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.
More than 150,000 firefighters have signed the Seatbelt Pledge, but we must do better
You can disagree without disrespect, you can educate without condescending, and you can lead without knowing everything
Marking a nod to tradition and a step into the future, Elkhart firefighters at Station 4 celebrated their upgraded fire engine with a ceremonial push-in
Eight principles to ensure self-disciplined progress among your members
A Columbia fire station was investigated for behavior related to butt-slapping, wedgies and an “overwhelming infatuation” with comparing male genitalia
Jerald Allison, who currently lives in a retirement community specializing in dementia care, served 26 years with the Muskogee Fire Department
Firefighter Bridget Martin, 18, filed complaints against former Delphos Fire Chief Kevin Streets, prompting the investigation
LAFD Battalion Chief Kris Larson said that female firefighters refuse to file complaints because the LAFD is “gossipy” and they will face retaliation
It’s vital to make decisions rooted in doing what’s right for our organizations to prevent negativity from spreading
Our personal motivations for joining the fire service offer a key insight about how to communicate the job to new members
Mitigating the negative influences of goal seduction, situation aversion and firefighter identity are critical to fostering a culture of safety
How to hone tactical athletic prowess, develop specialized skills, embrace teamwork and shine in the spotlight
As Chief John Eversole once said, the public expects “brain-surgeon decathlon champions” to show up when they call 911
I’m the first guy into the fray, but I’m also the first to scrub my helmet clean afterward, all so I will be around to raise my kids
Reflecting on the evolution of gear through my career, the impact of an early burn, and how one leader gave me a better option
Exploring why some firefighters still glamorize dirty gear and unsafe actions, despite knowing the risks
Redefining fire service pride and identifying the factors that drive firefighters to choose unsafe actions
Touring the condo collapse site offers a glimpse into the monumental rescue and recovery efforts underway
After a state referendum showed how the distinction was used to divide, I propose a new approach to labeling organizations and members
Does dirty gear really show how capable a firefighter you really are?
Fire service leaders share what works at their departments
A quick history lesson shows how we can welcome new members and honor our past
Chief Goldfeder takes on the issue of “Dirty Helmet Syndrome” and how much firefighters should be concerned with cleaning their gear
Four ways fire departments can continue the landslide of positive and productive behaviors to protect our members
Failing to protect the gear that protects you is foolish and sets a bad example for new members
Researchers argue that if leaders want meaningful change, they must convince members that “everyone else is doing it, too”
How volunteer departments can overcome challenges related to health mindset and limited PPE cleaning equipment
According to the initial complaint filed, a part-time firefighter says he was called names and obscenities and forced to wear a garbage can strapped around his shoulders
Some members will simply never have equal power to exercise control over others using the same hazing tactics
Members of the Lexington Fire Department and their families gathered to support Firefighter Joe Sexton and his son, John, who currently spends 10 hours each night on dialysis for renal disease
Following reports of hazing and racism at the fire department, the city auditor will investigate workplace complaints and resolution practices
The engine is one of three the Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue purchased and will receive by the end of the year, with each apparatus costing $627,000
Not all firehouse mascots are Dalmatians – or even canine
