What's YOUR Problem?

Do you have a burning fire service problem? Let Billy Goldfeder help solve it.

Staffing? Tactics? Operations? Command? Personnel? Leadership (both good and bad)? Career frustrations? Department changing? Department NOT changing? Serious or not so serious, Deputy Chief Goldfeder offers his no-holds-barred advice in the What's YOUR Problem? video series.

Submit a question here.

And read Chief Goldfeder's Fired Up! column here.

Engineers are driving too fast!

In this edition of What’s YOUR Problem?, Chief Billy Goldfeder tackles a question from a new firefighter unsure of who to talk to about fire apparatus drivers at their department who speed on the way to call.

Check out Goldfeder’s response.

Video: What's the big deal with the thin red line flags?

Chief Goldfeder explains his thoughts on the thin red line flags, which have become a controversial symbol of public safety support in recent months.
What's the best way to manage volunteers with very different motivation levels?

If some people are all in and others can only give the bare minimum, then it's time to review your organization’s structure and consider a new system
Does dirty gear really matter that much?

Chief Goldfeder takes on the issue of "Dirty Helmet Syndrome" and how much firefighters should be concerned with cleaning their gear

Sort by:

What do you mean volunteers shouldn't have to fundraise? Please explain.
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Where to begin when shifting away from a fundraising-dependent model
What's the best way for ICs to hone go/no-go decision-making skills?
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Chief Goldfeder offers guidance related to command centers, scenario-based training and gut feelings
What’s your favorite tip for motivating new members?
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Chief Goldfeder offers several simple tips
'We had a crash! And now we need more driver training'
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Apparatus crashes mean a host of legal and personnel issues, not to mention the potential for tragedy
When does mayday training cross the line and become too dangerous?
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It can be VERY realistic without being dangerous; you just need the right instructors
Bad leaders pretending to be good leaders – it's a real issue!
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Some simple, even clever, ways to address the disconnect
Bridging the divide over 'bells and whistles' and FD training
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Managing generational differences is difficult, but there are ways to bring a group together to function as a team
Seriously, why do some firefighters still let their suspenders hang down?
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Talk to anyone who has spent time in a burn unit, and it’s clear why the suspenders are needed
Why do we still have so many harassment and discrimination claims?
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We have to train company officers how to deal with these issues
The chief doesn't care to be a chief!
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Ego issues aside, a chief in title only is a huge liability for the fire department
How can we find volunteers, even people who only have a few hours to spare?
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First, make sure you're not using terms like “brotherhood” and “sisterhood” if you don’t treat potential members that way
How do we get our leadership to see the value in investing in our youth members?
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Buy-in at all levels of the department is important BEFORE starting one of these programs
How about a little recognition around here?
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Define the criteria for awards at your department so it doesn't feel so arbitrary
I get it with the thin line flags, but what about other decals?
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Remember, the firefighters don't own the apparatus, so it probably comes down to whether labor and management have a good relationship
How can we improve morale at our fire department?
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Several members left during COVID, and many remaining members feel beaten down or unsure how to establish a "family feeling" with the rookies
Load More

About the series

Do you have a burning fire service problem? Let Billy Goldfeder help solve it.

Staffing? Tactics? Operations? Command? Personnel? Leadership (both good and bad)? Career frustrations? Department changing? Department NOT changing? Serious or not so serious, Deputy Chief Goldfeder offers his no-holds-barred advice in the What's YOUR Problem? video series.

Submit a question here.

And read Chief Goldfeder's Fired Up! column here.

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