The Senior Probie

11/11/2024

If you spent 24 hours in a firehouse as just a fly on the wall, you would have a pretty good grasp on the personalities, roles, and overall culture of a crew. It can actually be challenging to have this outlook of your own crew when you yourself are a part of it, but sometimes we each need to stop and take an outside look at our own firehouse instead of only falling in as a functioning part of it.

The new guy should always be watching, learning and soaking it in. We tell all of them that, right? There’s growth in observations. Watching what the senior man physically does day to day. Watching how they speak to other firefighters. Watching how they interact with the public. Watching their confidence in a stressful situation. Watching how they teach, and how they themselves learn. Even if you think you are only watching for your own benefit because you want to understand how you as the new guy should be doing something, observing all of their traits will one day leave an impression on you when you are in their shoes.

Senior firefighters; everything I just listed, that is what new members are observing. They see everything you do. It is your job to lead and mentor a new peer, but it is just as easy to be a bad example if you are not careful. Every stud firefighter you think of; passionately engraved into the culture of the fire service, was once motivated by similar individuals to be better than the mediocre standards of their department. Now it’s your turn to be that example to someone else.

Company officers; watch your crews. Know their personalities and how to succeed with them. Challenge your studs to grow them. Participate with your new members to encourage them. Empower your informal leaders and they will do you great favors by naturally building a strong generation after them. But just like the new guy watches your senior man, your senior man is watching you. You are an example to them, and they see everything you do.

I don’t care what seat you ride, what example are you setting? Everyone’s watching.

08/11/2024

The day after you promote, the day after you leave, or the day after you retire your seat will be filled by someone else. Just like you followed after someone, someone else will follow after you. We all want to be irreplaceable, yet every single one of us will one day be replaced. We can’t escape it and we can’t control it. But where we can have an impact and leave behind an impression is through the value we bring.

Your value is your worth. What are you worth to your crew? Do you bring drive, initiative, motivation and productivity to a crew? If you swing out or work OT with another house, what impression do you have on them? What are their expectations of you? What is your reputation? These are the questions to ask yourself in some self-examination.

An individual who is focused on growth; both personal and that of his/her crew will naturally bring value. Simple standards of being fit in body and mind for this job and mastering the basics in order to build upon a strong foundation is the recipe for high standards and high performers. Company officers and dept leaders should recognize these characteristics in their people and empower them to thrive and cultivate. A senior man who leads from the back seat should be valued, and you show them that they are valued by 1) giving them their freedom to lead and grow their peers, and 2) by listening to them and letting them lead and grow you in areas where you may need it too.

We all want to think of our career progression and “leaving” a crew with a void that is hard to fill. And while that may indeed signify your worth and your value, my challenge to you is what did you do to prepare others to fill your spot? You may be the pacesetter, but those “next up” senior men have been watching you. You have set the bar for them and defined the standard of what the informal leader should look like. Did you also invest in them so they can step into that spot?

The void you leave behind should be felt. But if you invested into your culture and your crew, it should not be hard to fill. That’s what you should want. The next man up should understand the assignment, and he/she should be able to pick up where you left off.

25/10/2024

You can find the information you need to pass a test from a book.

The knowledge you need to be better at this job comes from people. Instructors, mentors, and those who have actually experienced and mastered what you’re trying to learn.

People will teach you what you won’t find in a textbook.

People will push you to master a craft yourself.

People will show you a passion for this job that no book ever will.

Promote people because they are the best at this job. Not because they can retain textbook information.

Listen to people. Teach people. Promote the right people.

23/10/2024

I want the guy who is in the bay training with the rookie.

I want the guy who gets his whole crew in the gym after a long day.

I want the guy who is still working with a smile on his face when everyone else is falling out.

I want the guy who is calm and collected when there is chaos around him.

I want the guy who uses common sense and is confident in his decisions.

I want the guy who is always pushing, having never mastered his craft in his own mind.

Be that guy.

20/10/2024

Think of someone you truly respect in your dept. Are they a company officer? A Chief? A Driver? Are they a Firefighter? Does it even matter? The answer is it doesn’t, because rank doesn’t give you the respect of others. Your actions, your words, your leadership and your consistency are where respect begins.

