I originally found out about this show from www.firecritic.com.  If anyone has watched “The Academy: Orange County Fire”, it should be required viewing for EVERYONE in the fire service.  I have a special interest in it because the OVM on my Truck (and my former roommate) used to be a Reserve Firefighter with the OCFA.  If you care about this job (if  you “get it”) and truly believe in the mission of the fire service to SERVE the public, then you will truly appreciate the efforts Captain Contreras and the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) cadre.

Throughout their academy, they talk about ATTENTION TO DETAIL and PROFESSIONALISM as well as other traits that seem to be fading away in the “web-based fire training world”.  In my opinion, because these traits are instilled so passionately and relentlessly during their Recruit School, it lays the foundation for the OCFA culture and speaks volumes about the level of service provided to the citizens of Orange County, California.

It is a breath of fresh air to see a department/organization that truly takes its responsibility seriously.  Remember, it is our DUTY to SERVE the public and PROTECT lives and property.  Whether you get a paycheck or not does not matter.  What matters is that when the alarm sounds, and you leave the firehouse, that you are ready to go to work with ATTENTION TO DETAIL and PROFESSIONALISM.

Watch it by yourself or at the firehouse with your crew at www.foxreality.com/theacademy or at hulu.com.

Thanks and Be Safe

BROTHERHOOD 101 (CLICK HERE)

I found this Powerpoint on the Indy Metro FOOLS website and thought that it needed to be shared.  It talks about pride, integrity and mentoring in the fire service.  It questions how we do the job.  Do we take the good with the bad?  Do we let the “bad” affect how we do our job (we shouldn’t)?  While you look at it, think about how it applies to you and your company and department.  please check it out, talk about it and spread it’s message.  There is only one Brotherhood like the fire service, let’ protect it!

Special thanks to Wayne Twp. FD (Indy) Battalion Chief Todd Taylor for creating the message and to Shawn Grass, president of the Indy Metro FOOLS, for letting me use it.

FTM-PTB and Be Safe