Dan Reese’s Post

Do dreams ever come true? I was 22 years old, fresh out of college. I wanted desperately to be a firefighter but, had no idea where to start. I was: • Overwhelmed • Intimidated • Lost I came up with a brilliant plan! ASK So, I brought donuts to a local fire station and just asked the guys how to be a firefighter. They took me in and told me everything. I took NOTES and wrote everything down. Then I made a SYSTEM to make it more simple. The system: A “To Do” list On it were the exact steps I would take in order to be a firefighter. It took me 4.5 years to succeed! Fast forward 10 years… I am a firefighter/paramedic that has promoted to Fire Engineer (The Driver). I am still utilizing the same type of SYSTEM to promote within my career. If you want to do something like build a business, a personal brand, or a product, understand that you need to have: • A Passion • Ask/Take notes • A System Dreams do come true. It takes A LOT of work to get there. But, they do come true!

The next time someone asks you what it takes to be a firefighter, be honest. Instead of talking about certifications and classes, tell them what it really takes to do this job right. Tell them the truth. It takes a commitment that very few jobs require because you have to accept that you will be responsible for life, not only for the citizens you serve but the lives of your brothers and sisters. Yes, I said brothers and sisters because when you become a firefighter, you earn another family. Yes, I said earn because nothing will be given to you here. You will need to earn everything by building a good reputation as a worker and someone who cares about others. It will require a very high level of fitness, a strong work ethic, and a desire to improve daily. You will hear about minimum standards but never think that’s enough; it’s not and will require maximum effort to perform in the environments we do. You will miss birthdays, holidays, first steps, and last breaths; it’s part of the job. You will be dog tired and have to give your best still. Your mind and heart will change, and you won’t be the same person who started, and that’s ok because to change is to grow. You will grow here. This job can break you or make you the most grateful man in the world. That will be up to you. The conversations you have around the kitchen table will be some of the best advice you’ll ever hear, and if you stay on long enough, some of the best you will give. It’s a hard job that will always require hard work. Lazy people don’t do well here, so if that’s you, I wouldn’t do it. You’re not a good fit. But if you’re willing to work hard with a spirit of humility and put the needs of others first, it will be the best decision you will ever make. That’s what it takes to be a firefighter. Photo of the late James Dotters Photo by Chance Craven

I recently had a compelling conversation with my friend and seasoned firefighter, zabin alshammari who shared a profound insight from over a decade on the front lines of firefighting. His experience offers valuable lessons not just for those in our field, but for anyone interested in the nuances of safety and strategy. 🔥“Every Flame Tells a Story: Learn to Read Fire Like a Pro!”🔥 In his own words: “In my decade-plus firefighting career, one lesson stands out sharply: the knowledge of materials is as crucial as bravery in battling blazes. Why this focus? Materials react differently, influencing both our strategy and safety. An early-career office fire escalated unexpectedly due to overlooked combustibles. That incident imprinted a crucial firefighting mantra in me: assess thoroughly, then act. To the valiant stepping into this daunting yet fulfilling field: never undervalue this fundamental insight. It’s not just career-defining; it’s life-saving.” 💬 Calling all fire warriors and life-savers: How has material knowledge shaped your firefighting strategies? Let’s discuss and expand our knowledge in fire safety. Your experiences and insights are invaluable. #FireSafety #KnowYourFire #FirefighterLife

Opportunity

I went on my first fire call as a volunteer firefighter, and it was an incredibly nerve-wracking experience for me. Despite hearing my receiver go off several times in the middle of the night, I refused to respond because I was scared. It's a hard truth to admit, but I was afraid of messing up. Also, I’m a naturally confident person; but when I feel like I don’t know what to do or feel that I have the necessary tools and the task is new; I can lose confidence. Even though I signed up to be a firefighter, when the moment finally arrived, I felt overwhelmed by my own self created inabilities. The firehouse felt like a boys club, not because they were unwelcoming to females, but because to be honest it’s mostly men. On this day, I mustered the courage to call the lieutenant and asked if I should still respond to calls, even though I didn't feel adequately trained. He reassured me and said that the only way to learn is through the process. So, when I heard the call come in yesterday afternoon, I took a deep breath and decided to go for it. Upon arriving at the firehouse, I was told to suit up. I hopped into the fire truck, and the exhilaration of the sirens blaring as we sped down the road to the first call was indescribable. My role was simple: to take the accountability tag and hand it to the chief while observing. Everyone had their assigned tasks. Throughout the experience, everyone congratulated me on responding to my first call, and the chief mentioned that it might not have been exciting for them, but it was exciting for me. Despite stumbling over my fear and my pants falling off, I walked with a smile on my face. The call turned out to be a gas odor investigation. We detected the origin of the odor, waited for PSEG provided them with a brief, and then left. I learned several valuable lessons from this experience: • You will learn, but you have to take the first step. • Fears are often self-created. • It's okay not to have complete control of the situation or know everything. • Everyone was once new and inexperienced. • It's important to ask questions and seek guidance. Life is a continuous learning process, and this experience reinforced that notion for me.

