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.
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
The benefits are clear, but where to start? Learn how to find, fund and implement a therapy dog program, and download a fillable caretaking schedule
“When we leave, each house will be in better shape,” said James Earl, a retired New York City fire lieutenant and project manager with Heart 9/11
Identifying a handful of key traits can be a game-changer in fostering a healthy organizational culture
We can honor our past and maintain our traditions without dismissing new, better and safer ways of doing the job
Other firefighters died so you could live – so wear your damn gear already!
“The Fire Department” celebrates the Wausau Fire Department’s recent successes and has fun in its firehouses
Some have called for a new chief from outside of the Missouri department
Volunteer leaders must dare to do something different in the recruitment and retention of fire department members
The chief is the third high-ranking member to make the request following Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh’s recent demotion of three other chiefs
The Missouri department was also the subject of an investigative series by the Kansas City Star into allegations of decades of discrimination
The Laramie County fire chief tackles recruitment and retention misses, organizational tempo and fostering a culture of critical thinking
The big stories, hot takes and moments that moved us from the month
The Loveland, Colo., chief shares lessons from his time in media and urges leaders to maintain forward progress for their organizations
The tendency to compare ourselves to others also wastes time and energy focusing on things we can’t control
The floating fire station has drawn curious eyes from around the world, starting with its initial conception and extending to crew operations
When members become too driven by personal competition rather than crew development, the organization can suffer
Though it might be hard to find the time, it’s important for spouses of first responders to focus on their own needs, too
From locally, to Ecuador and Ukraine, EMS and fire organizations stepped up to make a difference both at home and internationally
Mayday was injured at the site of a Guymon FD fire prevention education event and could have lost the use of her left hind leg
One of the key risk factors for alcohol abuse is post-traumatic stress, something many first responders struggle with
As so many of our challenges are not black or white, we must acknowledge the nuance and learn to make sound decisions amid ever-evolving scenarios
No one expects TV fire dramas to be documentaries, but the newest addition to the mix is so unrealistic that a CAL FIRE chief disavowed it
Be intentional in your focus on personal, organizational and political areas of growth
Judgment is sometimes a matter of life or death, but it is also a matter of professional credibility
We’re talking about those members who are constantly in conflict and make everyone around them miserable
The International Public Safety Leadership & Ethics Institute offers a guided program of self-discovery to develop a personal leadership approach
Motivating others to achieve their maximum potential involves deflecting negativity and focusing on what’s good
Departments that regularly conduct AARs are well-positioned to streamline their performance and increase their margin of safety
First make sure you’re not feeding into gossip, then elevate to a superior
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