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.
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
Digging into the assertion that there needs to be a new search-and-rescue-focused culture in which civilian safety comes first
FDNY
Brian McDonald shares the stories of the Feehan and Davan families of firefighters, stretching over nearly 100 years of FDNY history
Can you recognize the core values that existed within you long before becoming a firefighter?
At its best, tradition is a moral compass; at its worst, it’s albatross hindering progress
A life of fetching coffee and listening to the nozzleman complain
Yes, there are many and they offer varying degrees of quality or realism, but fire service TV shows can help new members – or at least entertain them
10 firehouse teams will be invited to compete in the Firehouse Division at the 55th Annual World Championship Chili Cook-off
While pulling rank may drive immediate compliance, the resulting lack of trust and respect simply isn’t worth it in the long run
In one study, “demonstrating respect” was identified as the top leadership quality for creating commitment and engagement among members
I’m normally quiet about my passion, but you’re stirring up a hornet’s nest with all your chatter about who has it and who doesn’t
The week’s photo is from Firefighter Scott Hayward of Fire and Rescue NSW in Australia
Have we gotten so consumed by firefighter-centric safety culture that we lost focus on the civilians under our watch?
58 members remain from June 18, 2007, ready to guide the newest 311 members
As a woman in the fire service, I am so grateful for my extended family and this group of role models for my son
The 2022 Firefighter Safety Stand Down focuses on practical applications of situational awareness, on and off the incident scene
The job of a company officer is not easy, but these tips can help you start off on the right foot
While it sometimes makes sense to go along to get along, the lone voice of dissent often provides meaningful insight
A recent poll with over 900 responses reveals strong opinions on the concept of free electric vehicle charging at the fire station
Know the four EQ skills that can help build your awareness and empathy – and ultimately make you a better crewmember
While non-fire-specific training can be beneficial, trainers who fail to understand the needs of first responders will lose their interest
The company officer is the first line of defense when debate escalates
Dogs have a long history helping firefighters; now they expand their role to offer physical and mental health benefits
A look back at some of the most popular shows and our personal favorites, too
24 hours filled with constant alerts, plus meetings, training and little sleep
Even if we haven’t done so ourselves, we certainly know someone who has – and yet we ignore this blatantly obvious issue
Fostering a family environment keeps members engaged, but what happens when that “family” becomes a little too exclusive?
Embrace them and thank them, then get on the ball and teach them
It’s the punniest day of the month, giving organizations the chance to show off the Photoshop skills of their firefighters and EMS providers
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- Fleeing to the firehouse: When work becomes an escape
- Embracing change: The transition to NERIS for incident reporting
- Developing a culture of mayday training within your department
- ‘Don’t make it worse’: The importance of proportional response on and off the fireground
- ‘It’s time to declare a staffing mayday’: 21 ways VFDs can break the mold