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/