The "new economy"

This "new economy" is going to create some wonderful opportunities for the fire service. Let me explain. There's an old saying that goes something like this "You don't worry about where your next meal will come from when your belly is full." In other words, it's the hunger that drives our instinct to "hunt" for food. Budget cuts will mean there will be less food (money), forcing us to go on a hunt for new and creative ways to survive.

This can be a good thing because it will force fire administrators to look at solutions that before were not attractive. Again, back to my example, if you're not hungry, ants may not look like a tasty treat. But if you are starving, you may eat it (and might even enjoy them... I hear they're quite good when covered in chocolate). But if you are never forced to consider ants as a meal choice, you're far less likely to even consider them an option.

A fire department who has been able to survive on the budget plan that next year's budget will be equal to this year's budget plus 3% is in for a rude awakening. The new economy is going to force them to go on the hunt for new ways of doing business. What do I mean? Here's an example.

Let's say there's a fire alarm activation in a high school during school hours. Logic (and experience). Using my high school as an example (enrollment of about 2,500). There are no less than 1,000 cell phones in that school (my kids contribute 3 of them). If there is an actual fire in the school, the 9-1-1 phones are going to light up like a Christmas tree. So why is it that some fire departments send 3 engines, 2 ladders, 2 chiefs, a boat and a helicopter (ok, maybe a slight exaggeration... maybe they don't send the boat) to a fire alarm activation at a fully occupied high school. Send one company. If you get additional calls, upgrade. Controversial? Perhaps. But this type of response is, in my opinion, excessive and expensive. Helps to keep the numbers up and justify the staffing levels, for sure. But those staffing levels are going to change in this new economy and departments are going to be forced to hunt for new ways to do business.

Regionalization of services, consolidations, mergers, cooperative ventures... all on the table. Some years ago (age won't allow me to remember the year) we were going through some tough economic times and I wrote an article where I noted the tough economy will force departments to do things in new ways. Unfortunately, the economy turned around quickly and everyone was able to recover before they changed or starved and it was back to business as usual.

I am far less optimistic that this economy will turn around as quickly and we are all going to be forced to go on the hunt for new and innovative ways to survive... and thrive.

Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO
www.RichGasaway.com

This commentary was also posted on the Fire Service Chief Officer's Group on LinkedIn. My thanks to the visionary leadership of Fire Chief George Esbensen (Eden Prairie, Minnesota) for starting this group. I encourage you to join in the discussion here and there. Sharing thoughts and ideas makes all of us smarter.

Much to be thankful for

As we all know, the type of work we do does not take a holiday during the holidays. In fact, many fire and EMS services are often busier because of the stress and anxiety people have in their lives. In our profession we see the best and the worst of humanity and the Christmas holidays often put us in a position to see some pretty bad things.

Please take time to reflect on how good your life is and how fortunate you are to have been called this this vocation. No everyone can do what you do. That is why firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, police officers and all who provide public safety are so revered. Under the worst conditions, when everyone else would turn away, you rush in to help. It's your nature... its your duty... it's your calling.

During this holiday season, pause, give thanks to God for all your blessings, and thank those around you for standing by you in the good times and the bad times. Your support system (family and friends) is so incredibly important. Don't forget to let them know that. Merry Christmas to you all... and to all a good and fire safe night.

Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO
www.RichGasaway.com

Automatic aid can improve firefighter safety

I am hearing more and more about fire departments entering into mutual aid and automatic aid agreements. There are many reasons why this makes good sense. The first and most important reason I can think of is improved firefighter safety. If additional resources are dispatched from a neighboring department at the same time your department is dispatched then it stands to reasons the delay in their arrival will be reduced significantly. This can improve firefighter safety. By increasing the number of firefighters on the scene, the stress and strain on everyone is reduced. Simply stated there are more people to share the workload. An automatic aid department can also serve as your rapid intervention team/crew.

Depending in the size of your community and the proximity of the neighboring department's station(s), there is a risk the neighboring department could arrive at the fire before your department does. Short of bruising the ego of your firefighters, I struggle to see the downside of having the closest and quickest fire department arrive first.

The mission of all fire department is to reduce the loss of life and property while ensuring the safety of the firefighters. Automatic aid will help you achieve your mission.

Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO
www.RichGasaway.com

The foundation of a great fire department

The foundation of a great fire department is built in three things: A strong organizational MISSION, an articulate and forward-thinking VISION, strong CORE VALUES. When I talk with departments that are having problems it almost always comes down to problems with members being out of focus as to the real reason they joined the fire service in the first place. As leaders, we have an obligation to ensure our members are involved in the development of the mission, are well-informed of the department's vision (direction), and live by the core values that are non-negotiable.

