been a long day, and the firefighters start joking around. One throws a dripping sponge at another. He responds by dropping a wet chamois on the first firefighter. Harmless fun? Probably. Something a company officer can participate in as “one of the guys?” Maybe.
But be careful. Firefighters are notoriously competitive and the minute the officer joins in, the limits fall away. Throw a sponge, and the next thing you know, a firefighter might have a booster line out, knocking coworkers down with the spray. Now how will you gain control of what is happening?
The first rule of being an officer is that when you are at work, you are always an officer. If a good natured water fight gets out of hand, you are the one who needs to step in. If two firefighters don’t get along, and the trash talking is escalating, you are the one who needs to take action. When you are at work, you are always an officer first and foremost, and your primary loyalty must be to that role and the organization you represent.
What does this mean in practical terms?
1. It means that when a firefighter comes to talk to you during the work shift “as a friend” you are obligated to remind that person that you must participate in the conversation as an officer.
2. It means that even as you participate in crew activities, you must always keep perspective on what is going on, and constantly be asking yourself: Is this professionally appropriate? What would a citizen or a family member think if they walked in right now and heard or saw what is going on?
3. It means that when behavior crosses the line, or even threatens to cross the line, it is your responsibility to stand up and stop it, redirect it, or impose discipline.
4. It means that you are the example your crew uses to determine what it means to be a good firefighter, both on and off the emergency scene.
5. It means that more than anyone else on the crew, you ARE the fire service to every citizen, business owner, school child, and patient you contact.
Is it possible to be an officer and still be part of the crew? Of course it is. You would be a poorer officer if you did not understand that many situations demand that officers participate as coworkers rather than supervisors or commanders. But even in those more egalitarian situations, officers must always remember that they ultimately have individual responsibility not only for their own actions, but also for the collective actions and decisions of the entire team.
It’s a big job that goes far beyond just being able to manage a fire scene. For those who choose to become company officers, the new responsibilities begin on Day One and the education never ends. The ultimate reward is knowing that, as a company officer, you will have more influence on individuals in the fire service than probably any other position. That is a challenge worthy of giving your best.
