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
Sunday, October 26, 2008
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
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
… 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
Sunday, October 19, 2008
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
Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, EFO, CFO
www.RichGasaway.com
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