Rank is a position. It is a title. It defines your role and responsibility within an organization. Rank will make you someone’s boss. You can tell other people what to do. But their respect of you begins with how you treat others. Do you listen to them? Do you value their opinions, their performance and their experiences? Don’t make them train, but train with them. Don’t ask them what they think or what they would do if you aren’t willing to learn from them. Don’t expect anything from them that you don’t also expect of yourself.

The word “Tenure” should be strongly considered by any firefighter. I will never think poorly of someone for promoting quickly and furthering their career, but time in rank and gaining “tenure” in a position is where respect is formed. Respect of both your peers and those above and/or below you. You yourself gain an understanding of the expectations of your current job and position. That will in turn benefit you and prepare you for the next position. When you promote quickly, you risk having a shallow understanding of those expectations of a position, and if you promote before you even have the opportunity to prove yourself to those around you, you will struggle earning their respect from the next rank.

There is no rank exempt from this. You cannot ask for or demand respect, you have to earn it. Your work and your words tell everyone what they need to know about you as a leader, no matter your rank. And if your actions do not match your words, fireman will sniff that out very quick. Carry yourself accordingly.

17/09/2024

It was an honor to be a guest on Relentless Rejects podcast to talk culture, leadership, the influence of a senior firefighter and having passion, pride and ownership for this job.

Give it a listen if you want, and if you’re not following The Relentless Rejects… you need to be!

11/09/2024

We have young firefighters entering the fire service who were not even alive on 9.11.01.

Unlike us, they have no memory of that day. It is our job to help them understand the significance of 9/11, the sacrifices paid by 343 of our own, and the impact on our country.

We will always remember. Take the initiative to ensure the next generation of firefighters will Never Forget 🇺🇸

#343 #911

27/08/2024

There are times to make teaching moments. There are times to let failure drive growth. There are times where senior firefighters need to mentor and invest in a young, green generation. Then there are times where some need to be knocked back a step

Everyone hits it at some point early on. It’s commonly referred to as “2 going on 20” syndrome. And while we may look at our new guy and see his potential and growth compared to where he started, we should also be looking for arrogance and cockiness to rear their ugly head. Because it will happen. They will gain confidence and become comfortable in their job and it can be easy for a younger firefighter to suddenly think they’re hot stuff

When that happens, it should be one’s own crew and senior man who catch it. It shouldn’t rise to the company officer having to address it, and it certainly shouldn’t be another crew. We all know what we’re looking for, because we were there at one point or another. That conversation needs to be direct, intentional, honest, and constructive. It’s not an a** chewing, but behavior should be checked and this conversation should leave an impression

We have a new generation of rookies which are having to be taught things that were once common skills and knowledge. We also have a new generation of senior firefighters who are excited and hungry for the chance to mentor those rookies. But mentoring isn’t only training, positive reinforcement and constructive criticism. Being a senior firefighter means you are the one to step up and have those conversations with the new guy. You are the check valve between that 2-20 arrogance and your company officer. The Fire Service will always have a need for good senior backsteps, and this is clearly in the job description like it or not

Finally to the rookie, if you’re reading this, I know how it feels. You think you’re doing awesome and then someone you look up to breaks you down a little. Know that comes from a place of love and growth. They want you to do well, and this is part of your growth; both as a firefighter and a human. Listen to them, hear what they are saying, learn from it, and let it fuel your development

Growth & comfort do not coexist

25/08/2024

Next Sunday we will kick off our weekly newsletter: “Senior Man Sunday”

These will bring raw and inspiring motivation both from and for those informal leaders.

Some may be long. Some may be short. Some may be from me and others may be invited to write as well.

It’s free to subscribe. Go to the website https://www.theseniorprobie.com and put your email in.

First one sends on 9.2.24

22/08/2024

21/05/2024

MORALE.

Feed it and it can build.

Neglect it and it can kill.

Pull a line. Throw a ladder. Search a building.

