Columbus Fire and Rescue Magazine Volume 4 Numer 2 | Page 14

command staff FALLING IN LOVE AGAIN A Ask any firefighter who has served more than twenty years if they still love the job, and the answer will probably be complicated. Instead of a simple yes or no, most will tell you it's a love/hate relationship. Although the answers vary, one truth remains. A firefighter's relationship with the job is simply that, a relationship. As with most relationships, keeping the romance alive requires effort from both parties. Misery loves company! No better example exists than two firefighters bemoaning the fire chief's latest plan of action. This trap leads firefighters to view their situation as being much worse than it actually is. Stay Positive! The difficulties of managing employee conflicts, tons of paperwork, and the minefield of municipal politics can jade the sincerest soul. As firefighters progress in job responsibilities, a disconnect occurs with the activities that attracted them to the job. Competing for the nozzle man position on the hand line is replaced with a never ending river of run reports. So what can be done to keep the love affair alive? Change is a good thing, and firefighters should learn to embrace it. The US Fire Service has seen incredible change in the last ten years. Who knows what changes the next ten years will present? Many long term couples attribute their staying power to having realistic expectations. Firefighters have to understand the job has its ups and downs. Staying committed to the job and constantly working to become a better firefighter gets you through those dull times. The most important factor in loving the job is that the job should love you back. firefighters should receive encouragement and support from the department and community they serve. This is the fuel that keeps firefighters smiling and loving the job. by CHIEF OF TRAINING duaneHUGHES [email protected] 14 l COLUMBUS FIRE and RESCUE MAGAZINE l Photo by Captain wesMIMS [phone]