We know, the FSP Blog was a little neglected in 2013. We're trying to fix that for the new year but need your input. What would you like to see here from us? Book recommendations? Opinions and advice? A little bit of everything? Let us know!
As I was trying to come up with ideas I happened upon Ira's FDNY Tales blog (
fdnytales.wordpress.com) and realized I never posted this gem here. Deputy Chief Vincent Dunn discusses what he learned from 40+ years on the job. Definitely worth a read
1. The fire service is a dangerous profession. Every year, on average 100 firefighters die and another 80,000 are injured.
To stay safe, study and learn about your emergency work and its hazards. Knowledge of your job enhances safety.
2. Heart attacks are the number-one killer of firefighters. Remain in good physical and mental condition.
A lifelong commitment to exercise and good living can save your life and make you a better firefighter.
3.
The military, police and fire service - we are all in dangerous
professions where members risk their lives. But fire fighting is
different.
We have the best of the death professions. For example, in the military
to be a good soldier you may have to shoot people.
In law enforcement, to be a good police officer you may have to arrest
people. In the fire service, to be a good firefighter we have to save
lives.
After your career is over, your memories will be good ones.
4.
The job makes the man or woman; the man or woman does not make the job.
What does this mean? It means look at your supervisor or chief.
You will most likely assume some of the personality traits of that
person during work. We rarely change the job. The job changes us.
When you set your sights on a position or rank, look closely at the
person who has that job, because you may become like him or her.
5.
Support your boss. The top job is the toughest assignment in your
department. If you get an opportunity to work with the chief, take it.
You will see close-up the pressures and stresses of the position. So, if
later you achieve the position, you will know what to expect.
6. Work for labor-management cooperation. You may have to work with a
union official without compromising your management responsibilities.
This is tough to do but it's the only way. If you become involved in an
explosive labor-management situation, remember after the crisis is over
we all have to work together again.
7. Balance your work in the fire service and your family.
After you accomplish all your life goals and ambitions at work, you will
then understand, like I did, you could not have accomplished it without
their love and support.
8. A firefighter is a social worker with muscles. The fire service is
physical social work. You help people by stretching hose lines and
raising ladders.
(Vincent Dunn, Deputy Chief, retired)
In November I had a chance to attend one of Chief Dunn's seminars. Great teacher and great storyteller.
- See more at: http://www.fire-police-ems.com/misc/fdny-tales-stories-lessons.shtml#sthash.MEAo709H.dpuf
1. The fire service is a dangerous profession. Every year, on average 100 firefighters die and another 80,000 are injured.
To stay safe, study and learn about your emergency work and its hazards. Knowledge of your job enhances safety.
- See more at: http://www.fire-police-ems.com/misc/fdny-tales-stories-lessons.shtml#sthash.MEAo709H.dpuf
1. The fire service is a dangerous profession. Every year, on average 100 firefighters die and another 80,000 are injured.
To stay safe, study and learn about your emergency work and its hazards. Knowledge of your job enhances safety.
- See more at: http://www.fire-police-ems.com/misc/fdny-tales-stories-lessons.shtml#sthash.MEAo709H.dpuf
