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.
Go beyond check-the-box communication to build real trust with firefighters who need more than information
The fire service doesn’t need more slackers, troublemakers or tyrants; it needs more doers, listeners and leaders
What I’ve learned the hard way — and what I hope you’ll take to heart as you begin your fire service career
European company Tchibo said it had an excess supply and “we couldn’t think of a better cause than firefighters and first responders”
It’s that time of year when fire departments across the globe engage in a different kind of light display; send us a snapshot of your holiday decorations!
For people to be able to see themselves in the future, they must first be willing to let go of the past
“How many times does it take for a chief to hear near-misses before they recognize there’s a systemic problem?”
FireRescue1 contributors ponder what firefighters will face next, after two years of considerable challenges
Understand the seven sources of frustration among firefighter families, plus three simple ways to mitigate common stressors
The more we do things wrong and get away with it, the more they seem right
Firefighters have a lot of fun around the station, but what happens when a joke crosses the line?
The funding will extend the scope of the FOCUS survey, a fire service-specific safety culture assessment tool
While fire stations aren’t always sanctuaries of purity, they must be sanctuaries of public trust
After months of self-reflection, Sacramento Firefighter Desmond Lewis has been working with department personnel to regain his position
Humans are hard-wired to share stories; we must harness this instinct and use it to better the fire service
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
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- Apparatus push-in ceremonies: A long-held tradition that unites communities