It doesn't matter if you are a formal leader or an informal leader, holding each other accountable for behavior that is consistent with the mission, vision, and core values is everyone's responsibility. Remember, if you allow undesirable behavior, it is the same as giving your permission for it to occur.

Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO
www.RichGasaway.com

Finding the good in a bad economy

We are officially in a recession. Now what? Companies are laying off record numbers of workers. Now what? State and local governments are predicting huge deficits. Now what?

As tax revenues decline, local governments will be forced to reduce budgets. This can result in significant challenges to the providers of local government services, especially those who provide essential services.

Fire departments who have done the same thing the same way for a long period of time may find it difficult to find creative solutions in these difficult times. However difficult it it may be, fire department leaders must break out of the "that's the way we've always done it" mold and think creatively. I know of no vocation that is required to be more creative on a regular basis than the fire service. However, you are used to solving other people's problems and this time the problem is yours.

It is harder to solve a problem when you are emotionally attached to it. No fire department wants to cut any services that dedicated personnel have worked so hard to provide. No fire department wants to see members receive a pay raise that does not keep pace with inflation. No fire department wants to merge with a neighboring department and risk giving up their identity. But all these things are on the table.

Challenging economic times like these do not create character, but such times will expose the character of your members and challenge your leadership. I encourage you to be strong, principled, rational, and above all else, open-minded as you look for innovative ways to weather this stormy economy.

Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO
http://www.richgasaway.com/

Firefighter Safety

A while back I had an opportunity to do a ride-along with a large metropolitan fire department. I don't get the chance to do that very often so it was a real treat for me. As I was sitting around the dinner table with the crew, they were complaining about the city's lack of concern for their safety, citing example after example of where the city had denied purchases of equipment and gear that would make their jobs safer. It all seemed legitimate.

Then we got dispatched for a call and I got to watch, as they bolted to the trucks, donned their gear, mounted the rigs, and sped off to the emergency... and not one of them wore their seat belts. If you're going to complain about your city's lack of concern for your safety, don't be a hypocrite by failing to take the steps to ensure your own safety by wearing your seat belt. The quickest way to lose your credibility is to complain about what someone else is doing, only to do the same thing yourself. Wear your seat belts! It's the easiest thing you can do to improve your safety.

Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO
http://www.richgasaway.com/

Lightweight Truss Construction

While this blog is dedicated to improving fire and emergency services leadership, I want to take some editorial privilege to discuss a fire we had in Roseville yesterday at a four-unit apartment complex (a "quadplex" in the size-up given by Neil Sjostrom). The two-story building had heavy smoke emitting from the front door and a basement egress window. The attack crew was at the front door reporting hot, zero visibility conditions. Assistant Chief Tim O'Neill (Operations reported an all-clear on the unit from information provided by civilians, bu there was a dog inside. I ordered a defensive attack strategy... on a building where only one unit out of four is burning and the fire was spreading quickly. The crew used a thermal imager to assess heat conditions and try to locate the fire. There was high heat in the basement and on the first floor, consistent with the hot, angry, brown smoke that I was observing. They broke out the living room window and flowed some water into the structure. Bingo! The bulk of the fire was knocked down. Positive pressure ventilation was started which improved visibility and the crew entered to find a portion of the living room floor burned away. If they would have entered with high heat and zero visibility, they would have fell through into the basement... and we all know from the NIOSH reports how those usually turn out. I commend the discipline and experience of this crew led by shift commander David Brosnahan to know when NOT to enter. It saved their lives. When the fire was out, we went in to observe lightweight truss construction in the flooring (2x2s with particle board between them). In the end, one unit suffered heavy damage and the other three were completely spared... and we all returned safety to the firehouse! Amen.

Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO
www.RichGasaway.com

Bailout the American people

Bailouts are abounding. First $700 billion for the financial industry. Now car makes, home builders and more are lining up for federal handouts. Enough! By the time the dust settles on all this, these federal gifts of your tax dollars will cost more than $400,000 for every adult American.

Here's a idea. Just give each adult American a $400,000 check. Talk about a recovery plan?!?! How could you go wrong with this bailout plan? Doesn't matter what a person does with the money, the economy benefits. Buy a house=economy benefits. Buy a new car=economy benefits. Fund a retirement plan=economy benefits. Pay off your credit card debt=economy benefits. Invest in the stock market=economy benefits. Take a vacation=economy benefits. Buy a new TV=economy benefits. Where's the downside?

