To summarize so far – As part of the National Fire Academy (NFA) Executive Fire Officer Program (EFOP), the student is required to author an Applied Research Project (ARP) within six months of completing each of the four classes. For the executive Leadership class ARP, I sent a survey to 50 metropolitan departments including my […]
Continue readingCategory Archives: Leadership
Important Qualities for Fire Service Leadership – Part 2
To summarize so far – As part of the National Fire Academy (NFA) Executive Fire Officer Program (EFOP), the student is required to author an Applied Research Project (ARP) within six months of completing each of the four classes. I completed an ARP that culminated in describing the top ten leadership qualities that fire departments […]
Continue readingImportant Qualities for Fire Service Leadership – Part 1
As part of the National Fire Academy (NFA) Executive Fire Officer Program (EFOP), the student is required to author an Applied Research Project (ARP) within six months of completing each of the four classes. After attending the NFA for the Executive Leadership course, I completed an ARP that culminated in describing the top ten leadership […]
Continue reading
Leadership In A Crisis – Line Of Duty Death (LODD)
There have been many articles, papers, policies and procedures written regarding a LODD. The last thing a parent wants to get is a phone call at 2 AM from the hospital regarding one of their children having been involved in an auto crash. I know, I got one of those calls. Fortunately it was only […]
Continue reading
The Generational Gap
Here we go. My thoughts on Baby Boomers vs generation X vs millennials and, why I believe we in the fire service are making a issue that shouldn’t be a issue. Baby Boomers. The people that were raised knowing if you wanted something you’d have to work for it. Stuff wasn’t just handed to you. […]
Continue reading
Key points for scene size ups
Emergency scene size up can be defined as “A rapid mental evaluation of various factors related to an emergency incident”, or “An initial on-scene report by the first arriving unit that is clear, concise and relevant”. The fire service loves acronyms and of course we have some for scene size-up. Some of these acronyms are long […]
Continue reading
6 Strategies to connect with others
Communicating with another firefighter while both wearing masks can sometimes be very difficult. With sounds from engine companies, ventilation fans and radio traffic it’s a challenge to get your point across. To speak clearer firefighters use a battery operated amplification attachment to help with louder communications. Even with advanced equipment communicating is still difficult. […]
Continue reading
You are the Boss. Now…about those friendships
I remember, a long time ago obviously, when I was in Boy Scouts at the old age of 11, I was made a patrol leader. Our troop had four patrols each with 7-10 scouts. So now I was the leader of friends I had known since 2nd grade (I know, forever when you are 11). […]
Continue reading
Teamwork to Success: Colorado Springs Fire Department
Picture above: Gray Williams-CSFD Chaplain, Brian Benedict, Nathan Raulie Station 14, Brad Starling Training, Austin Pugh Station 4 Honor Guard, Mike Bennett Denver Sheriff Dept, Matt Seube Station 11 Within a few minutes of meeting these firefighters from Colorado Springs their hospitality made us feel comfortable and at ease. Colorado Springs is a beautiful location […]
Continue reading
How career stress can be overcome by Goals & Vision
Pictured above: Brian Benedict with Connersville, Indiana Police Department Officer Dax Gunder If it was’t for Police and Fire Insurance I’m not sure I would’ve ever met Dax and his family. Although I did see him at a few of my music gigs but that’s another story. I can remember getting to know him and […]
Continue reading