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.
Despite greater awareness and support, firefighters still face high rates of PTSD, depression and suicide
Esacmbia County officials dropped an order to remove custom station emblems from fire trucks and uniforms after widespread opposition
Firefighters are always on camera, and reputation rides on every response
Continuing the mission of emergency services legends, leaders and champions
Chief Jerry Streich identifies the impact problem employees have on the organization and on collective department stress
Share your before-and-after fire department pictures
Bad behaviors associated with cliques may include the use of intimidation tactics, promotion of racist or sexist ideologies, or subverting the chain of command
The fire chief – and longtime strategic-thinker – urges firefighters to develop their 1-, 3- and 5-year game plans
The DC firefighter and founder of Food on the Stove shares the impetus for building the nonprofit and offers simple nutrition tips
“There are still good people,” said Brian Hammond, a Russiaville Volunteer Fire Department firefighter
From signs of a toxic FD to signs of positive change, plus how a chief officer can know when to go all in to improve organizational health
Dispelling generational myths and clarifying the root of workforce personnel differences
Rocco Brienzo discussed his pride in the fire service; Lynn firefighters gave him a personalized helmet and took him for a ride in their new fire boat
Some FDs offer peer support, trauma symptom education and encouragement to get help, and leaders and younger firefighters show attitude changes
The retired FDNY battalion chief underscores that while being into the job is great, finding balance in your life ultimately makes you a better firefighter
It’s incumbent on every member to help build a supportive culture at the firehouse, one that captures the spirit of serving and invests in the emotional needs of crews
Whether fire sprinklers, social media or roadway safety, perfecting minor details will help us better serve our communities
It is essential to create a supportive, inclusive and trusting work environments
“Every member of Local 2 and the Department mourns with our brother Walter and the Stewart family,” said Local 2 president Jim Tracy
“The response has been overwhelming from firefighters here locally, across the country and internationally,” said Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown
“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 floating fire station has drawn curious eyes from around the world, starting with its initial conception and extending to crew operations
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