We are all leaders. By Advocate Chris Huston – Michigan

From the day you leave the academy or get your firefighter certification you are a fire service leader. You have and should exercise the power to make positive change in your crew, your department and the fire service as a whole. You can lead just by listening to those around you.

I recently asked a number of firefighters “ If you could teach another firefighter one thing what would it be? I thought I would receive some (not all) answers like “Water makes the fire go out” or “Left for life, right for reach”. The answers I wanted to get, is exactly what I got. We have great people in our profession, I hope their words will resonate.

“Passion for the job, passion for one another, the desire to serve, the desire to learn, the passion to make the fire service and yourself better each day you serve.”

“If I had 10 minutes to teach something to a firefighter or officer it would be about Responsibility Empowerment Leadership.”

“Make sure everyone knows their SCBA like the back of their hand blindfolded.  While I believe the SCBA is one of the greatest improvements toward fire fighter safety, I further believe the SCBA is allowing fire fighters to travel deep into buildings without considering distance of travel, air supply, changing fire conditions, and building collapse, etc..”  Bottom line is we need to teach “Situational Awareness” by every person on the fire ground. Which moves me to my next point never enter a building without doing a 360 to know where your emergency egress points are. “

“The men and women who do this job are the fire service's greatest resource.  These lives must not be squandered without purpose.”

“The need and benefits of cardiovascular training, strength training and proper diet.”

"Pay Attention" If you pay attention in trainings, meetings, etc you will be more useful. Pay attention at a scene using what you've learned, you can prevent most accidents/injuries.”

“Being a firefighter is being something bigger than your self. You are part of the greatest profession in the world. Live the job, don't just do the job. Train, eat right and exercise not just for yourself but for the guy that rides backwards next to you.”

“Stay alert. Remember your basic training and be aware of your surroundings, listen and react to your senses.”

“Make sure you have all your safety apparatus on before you leave vehicles”.

“Always make sure that you know what is going on around you keeping in mind what could happen.”

“We are lucky to be called firefighters. Instill the pride back into the service, with that then maybe it would inspire others to get in gear and check that rig a little better, pay attention in training and talk to the "old guys". With all that will come a better firefighter and a better safer fire service. It all starts with pride and dedication.”

“Show the way. Everyday we can lead. Start by bringing your A game every time you step into the house. Be prepared for the day. Check your gear, your rig and your attitude. Take pride in yourself and your performance. When we all perform our best we will have profound effects on the communities we serve.”

These statements were made by your peers; Chiefs, Instructors, Company Officers and Firefighters. We have to believe that every one of us can be leaders, even if we are not officers. We can influence those around us to be safer, to stop unsafe acts, to be healthy, to train everyday and change the fire service culture. The result of all our efforts will be no Line of Duty Deaths.

Doing my best to ensure Everyone Goes Home and proudly supporting The 16 Firefighter “Lifestyle” Safety Initiatives.

{About the author. Michigan Firefighter I&II, NREMT-B, Probationary Instructor And Company Officer I&II certified. He is Assistant Training Officer for Bertrand Township Fire Training Division, a Fire Technician at DC Cook Nuclear Plant, a state Advocate for Everyone Goes Home and operates a D.I.Y. Firefighter website http://engineco22.net}