There is a downside. There is no such thing as "free" money. The billions the government pumps into bailout plans will contribute substantially to the debt that already chokes our economy. As the federal deficit continues to grow, our economy will continue to suffer.

How is this current economy impacting you? How have you benefited from the federal bailouts?

Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO
http://www.richgasaway.com/

Training Grant Funding Deadline

November 30 Application Deadline to Apply for Online Training Grant Funding

This is a reminder that November 30 is the last day to apply for a grant for online training. TargetSafety, a VCOS partner and supporter, has established that as the final date when U.S. volunteer and combination fire departments can apply for their $1.5 million online training grant.

Almost 200 applications have already been received from departments located in 45 different states. Among the states with the highest number of grant submissions are Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, North Carolina and Texas followed closely by Iowa, Illinois, Massachusetts and Montana.

“Last year, TargetSafety and the VCOS awarded $1 million in grant funding to volunteer and combination departments across the U.S.,” said Chief Timothy S. Wall, VCOS chair. “With an additional half million dollars in funding this year, we hope to reach even more departments, providing a greater number of firefighters with the training necessary to do their jobs safely and efficiently.”

Those awarded the grant will receive six months of free access to TargetSafety’s PreventionLink™ online training and records management platform. The platform includes 15 hours of essential firefighter training from a choice of NFPA-approved fire curriculum, EMS continuing education, OSHA, human resources and general safety courses. Grant winners will also receive web-based tools for assigning, tracking and recording all online and instructor-led training as well as documenting inspections, policy reviews and other compliance-related tasks.
Volunteer and combination fire departments interested in applying for the grant can go to www.targetsafety.com/grant. Online applications must be submitted no later than November 30, 2008. TargetSafety and the VCOS will review all applications and notify grant winners by December 31. The program runs through June 30, 2009.

“As a partner of the VCOS and the IAFC, and a provider of online firefighter training since 1999, TargetSafety is absolutely committed to the men and women of the fire service,” said Kyle Kaechele, Managing Director, PreventionLink Services. “Through this program, we can help firefighters receive the instruction they need. We can also help training officers and fire chiefs easily document this training and other required compliance tasks.”
For more information about the grant, please contact TargetSafety directly at 877.944.6372 or firegrant@targetsafety.com.

Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO
http://www.richgasaway.com/

The signs and symptoms of pride

As I get the occasion to visit fire departments I can tell so much about the department just by visiting their fire station and looking around. The signs and symptoms of their pride (or lack of) are all around for me to see. Little things tell so much. Clean trucks, clean floors, clean restrooms, empty trash cans, clean gear neatly stored... all signs and symptoms. What magazines are on the tables? Are they fire/rescue journals? Or are they periodicals on topics completely unrelated to fire/rescue? What's posted on the bulletin board? Messages about firefighter safety and upcoming training? Or classified ads from firefighters trying to sell an old car or motorcycle? How are the firefighters dressed? Nearly every day firefighters are going to get an opportunity to make a first impression on someone. Impression begins with "impress." Are your firefighters dressed to impress? Are the firefighters friendly and welcoming?

Think about how you judge a fast food restaurant. You want the restaurant to be clean and orderly and the staff to be kind and professional. So it is for fire/rescue services too.

Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO
http://www.richgasaway.com/

ISO Proposing Changes

ISO is FINALLY proposing changes to their fire protection rating schedule. Their existing system has been criticized for not being reflective of the true quality of fire protection services in many communities. Credit to ISO for listening to the criticism and for engaging the fire service in discussions about how to improve their rating program.

Below is information about the changes. I encourage you to visit their website and provide them with feedback on the proposed changes.

Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO
http://www.richgasaway.com/




ISO is embarking on a project to review and, if warranted, update the content of the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). Our objective for this “Draft Concept FSRS 2009” project is to identify portions of the current PPCTM evaluation worthy of potential revision.

Over the next few months, we want to engage in discussions with a variety of stakeholders in organizations that deal with water, fire, and emergency communications. We’re seeking feedback on the scope and feasibility of the possible revisions.

