Fire News Virginia, December 2021 edition

Page 4

Page 4, Fire News, December 2021/January 2022

FireNews.com

From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Are You Ready To Lead? As I write my December editorial, Thanksgiving is almost upon us. I sincerely hope you “remember the reason for all seasons,” and give thanks that you are part of one of the greatest organizations, namely, the Fire Service! Over the next few weeks, our departments will be holding their elections of new officers. I know some of you hold elections of new officers later in 2022. Regardless, whenever you hold elections, my thoughts for new officers are the same. Sitting in the front seat is only a small part of your job. Are you ready to lead by example? A few weeks ago, I attended a Lieutenant Joseph P. Dibernardo Seminar. If you were not there, especially as an upcoming officer, you missed a terrific three-day seminar that challenged the skills of everyone who attended. As I photographed the firefighters utilizing the search maze, I realized my place is behind the lens. Wow! Were the participants challenged! I spoke with a few members who finished the course. Their comments were similar and concluded that they were out of shape and needed to get back to the gym. As a new officer, or even an officer who is in a second year of the position, are you ready for the challenging call? I urge you to look into the mirror and evaluate yourself. We live in troubled times. Can you handle the serious or unconventional call that

you are presented with when you get off the truck? As a new officer, it is your job to motivate your crew. Is your crew serious about doing truck maintenance? If you weren’t serious about this as a firefighter, chances are your crew will follow in your footsteps. The last thing you need as an officer is to ask for a piece of equipment and it does not work. Guess what? You as the officer could be liable for not following through and checking what your crews did during truck maintenance. Remember, when your members speak to you, listen completely! Don’t just evaluate your members, evaluate yourself first. Lead by example. If you want your team to get up at 0300, you better be there with them. As we enter the holiday season and hold Santa parades, breakfasts with Santa, and toy drives, remember to set the example and exude professionalism and goodwill toward the people you serve. According the US Fire Administration, the fire service has lost 118 active firefighters in the Line of Duty. As a new officer, visit the US F i r e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n o n l i n e a t https://apps.u sfa.fema.gov/firefighter-fatalities/. Click on a few of the names of our fallen members and look at the causes of the fatalities. No matter what holiday you are enjoying with

your loved ones, pray for those who are away from their families and let those who lost loved ones in 2021, know that you are there for them. Remember the words of an ex-chief in my division who was taken from this world too soon. As a chaplain, Rick ended his prayers to us by saying, “Remember the reason for the season.” He encouraged all of us to give thanks and to be watchful over each other. To all of you; May the true reason for the season be remembered. From the staff at Fire News, have a blessed holiday season. Merry Christmas! - Dennis


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