Hello all, sorry I've been away for so long but I had been studying for a promotion test and busy teaching a Firefighter Level I class. Which just happened to lead me to my next entry....the Volunteer fire service as a whole. A few of you on twitter also expressed some input on this topic as well as far as the problem with the Volunteer service and wanted my input. Well, here goes.
I love being an instructor, sort of like being an officer or senior firefighter, it gives me a chance to give back to the rookies and newbies and teach them what I've been taught along the way. But, it also gives me a way to let others learn from my mistakes without (hopefully) making those same mistakes themselves. This recent firefighter level I class pushed my patience to the brink and I found myself comparing my class to the Volunteer fire service.
I felt like there weren't enough students who were taking this job (class) seriously. A lot of them were more interested in texting, playing on their phones, and just general goofing around in class than they were paying attention. I had published and advertised the dates a month ahead of time so there would be no question about class dates and times. I also let them know on day 1 what would be expected of them and the classroom work and hands on skills that they would have to complete. 2 weeks into class, I had students telling me 10pm in the evening was too late to be having class because they had kids, a job, etc. some other students would tell me after doing ladder raises they were tired, it was hot, etc. It was really all I could do to not tell them exactly what I was thinking.
About 2/3 of the class passed the written final, which I was very pleased with for this group. But, I really feel like maybe this new generation of young kids could be a real problem for the future of the fire service if we don't do something about it now.
A LOT of places have problems at their volunteer departments, whether it be the "old guys" not wanting to participate with drills, training, classes, etc., or the young guys who just want to be there for the t-shirt and the red lights. As a the Chief at my Volunteer Dept., I find myself asking myself this question quite often..."what can I do to make this department flourish?" I have "old guys" and young guys both and I do believe there is a place for everyone, but how can I use them ALL effectively?
The biggest problem I'm seeing right now in my area is that we have a lot of people (young and old) who want to be associated with a FD, but I don't think they want to put in the time and effort it truly takes to become the best they can be. Whether it be taking classes, building morale, cleaning the station, learning streets/area/trucks/equipment, young and old need to involved in this aspect. I was always taught "lead by example," but now I'm finding that doesn't always work. This new generation of members have this sense of entitlement, like they don't have to work to get anything or anywhere....it should just be given to them. I have worked hard to help make my department the best that it can be, along with the hard work and dedication of present and past members.
I hope to post more on this topic in the future, but please give me some feedback. Let me know what other topics you want to see here at "The Bench."