We offer the following draft outline of items under consideration for revision. We hope the topics will serve as a framework for feedback you may wish to give us.
Increased reference to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards
Possible revisions include: a requirement that, for a PPC better than 10, the fire department must have sufficient membership to assure response by at least 6 members (including the chief) to fires in structures eliminating the current ISO equipment inventory and replacing it with reference to pumper and ladder/service equipment listed in NFPA 1901 recognition of Initial Rapid Intervention Crew and Rapid Intervention Crew teams, according to NFPA 1500
an increase in minimum pump capacity for engines for Class 9 communities from 50 gpm to 250 gpm, in accordance with NFPA standards additional emphasis on firefighter safety and training:
training and credentialing for fire officers in accordance with National Incident Management System (NIMS) recommendations and NFPA 1021 training for fire apparatus drivers and operators in accordance with NFPA 1002 and 1451 no credit for training without proper documentation reference to firefighter safety requirements requirement for personal protective ensemble (PPE) clothing for all fire-suppression personnel at structure fires recognition of automatic-aid personnel responding to first-alarm structure fires extension of full credit for automatic-aid response plans to first-alarm structure fires when the departments have satisfied certain criteria for interoperability.

Training and development: An investment in your people

As municipalities and fire departments look to tighten their budget belts, some tough decisions are sure to be made. One area sure to be evaluated is the budget for training and professional development. Cities and departments who reduce or eliminate this item are taking a short-term and short-sided view of how important it is, especially when budgets are tight, to ensure your employees have access to the latest technologies and techniques to be the most efficient and effective employees they can be. And while they are working extra hard to "do more with less" you can show them how much you appreciate their efforts by rewarding them with additional training and development. It is truly a "win-win" scenario. The employee feels appreciated, and the employer gains the benefit of a smarter employee. I cannot think of a better way to spend a budget dollar than on training and development.

Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO
http://www.richgasaway.com/

Dr. Gasaway Recipient of International Research Award

Dr. Gasaway Research on Situation Awareness Wins International Research Award

Roseville (MN) Fire Chief Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, was selected as the recipient of the prestigious FIRE/W. L. Gore Research Excellence Award at the 2008 Fire Related Research & Developments Conference held November 12-13 at the British Fire Service College in Moreton In Marsh, Gloucestershire, England.

The award was based on conference organizers evaluations of 32 research presentation submissions on topics related to fire and emergency services. Gasaway’s research paper and presentation were titled Fireground Command Decision Making: Understanding the Barriers Challenging Commander Situation Awareness. The presentation was based on scientific research Gasaway conducted to help improve the safety of firefighters operating at the scenes of emergencies.

“In light of the exceptional group of talented researchers who presented at this year’s conference, I am incredibly honored to have been selected for this award,” Dr. Gasaway stated. “An award of this stature serves as a vindication that my research has value20to firefighters in America and around the world. Thank you to the Fire Journal and W. L. Gore for their sponsorship and to the panel who selected my work for this recognition.”

Dr. Gasaway is a Firehouse.com contributor and host of The Leader’s Toolbox podcast program. Gasaway is considered to be one of the nation9 9s leading fire service authorities on the topic of fireground situation awareness and fireground command decision making under stress. This research has been adapted into a national firefighter safety program called Fifty Ways to Kill Your Brother©. The research has also been published in a book that is available on his website, http://www.richgasaway.com/. If you would like more information about his research endeavors or to inquire about a program presentation, you can reach Dr. Gasaway at RBG3100@aol.com.

British Fire Service College

Greetings from the British Fire Service College where I am attending and presenting at a research symposium. This is my first trip "across the pond" and it has been very enjoyable. The people are very nice. Many things are different from what I am used to, including the accents, public transportation, prices, cell phone service, time difference... just to name a few. The symposium has been very enlightening as the UK perspective on some things (like firefighter safety) are very different (and often much better). They struggle to understand why so many U.S. firefighters are being killed annually, especially for simple things like not wearing seatbelts. I've been asked that question at least five times. I honestly don't know how to answer it. What could possibly the be viable excuse for not wearing a seatbelt?

It will be interesting to learn the U.K. perspective on my presentation on fireground command decision making. I wonder if some of the problems we face here in the States are universal... or unique. I'm guessing I'll find out tomorrow.

Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO
www.RichGasaway.com

Election Results

The election is over and the voters have spoken. Regardless of whether you are republican, democrat, independent or another party, you are first, and foremost, and American. We have an obligation to support our elected leaders. If there was one thing that bothered me most about this election season, it was how negative the politics were and how easy it was for some politicians to throw our President under the bus. I don't agree with all the policies of our present Administration as I am confident I will not agree with all the policies of our new President and his Administration. But that does not mean I have to be mean spirited and attack the man because I think (from the comfort of my living room) that I could do a better job. It's not fair.

