Fire Service Culture
The FireRescue1 fire service culture resource page encompasses the cultural aspects of firefighter life, from the traditions that make the fire service such a proud profession to the kitchen table conversations that develop a brotherhood and sisterhood among members, to critical discussions about firefighter health and safety, focusing on the impact of culture on behavior and decision-making, both on and off the fireground.
Five factors explain why our current crop of firefighters and firefighter-EMTs never make the move to paramedic
From the common areas to personal spaces, it’s time to declutter and clean up
Just like an overgrown rose bush, if your department’s policies, procedures and practices have not been evaluated for efficiency, you will experience a lack of growth in all areas
With the right investment and buy-in, mentorship programs can facilitate skill development, career advancement and improve firefighter retention
Lessons learned from organizational culture-focused research
Firefighters are naturally good problem-solvers but notoriously conflict-averse
There is really no substitute for face-to-face interaction and connections made during NFA programs, events and social outings
No matter the challenges that face you, you find a way to respond to those in need
Are you really committed to the work or are you simply avoiding problems at home?
With significant change afoot at the national level, perhaps now is the time to reposition the fire service to better recognize – and elevate – our role in government
When an organization underreacts, it can give tacit permission for inappropriate behavior; overreacting can waste resources and even damage trust and morale
Why do so many female firefighters fail to support other women looking to join the ranks or promote within the department?
Four questions to help leaders refine how to educate their members on fire department discrimination and reporting practices
Gordon Graham defines the difference between “good-natured fire station shenanigans and hazing, bullying, or outright harassment”
Recognizing the differences among the many generations in the fire service can help identify skills and talents to improve team dynamics
Saint Florian is also associated with brewers due to lore that he once miraculously stopped a fire with a single pitcher of water
An essential guide to help new firefighters navigate the early days of the job with confidence
Four common retention pitfalls, plus simple solutions for improving department culture and keeping firefighters happy
Developing a firefighter recruitment plan starts with getting real about why people aren’t joining the fire department
Help create a welcoming space by using the time gathered together to empower, uplift and inspire your colleagues, instead of belittling and bad-mouthing
Understanding the origin, meaning and controversy related to the thin red line flags
Fire Chief Robert Logan and Battalion Chief David Picone detail how SDFR shows its members ‘we’re focused on you’
These products serve as great everyday reminders of the bravery exhibited by firefighters
Every department needs different viewpoints to grow and thrive, even if that means having to manage constant dissenters
We tout our cancer prevention measures but then take turnout gear into schools, place weight rooms in engine bays and puff on cigars outside the station
A program from the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership shared lessons and values for a culture of leadership with Henderson firefighters
Four tips for managing political differences while keeping the crew together as a functional and compatible team
How to navigate entrenched bad habits and new deviant behaviors among members
