At the time of this post there were 87 LODD for 2009. A staggering number to consider if you realize that it is 27 FEWER than last year. Looking at these numbers reminded me that every year (about this time) someone asks the questions,” What can we do to reduce LODD?” or “What are we NOT doing to prevent LODD?”. Well, I am hoping that nothing catastrophic happens in the next two days and we can ask ourselves, “WHAT DID WE DO RIGHT?!”
This statement reminded me of a conversation that I was having with my respective bosses, Capt. Chris Garniewicz (my Truck Captain) and Lt. Richard Dollahan (my former Engine Lieutenant). While solving the Department’s problems (yeah, ours has them too!) we were wondering how we can motivate people to approach the job with the same passion and intensity that we do. HOW DO YOU TEACH SOMEONE TO “GET IT”?
We discussed all of the key topics such as mentoring, being “the thumb” and other brilliant theories. The conclusion that we collectively came to was that… YOU CAN’T!
Could it be as simple as, you either GET IT or you DON’T? Maybe it is.
However, we are optimists, so we reorganized our thoughts and that’s when we realized that the three of us were always the ones (respectfully) taking the time to intimately learn our equipment, asking questions in training and having this discussion.
So our new theory is that, if you GET IT, then maybe you need to GIVE IT to other people, even if it means holding their hand, breaking the ice or throwing them a piece of rope or tool in the dayroom and asking them questions about them.
Maybe the problem is that we get so deeply engaged in expanding our own knowledge, experience and brains, that we forget to include others who may be content hanging back.
Drag people into conversations and training and remember, that little nugget of knowledge may save their life or yours.
It’s not me… it’s you! I get it… and I’m gonna give you to you?
-Thanks and Be Safe-
Good post Jeebs. It’s true that the count will be low, but we’ll need to see what the number of fires were across the nation. If they were down too, then the praise of being below 100 might be short-lived.
I agree with you that there needs to be an increase in mentoring. Not any uniform, white paper system, but senior men invested in the job and willing to take the time and pass on the ‘trade’. Note ‘trade’, a big, big difference in attitude when compared to passing on tips, tricks or the latest fad. The more members begin to see it as a craft and not a paycheck or jolly, then the better chances are of impacting the upcoming culture.
Again, good post.
Bill
Great post!
I couldn’t agree more!
It is refreshing to see the number below 100. I have always wondered what the glass floor is though. Is it possible to get much lower? Possibly. But can we keep it there? Probably not. I am not a pessimist but more of a realist.
Your idea might be the most ideal and should be added to the 16 life safety initiatives if not there already