If you think you can do a better job than someone who holds and elected office, then run for that office. And if you do run for office, for God's sake, please tell me about the things you can do to make my life better (and less complicated). I don't want to hear you bash your opponent. Even if every bad thing you say about your opponent is true, it does not make me want to vote for you. I judge your behavior on the campaign trail as the behavior I can expect from you when you are in office. Don't tell me how you are a team player, a great communicator and a great problem solver, and then behave in ways that are not consistent with those qualities when dealing with your opponent. It makes you look like a hypocrite.

We are going through some tough times. Tough times do not build character, it exposes it. As a leader, people are watching you to and they take their cues from you about how to behave. Show yourself as a calm and predictable leader, worthy of the trust and confidence that your followers so desperately want to have in you.

Best wishes to our outgoing President George Bush and the members of his Administration. Thank you to Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin for their desire to lead our great country. Congratulations to President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden on a well-run campaign. I wish you much success with the challenges you will face when you take office. Your success will mean our success.

Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO
www.RichGasaway.com

Economic Opportunities

Unless you are living under a rock, you know we are experiencing tough times. High energy costs, home foreclosures, corporate and financial industry failures, stock market downturns... it all seems like bad news. But in this bad news, there may be opportunity.

As cities begin to feel the strain of these difficult economic times, so will the fire department. For example, I believe many fire departments will be asked to take budget cuts, to reduce staffing, to cut services, downsize training, and more.

When this happens, you will be at a crossroads. You can go down the path of slash and burn, painful cuts and reduced service. Or, alternatively, you can look for new and creative ways to ensure your customer continues to get great service.

Look at the way you provide services. Do you send a full response assignment to every alarm drop? Maybe you don't have to do that. Do you bring every member in from home for every call for service? Maybe you don't have to do that. Is your department surrounded by other communities who duplicates every service you provide? Maybe it's time to strike up some regional cooperation. Or... dare I say it... mergers and consolidations. When you eliminate the duplication of services, money is saved. Money that can be put toward ensuring the residents receive the same, or improved levels of care during difficult economic times.

These challenging economic times are going to require changes in the way you do business. Do you want to be pushed and forced to change? Or do you want to be proactive and a leader of change? The time to decide is now... because the forces of change are already set in motion.

Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO
http://www.richgasaway.com/

The Leader's Toolbox on Firehouse.com

Join Dr. Richard B. Gasaway as he hosts the Leader's Toolbox podcast program on Firehouse.com.

http://dynamic.firehouse.com/broadcast/category/the-leaders-toolbox/

Richard G. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO
www.RichGasaway.com

Beer in the fire station...

Within the past year, the elected officials to two Minnesota cities have voted to alow the fire department to have, serve, and consume alcohol in the fire station. In at least one case, these actions were taken against the advice of their city attorney and was in conflict with the recommendation of the legal counsel at the League of Minnesota Cities.

In my travels, I continually talk with fire service leaders who tell me about the struggles they have with being viewed as professionals, with being on equal footings with their police public safety partners, and with their councils supporting their efforts to progress their departments.

When I read headlines like these, I cannot help but wonder what impact it has on our profession. It doesn't matter if you are fully paid, part-time, paid-on-call, or volunteer, there is an expectation of professional service when we are called into action. If someone's house is on fire, or if their loved one is having a medical emergency, the expectation is that you arrive quickly, be well-trained, and offer competent service.

It's not too much to ask that the firefighters and EMTs who come to our aid be sober... in fact, not only sober, but be completely alcohol free.

So I don't sound like an anti-alcohol advocate, let me make it clear. I am not opposed to people enjoying a drink, or two, or more. What I am opposed to is firefighters who enjoy a drink, or two, or more, and then respond to emergency calls for service from a customer who expects, and deserves better.

We will never earn the respect we so yearn to have from our residents and elected officials so long as incidents like this make the news headlines.

Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO
www.RichGasaway.com

If I live to be 100...

If I live to be 100, I don’t know if I will ever…

… see anything as ugly as an emergency vehicle involved in a high-speed crash.

… hear anything as sad as bagpipes being played at a firefighter’s funeral.

… smell anything as bad as burned flesh.

… have as bad a taste in my mouth as when politics are played with firefighter health & safety.

… fully appreciate the sacrifices my family made because I chose to be a firefighter.

Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO
www.RichGasaway.com

Welcome

Welcome to the Fire Service Leadership Initiative (FSLI). For nearly 30 years I have been involved in fire and emergency services organizations. In that time, I have had the opportunity to meet thousands of dedicated leaders representing many organizations from around the world. I have also had the opportunity to observe and study the best, and unfortunately, the worst leadership that our profession has to offer. This site is dedicated to those who want to be exceptional leaders. Thank you for visiting and I welcome your feedback.

Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO
www.RichGasaway.com