Much is being written and discussed about the fire service and its culture of risk-taking and the influence of that culture on firefighter deaths and injuries. But there is also the culture of the firehouse, and that’s the culture that’s influencing the inappropriate behaviors, on and off the job, that are resulting in careers being ruined, lawsuits being filed, and in the worst cases, firefighters taking their own lives.

I applaud that BC, whomever he or she may be, because they are a fire service champion. And champions are what our younger firefighters need if we're going to maximize our use of their thoughts, ideas, and talents to keep moving the fire service forward in the 21st century.

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.

Retired battalion chief Robert Avsec shares insights and comments from PTSD sufferers in an effort to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding PTSD and other mental health issues for firefighters and EMS personnel.

Come again? Without admitting guilt? I don’t know about the average citizen, but when I see a local government paying $1.75 million to a plaintiff in a sexual harassment case, I see “guilty”, how about you?

Currently our department doesn't have an SOP/SOG on file in regards to whether or not to mask up prior to arriving on scene to a fire. As it currently stands, we've had one person injured (newer to the department,) from being told to do this prior to exiting the fire apparatus. Some feel that it should be done, while others feel that it is a matter of safety to actually mask up just after exiting the fire apparatus once on scene.

The reality that's "hitting" home with many Fire & EMS organizations today, however, is that their citizens do have a choice.  In the current economic climate, where most local governments are having to make tough fiscal decisions, elected officials and their constituents are making "buy" or "no buy" decisions regarding the public safety services for their community. 

So, if you’re “scouting” the potential officer talent in your fire and EMS organization to see where your future officers might be coming from, what should be your scouting criteria?

You want someone in that pre-contemplation stage to suddenly go out and purchase four smoke alarms? You’re going to have to find ways to proverbially rip their heart out... go for the gut... make ‘em cry... get them laughing... none of which is accomplished by “it’s the law” or “your fire department wants you to...”

The reality is, those aren’t really the people we’re after. We’re after those that don’t have any working smoke or CO alarms, have kids but no home escape plan, or just don’t care/lack the knowledge about fire safety. We’re after those people, because they present the greatest and most imminent risk.