Company Officer Development
The company officer development topic covers all aspects of the fire officer’s job, with a range of resources to assist in leadership development, decision-making and resolving crew conflict. Articles tackle radio skills, the importance of coaching, tips for new officers and more. Share these articles with aspiring or new company officers to help maximize their skills and abilities.
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Your crewmembers are your lifeline to survival, so communicate as much as possible
The Fairfax County (Virginia) firefighter-paramedic talks crew bonding, firefighter reproductive health, and banishing ego to create space for vulnerable conversations
From department culture to personal self-reflection, several factors can help you answer the question
As a fire chief, you can’t stop traumatic calls from happening, but you can show up and support your crews before, during and after
Detailing alarm causes, actions to mitigate the incident and fire protection post-incident
A fire career isn’t always about flashovers and extrications; it’s often the little things that make the biggest impact on a community
Engine crews must be prepared to deploy ground ladders correctly, timely and aggressively for rescue
It’s important to connect with your fellow firefighters, get involved in training, and avoid silos
When an incident turns violent, firefighters should be familiar with the process for removing members from the scene
According to a recent report, 80% of millennial workers say they consider work-life balance when deciding whether to take a job
Learn the five ways imposter syndrome shows up in first responders and how you can combat the feelings
Everyone must be comfortable speaking up, no matter their rank or years on the job
We want firefighters who are willing to take risks, even if that means the occasional fail
Firefighters feel generally positive about the job, but they report high stress, and many have considered leaving their organization
How officers mitigate these stressors for the benefit of themselves, their crew and the department as a whole
The uncertainty of complex problems requires flexibility when crafting responses
We must slow down during the transition from ‘automatic’ to ‘effortful’ in our responses
Lt. Col. Harold Moore showed us how we can demonstrate true leadership to our crewmembers and our community
Transparent communication between city managers and fire chiefs is essential for building a strong partnership and ensuring the city’s overall wellbeing
There will be people who will work against you, but it’s critical to stay confident in who you are and remain positive
While the fire service has made huge strides in recognizing the importance of member wellness, every fire department across the country has room to improve
Go talk to your people and establish your expectations early
Developing systems and processes that support excellence ultimately drives effective leadership and fire department success
No loss of time due to an injury from falling out of your rig is acceptable, and certainly not a loss of life
Trust, honor and ethics must be central to your individual decision-making and organizational culture
Without a commitment to community risk reduction, your fire department can’t tout its role in the public safety business
We need to have systems in place that ensure fair and unbiased investigations are conducted into any allegation of hazing, harassment and bullying
Best practices for using built-in fire protection systems
When the crew starts to get a little crazy, it’s the company officer’s job to shut it down and redirect that energy
Zam takes the “who said it?” challenge to highlight some of the best advice from fire service leaders
10 steps to reduce the risk of financial misconduct, promoting a transparent and accountable organization
What you do every day for your community is important; how you classify information and report your activities is also important
Being a “people person” and a “department person” are essential for effective leadership. Dr. Ed Sherman and Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder continue the conversation.
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