Auxiliary Firefighter Spotlight: TJ McNamara In July 2023, ten passionate individuals completed their training and orientation, becoming operational as auxiliary firefighters at City of Vernon Fire Station #3 on Predator Ridge Drive. Our auxiliary firefighters are more than just responders—they're pillars of our community, enhancing not only the safety and security of our community but bringing an added sense of safety to our residents. WHAT INSPIRED OR MOTIVATED YOU TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER IN OUR COMMUNITY? Two reasons: My wife wanted to join the volunteer department here and it was something that we could do together, which has been fun. The other was that I had an experience while driving from Vernon to Predator Ridge a couple of years back where I tried to 'help' a property owner that had a pretty major fire going on his property... that experience really taught me that I knew nothing about fire behaviour or the risks, which made me think about getting some real training. ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC SKILLS OR TRAINING YOU'VE ACQUIRED AS A FIREFIGHTER THAT YOU FIND PARTICULARLY VALUABLE OR INTERESTING? Incident Command Systems. Seeing under the hood of how different organizations can come together to communicate effectively, delegate responsibility, and work as team to solve dynamic situations has been very interesting to me. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING BECOMING A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER? Don't wait. Jump in. It is rewarding. Learn more about TJ and his experience as an auxiliary firefighter: https://loom.ly/eXWDofo

Let me take you on a journey through the flames and into the heart of a firefighter's world. I'm Sthembiso Manzini, and my story begins in 2016 at Lanseria International Airport Fire & Rescue. Picture a young, wide-eyed recruit, nervously adjusting his helmet for the first time. That was me, full of determination but unsure of the path ahead. From those first tentative steps, I've walked through infernos and emerged stronger each time. Through sweat, tears, and yes, a few singed eyebrows, I climbed the ranks. Now, as a Senior Crew Commander, I lead the charge into situations that would make most people run the other way. But here's the thing about fire - it's not just an enemy to be fought. It's a teacher. It pushed me to learn, to grow, to become more than I ever thought possible. That's why I didn't stop at practical experience. I pursued knowledge like a flame chases oxygen, earning an NQF Level 7 in Disaster Management and an NQF Level 5 in Management. As I speak, I'm racing towards the finish line of my NQF Level 6 in Fire Technology Management. Nelson Mandela once said, "It always seems impossible until it's done." In those moments when the heat is unbearable and the smoke is thick, when every instinct screams to retreat, I remember these words. They push me forward, reminding me that what seems impossible is often just the next challenge to overcome. Even when I'm off duty, the fire in my soul doesn't dim. You might find me poring over books on the latest fire suppression techniques or attending online seminars. Some might call it obsession, but I call it preparation. Because in our line of work, knowledge isn't just power - it's the difference between life and death. But a firefighter who burns out can't help anyone. So I've learned to tend to my own flame too. Long walks with my dogs, intense gym sessions, moments of quiet reflection - these are the embers that keep my inner fire burning bright and steady. As I look to the horizon, I see more challenges, more opportunities to grow, more lives to save. My journey from that nervous recruit to Senior Crew Commander is just the beginning. The fire that drives me is far from extinguished - in fact, it's burning brighter than ever. And as long as there are flames to fight and lives to protect, I'll be there, ready to face whatever comes next. This is my story, but it's far from over. Every alarm, every call, every day is a new chapter. And I can't wait to see what the next page holds. #careers #firefighting #Airport

Happy International Firefighters' Day! Sievi shoes are worn with confidence - but what does confidence mean to our customers? 🔥 What does confidence mean to you as a firefighter, Harri Käkelä? 🔥 "As a firefighter, certainty is everything. I have to be always sure that my equipment, tools, and firefighting partner are reliable in every situation. Constant training keeps my skills sharp and ensures that I am always ready to face challenges. Certainty is not just physical — it is also mental." 🚒 In which moments do you feel most confident? What about moments of uncertainty? 🚒 "I feel most confident when I know what I'm doing – that's why we train so much. However, for example, traffic accidents bring uncertainty, as you cannot be sure if other road users will avoid the accident scene." 💪 Confidence in my work 💪 "I remember one winter alert when a full-blown fire was raging in a large building. Despite the challenging conditions – frost, snow, and heat – our team successfully performed the firefighting task on the side of the building. This was made possible specifically by our well-protective gear." 🛡️ How do work equipment affect my self-confidence? 🛡️ "Good work equipment is vital. I know that I can fully trust them, and they give me the certainty to perform tasks safely. For a firefighter, certainty means life – both mine and others'." -Harri Käkelä, Group Leader at Oulu Volunteer Fire Department How do you prepare to ensure safety? Share your experiences and thoughts with us. 🔥👨🚒 #wornwithconfidence #firefighter #safety #certainty #sievinjalkine #sievishoes

Firefighter or Pyrotechnician? Have you ever thought about the difference between Firefighters and Pyrotechnicians? The Two Mentalities Firefighters: They wait in the firehouse until the alarm goes off. Then they race to the scene of the fire, put it out, and then go back and wait for the next fire. Despite the fact that they do occasional fire safety education, they are primarily reactive in their work. Pyrotechnicians: They select the fireworks that will go off, the sequence, the music, and the timing. They are totally proactive in their jobs. Both are talents and both are and can be learned skills. But different jobs and roles require different skills. So, what are you? What about your staff? What did you hire? What is supported and recognized in your company culture? What do you need to drive your organization forward? [Read the full article below] #FirefighterVsPyrotechnician #ProactiveSkills #StrategicPlanning #FirefighterMentality #PyrotechnicianMindset #UrgencyDilemma #ValueOfPlanning #LeadershipDevelopment #OrganizationalCulture #BestPracticesInPlanning #conversationframeworks #imt