Some Belated New Year's Resolutions

Last week's commentary was called, "So what are you going to do about it?"
I began a great deal of inner reflection about this, and I was presented the opportunity to address some new recruit firefighters at their graduation exercise. I am relaying the short version of what I said to these new recruits for all of us, (myself included).

I guess this is my answer to what can we do about it....as related in the form of some belated New Year's resolutions.

Resolve that this year during emergencies, and more importantly between emergencies you will practice respect for other people, tolerance for other's beliefs, compassion and understanding.

Consider the fire service as an honor and a privilege each and every day. Be proud that you are a member and don't do anything that would tarnish the honor, or lose that privilege.

Take 10 minutes of every day to study and perfect your personal training skills and knowledge.

Understand that your chief has a boss, and that the citizens of your community will not always see the needs of your department as you see them. Work for improvement and change where you can but do not be consumed by it's difficulties.

Resolve to understand those in your department who do not feel the same way about the job as you do...
- If you have a great and sincere passion, others may view it just as a job.
- If you view it just as a job, others may view it with great passion.

Resolve that this year you will answer every alarm properly geared up, turnout gear intact and secured SCBA on, and PASS device armed.

Try to listen twice as much as you speak.

Start to exercise, eat right and personally train so that we can reduce the risks of heart attacks which take so many of our brother and sister firefighters.

Spend quality time with your family and friends. They are always with you in difficult times, share your job with them and do not shut them out.

Every day you go to work or at on duty at the station give 100% of your effort to the people you work with and the citizens you protect. Let people know you can be counted on, and your word is good.

Try to solve problems at least 10% more of the time then you do complaining about problems!

Spend some time doing fire prevention education and work. Many lives will be saved by these important efforts and we often neglect them.

Participate in every training, educational opportunity, and be an active member of every committee that you can, so that we can redcue the tragic loss of 90 - 100 firefighters every year.

I wish all of you great success in this endeavor and I hope you will wish me the same....this won't be easy!

Tell me what you think, e-mail with your comments and / opinions.