Everyone has a valid viewpoint. And everyone should be willing to compromise.
Do The Right Thing
Category Archives: Photos
Congress, Do The Right Thing!
The fire service never leaves anyone behind. Our nation should do the same.
Congress, listen to “the people” and do the right thing!
From Paul Combs:
Daily DRAWN BY FIRE – This illustration was first published in 2010. I find it heartbreaking, discouraging, and infuriating that I can republish it today! The Zadroga Act is not a political football for the House to fumble – contact your Congressional rep and demand they stand up for what’s right. This illustration and message has been forwarded to my Congressman Bob Latta (R) Ohio.
Here are a few articles on the latest… I’ll post more as I get time.
House committee’s revised bill to renew Zadroga Act draws opposition from Democrats
This Powerful Image Shows Why Jon Stewart Is Fighting So Hard For 9/11 Heroes
Zadroga Act Adovcates Make Final Push For Renewal As Congress Deadline Looms
Battling Fire On December 7, 1941
Gallant actions by firefighters battling fire while bullets and bombs rained down on Pearl Harbor.
Official U.S. Navy photo of firefighters battling the fire on the U.S.S. West Virginia that was started by Japanese torpedoes and bombs in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941.
So Much New But Not Much Has Changed
So much is new in the fire service: smarter technology, stronger equipment, more efficient techniques, and safer gear. But our greatest challenge, our real purpose, remains the same: to save lives and to protect property.
Old school, it’s pretty much the same as new school.
We Remember
We remember the horror of those planes crashing, the Twin Towers falling, and the Pentagon burning. We remember seeing some of the last moments of those who died on that day. We remember their heroism.
Ancora Imparo At The National Fire Academy
If you know me, you know that “I am still learning.” That’s what my brick at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Walk of Honor located on the grounds of the National Fire Academy in Emittsburg, Maryland says. The words, “Ancora Imparo,” are said to have been spoken by Michelangelo on his 87th birthday. Translated from Italian, “Ancora Imparo” simply means “I am still learning.” I have always believed that we have to be constant learners, always discovering new and better ways for living and working together. So, what better place to say this than at the NFA, a setting for learning and improving.
Are You Playing With These Two?
We face a variety of dangerous factors in our job everyday. Some are unexpected and have a mind of their own. But most are predictable and preventable. This cartoon by Paul Combs reminds us of one of those issues we can predict and prevent, simply by being aware of it and wearing our protective gear.
Dave Dodson says, “Smoke is fuel–airborne solids, aerosols, and gases that are capable of further burning…”
So why would you want to breathe it or let it soak into your skin?
Give some extra thought to how smoke hurts us, and let’s look out for each other. Make sure we’re wearing protective gear when we should!
Merry Christmas 2014
Why Do We Have This Policy?
Sometimes, the more policies that are put in place, the less your members will feel accountable for tasks. What may seem like a good policy may actually be affecting members and your fire department’s mission in a negative way.
Are Some of Your Policies Counterproductive?
- Review WHY the policy was created and decide if there’s still a valid reason to have it. If not, get rid of it!
- Does the policy contain unproductive tasks (We’ve always done it that way) that have potential for improvement? Revise it for better productivity!
How Can You Stop Counterproductive Policies?
- Decentralize authority and responsibility. Empower your members to make decisions.
- Be an advocate for change. Be willing to try something new.
- If you do need a policy, design it to be focused on getting work done, not slowing it down.
For better organization and productivity, keep it simple and ask, Why do we need it? How do we do it?” and “What will it do for us?
We Are All Team Members
Unfortunately, this is often true.
I think teamwork is a great way to deliver effective, positive results for any project. Teams help grow leaders, develop a culture of learning, and improve performance.
Action-oriented teams understand why they are working on a project, ask the right questions to develop how best to get it done, and collectively form what needs to be done to ensure that change takes place.
Real teamwork takes a commitment to work together!