Senior firefighters, get your crew out and work.

Build each other up. Feed one another.

14/05/2024

Value your people.

Value their input.

Value their criticism.

04/04/2024

Attitude is contagious. It can be a cure or a cancer. When you walk through the doors of your firehouse, you need to be sure your mind is in the right place. It’s not always easy. There may be problems at home, a new baby, only one day off after a long overtime shift, or a number of other things. Whatever it might be, you check it at the door.

Every crew has different personalities. Leaders, senior guys, rookies, quiet ones, jokers, officers, chiefs, etc. Wherever you fall, don’t bring negativity to your crew. There is a time and place to bring up what’s on your mind and seek the counsel of your brothers and sisters, and there are times to vent or express frustrations, but never let it be constant.

Remember why you love this job. Why you love what you do. Work is stressful and work may be busy, but it’s also an outlet for us. Why? Because we love it, we breathe it, and we live it. It’s in our blood. It is who we are. It is our purpose.

Check your stuff at the door. Don’t let it bring you or your crew down. Because a distracted mind is not good for us, our brothers and sisters, or those we are called to serve. It may sound cliche, but take this to heart… when you’re in your firehouse, your attitude is all in. All in for this job, all in for your crew, all in on every call. Negative attitudes are contagious. Positive attitudes are contagious. Don’t be a cancer.

18/02/2024

You’re hired! Finally, all the hard work paid off and you have the best job in the world. You feel like you’ve finally made it, when in fact, you have only just begun. Immediately, you’re training and learning the ropes. Constantly having your worth evaluated while you’re trying to prove it. You’re learning the job, your department, your crew, station life, and your new home life all at the same time.

What makes a good rookie? Same thing that makes a good Firefighter, a good Driver/Engineer and a good Officer… Drive, motivation, hard work, positive attitude. Your first day is when the rest of your career begins, and your rookie year lays the foundation for the kind of firefighter you are and will be. There are the simple tasks, like making coffee, doing laundry, mopping floors, cleaning the rig, etc. that you are expected to do. Do them well. Do them with pride. Be the first one up in the morning, and the last one down at night. Make sure your station looks pristine for the oncoming crew the next morning. Fight for the dishes, and own that sink. It is yours, and no one else can have it. Show up early, even if you’re told you don’t have to. And relieve the off-going crew early, so they don’t get stuck with that late call.

Those are just basic rookie tasks for everyday station life. Own them like your name is on them. But most importantly, own the job. Train for the job. Take criticism constructively and be better. If you don’t know something, ask. Train with your crew. If they don’t want to train, screw it, train anyway. This job is your life, and your life depends on it. Every day you show up, do not leave unless you did something to make yourself better at what you do. *Insert all the cliché firefighter quotes* “don’t train until you get it right, train until you can’t get it wrong”, “let no mans ghost return to say his training let him down”, “do your job”.

Finally, shut up. Too many rookies these days like to talk. Ask questions when they need to be asked, and learn your job. But no one cares where you came from, the last department you worked for, or how you did it there. You’d rather have someone say you don’t talk enough; not that you talk too much.

11/02/2024

Salt. Seniority. Time served. At what point do you think you’re above the rest? How long… 5, 10, 15 years? There is (or should be) a difference between a salty fireman and a senior fireman. A salty fireman is the jerk who has been there, done that a thousand times, certainly does it better than you, and for some unknown reason doesn’t have to clean toilets anymore either. While there is a certain level of respect that comes with time served, it is not earned by “salt”. Your seniority is respected as you demonstrate your knowledge and experience in the form of passing it on to those that come after you. No senior man has seen it all, he/she is not above training or being trained, and they certainly are not above mopping floors either. You can’t complain about new, green recruits not knowing anything if you yourself are not willing to pass on your knowledge and better them. And don’t just train them, lead them. Be an example to them. Motivate them. Just because you have 15 years on the job does not mean you can’t encourage the new guy, fight him for dishes, wrestle him for laundry. Rookies are expected to do rookie tasks, but what is the significance of being the first to make coffee or wash the rig if there’s no one competing with them or driving them. No senior man is above taking ownership in his/her firehouse, or newer firefighters. Train them, inspire them, lead them. Because one day, the recruit will become the senior man, and how they interpret that role will be defined by their view of you right now.

