Tag Archives: professional development

I've been truly fortunate to have a really fulfilling second career as a freelance writer after retiring as a fire department battalion chief. And the journey to get there has been kind of unique but I'm sure most freelance writers would say something similar if asked.

From time to time, I like to give you--my loyal readers!--and newcomers an opportunity to see previously posted blogs on a particular subject. When I've done so in the past, many of you have commented that it was nice to reread a piece or read one you've missed without having to search around. So, without further ado, today's topic is you and your fire service career planning and development.

With my acceptance into the program, I joined a cohort of 21 other members who are newly appointed fire chiefs and aspiring fire chiefs from around the nation. Before our first session in May, retired Fire Chief Mary Beth Michos, the coordinator for FSEDI, sent out biographies of each cohort member. As I read through the other 21 biographies, I was “floored”, awed, daunted, and honored. Impressive is an understatement for the biographies. I fumble to find the right word to describe the group of individuals I was reading about: remarkable, inspiring, extraordinary, amazing… No pressure.

I'm not saying that a more educated officer corps will prevent those kinds of things from happening in a department, but I am saying that I believe that it will reduce the organizational risk to a large degree.