28/01/2024

How white is your Chief’s (or your own) helmet? We get it, a white helmet is a white helmet, and traditionally we all associate it with a Chief Officer. But is it clean and shiny because he hangs by the wagon with a whiteboard, or is it gray and dirty from years of work and training with his crews? There is an undisputed need for a leader or commander, but how that individual interacts with and works WITH his/her crews will ultimately determine the level of respect they earn. A Chief that stands back and points fingers is a commander, and there is a time and place for a commander. But a Chief who steps up and does the dirty job, who works WITH their crews, who listens to their crews, who teaches AND learns from their crews will be a respected leader. There should be no job or task too small for a company officer and/or Fire Chief.

A few shifts ago, our crew walked out on the approach and there was our Batt. Chief washing the engine by himself. He never asked for help, he never complained, he never gave the rookie a hard time, he just saw something that needed doing and he did it. He was serving his crew. A Chief that not only commands their people, but also serves them with the same respect he/she would want will in turn benefit exceptionally. They will have the respect of their people, and the most motivated individuals will develop a desire to work for them. Take care of your people, earn their respect, and your own image as a Chief Officer and a leader will take care of itself.

-written by a fireman

21/01/2024

Lead from the front. We hear that a lot, but what does that look like? How does it apply to a company officer? I’ve thought long and hard about this post, because there is much that can be said about being a “good” company officer. Being a “good” officer does not start when you first begin the carry bugles on your collar; it starts from day one. It starts when you hold the ranks below, such as Driver/Engineer and Firefighter. What you do from day one, how you interact with others, how you treat others, and how you carry yourself earns you respect… or lack there of. Leadership starts while riding backwards. Strong, proficient and respected firemen one day make strong, proficient and respected company officers. And likewise deadbeat, ass hole, unmotivated firemen become officers no one enjoys working for.
As a company officer, be the LEADER. And empower your crew to be the best they can be. Don’t train them, train WITH them. Let them train you. Challenge them to be better and more proficient than you, and push yourself to be better and more proficient than them. On the fire ground, take charge, but allow your crew to do their job without looking over their shoulder. Be the first one who would do anything you ask of your crew. Don’t be afraid to do the dirty work, because they need to see you get your hands dirty. Remember that your attitude is contagious, and so is your leadership. Take care of your crew, and they will easily take care of you. Work with your crew, and they will work for you.

21/01/2024

The drive should never go away. The hunger you have as a probie to learn, train, experience, train some more, and eventually teach someone else should only grow with tenure.

Look around your department… you see the guys who are tired, out of shape, who never participate but are the first to critique. They may think it’s up to the newer, younger generation to be the workhorses, and they will ride your coattails. They’re wrong. At some point, those guys had to say “he’s got it now” or “I’ve been here long enough to not have to do that” and accepted the lazy fireman lifestyle.

Lazy firemen become lazy officers and lazy officers lose respect. Laziness is a cancer which is contagious. It’s simple: don’t be that guy. Remember when you got hired and the drive and motivation you had as a probie? And there was that former probie, senior man, maybe even a driver or a captain who is an absolute badass and took you under his or her wing for however long and dumped a bunch of nuggets on you… be like them.

There comes a time in a fireman’s career where the student becomes to teacher. You may be there, have been there for a while, or wondering when you will be there. No matter when the time comes, remember YOU and the guy coming after you are the future of the fire service. Like someone once taught you everything you know, it either will be or has already been up to you to teach the next probie.

Be the senior man the new guys look up to and want to learn from. Be the officer that guys want to work for because you train, you work, and your crew is badass because of it. On the other side, build that new guy into someone even you would be willing to work for one day without hesitation.

Finally, and just as importantly, be humble, remember where you came from, fight the probie for dishes or the mop; and don’t just instruct, but mentor. The future of the fire service is in OUR hands. Own it. Build it. Maintain it.