What Really Matters in Department Promotional Processes?

 

Recently I have completed my 2^nd promotional process for the fire department I work for and once again I was unsuccessful in obtaining my goal which is a promotion to Fire Lieutenant.   My department boasts a “Transparent, equal, and fair” process but what really matters when you go through a process of this magnitude.

Now I am not a fire department “prodigy” by all means but I consider myself very well-educated, passionate, and knowledgeable about the profession and the “lifestyle”.   But this doesn’t seem to be good enough.  I have worked for my department for about 6 and half years and I took my 1^st process back in 2008 with only about 4 years of service, no college degree, an average amount of state fire classes, and was not involved in many departments “extra curricular activities” such as committees and etc.   So even though I scored well in all events and made it to the Fire Chiefs hiring interview I was not promoted and was passed over twice. 

This led me to rethink my strategy and I took it upon myself to make myself a better candidate I enrolled in an online fire science college and got my Bachelors Degree in Fire Science, I completed Fire Officer III and IV, became an even more dedicated student of the profession and joined several departmental committees.  I was ready for the next process!!!!

Our next process began with the written test on September 2010, everyone studied hard for several months leading up to the test that was consisted of 50 departmental policy questions and 50 situational judgment questions.  When I got my test score back I thought I was well on my way to a great process by being tied for 19^th highest score out of 65 or so applicants.  The assessment center was next which was a long 4 day process with 1 event each day.  I was scored as ”Superior” but my test score which was worth 20% dropped me down into the “Well Qualified” category and I still got to move on to the next step which was a panel interview with 4 Chiefs within the department.  After this step I was ranked 26^th out of 50 or so candidates and qualified me for a 3^rd Fire Chief hiring interview.   

Out of 26 candidates who got interviews there were 17 white males, 1 white female, and 8 black males.  Out of those types experience levels varied from 4 years to 30 years of time in the department and all levels of involvement and education.  So when the promotions were announced who got the jobs…..7 black males, 1 white female and 5 white males. 

*I am not trying to make this a racial issue.  I am only stating the facts as to who got promoted and who didn’t.  In no way shape or form does it mean that those who got promoted were not qualified for the job.* 

Now here lies the question what does your department look for in promoting new officers.  Is it diversity? Is it education? Is it experience? Training? What is the key to promotion????

To the naked eye this may just be me venting my frustration for being passed over for the 3^rd time but how does one decide where to go next?  One would think someone like me would be a perfect candidate and I feel if I were to go outside my department I would be viewed as one. 

How and what standards does your department apply when promoting officers? What are YOUR Chiefs looking for?

Thanks for reading!

Editors Note: This is a very thought-provoking post, I have often thought departments look at the wrong things when promoting Company Officers. Please share your thoughts in the comments section.

Fairfax Fire: Could You See It Coming?

This is the second video from the Fairfax County Fire that injured a few firefighters a couple of days ago. A lot of people have been giving their opinion about it, and it has all been very respectful and in the interest of learning.

Part of being able to be an aggressive firefighter is being able to predict what the fire is going to do next. We read smoke, we know building construction, we feel heat, we listen, and all sorts of other things in order to help us predict (guess) what the fire is going to do next and how we are going to react (combat) to it.

One of the biggest questions about this fire is did anyone see this “fire event” coming. Now I have taken Dave Dodson’s Art of Reading Smoke class 4 times, and have both of his DVD’s. I have read Building Construction for the Fire Service 3rd and 4th edition. I have attended thousands of hours of instate, and out-of-state training, and I have to be honest this was in my opinion tough to predict from the little glimpse of time we see it.

Sure the smoke was telling us that we had a good fire inside, but at no point except right before the event occurred was it leaving with extreme turbulence (a key indicator of flash over). Now the smoke was three-dimensional, and it definitely was heat pushed smoke but I was not thinking flash over from the outside perspective we have from the video. Once the fire vented from side D then the smoke from side A changed significantly but by then it was too late as the fire was already coming.  I’m curious as to what the interior crews were reporting, and what the actions of the Chief Officers were based on the information they were getting.

The real question is did you see it coming? Leave some feedback in the comments section, keep training, and stay safe out there!

EDIT: Still having trouble with VODPOD and the video loading system….to see the video click the bottom VODPOD link or just go here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30SCtOHUGhc

Fairfax Fire, posted with vodpod

 

Didn’t make the Cut

Well I am a little disappointed but my blog did not make the cut of the finalists for the Fire/EMS blog of the year, the competition is very tough and I can not argue with the finalists as all of the blogs represented are top-notch, and I read a lot of them.

In this type of thing you have to choose sides and I am putting my voting power behind Roanoke Virginia’s very own Capt. Willie Wines and his Iron Fireman blog http://ironfiremen.com/ . This blog is a little different from most as Capt. Wines gives us more of an insight into the everyday life of a fireman in and out of the firehouse, and does not often offer tactical lessons. However his personality jumps right off the page, and his humor is second to none! I really enjoy reading his blog, and think it is far and above the best of the ones represented. So take some time and vote for the Iron Fireman blog here: http://firecritic.com/contests/fire-ems-blog-of-the-year-2010/finalists-and-voting/# .

On another note, and this has been pointed out in various other blogs, but it seems that after a year of reduced LODD’s things have picked up in abundance, not even out of the first month of the year and we are already up to 19 LODD’s. Granted some things need to change in the LODD reporting (People who have left the firehouse and then go street racing is NOT a LODD) but there have been some legit LODD’s that keep repeating some of the same trends we continue to see.

One of the big things is our physical fitness level. Firefighters are consistently dying of cardiac related incidents. I want to go on record and say I HATE working out, it is usually the worst part of my day but 4-5 days a week I drag myself to the gym and work out for about an hour and a half (30 minutes of lifting and an hour of cardio). Firefighters are athletes, in the study done by the University of Indianapolis stated that firefighters hearts went from resting heart rates, to the maximum capacity and stayed there for upwards of 2 hours. That is like running your pump at 300 psi with minimal water circulation. The difference is we can train our bodies to better deal with it. You do not have to be a super athlete either an hour of walking on the tread mill everyday will pay great dividends in your health. Like I said I HATE working out but one thing I love is not getting tired on the fireground. I seldom get tired now, can go longer on a bottle, and usually get more work while other guys have gone through a bottle and are sitting in rehab because their blood pressure is so high they wont let them come back to work.

So in short do yourself a favor and excercise your muscles as well as your mind. I treat my body more like an amusement park than a temple but I also wanna keep that amusement park open for a long, long time.

Thanks for reading the blog, and keep spreading the word, Stay safe out there!

No Staffing No Problem

This video comes to us from the guys over at Traditions Training http://blog.traditionstraining.com/. All over the nation we hear that fireground tasks can not be completed due to poor staffing levels. While staffing is a factor in a lot of what we do, we can not use it as an excuse to not get the work done. Mr. and Mrs. Smith do not care how many people come to the fire, they just want results. So when faced with limited man power you need to get creative, set your fireground priorities to your staffing levels, and just plain work hard. This is still a blue-collar job, education is important and we need people with brain power to negotiate for better pay and staffing, but at the end of the day this job is completed by the grunts in the trenches sweating, bleeding, etc.

So take a good look at what an organized, well-trained fireman can do by himself in a short amount of time. If you have any other tips or tricks relating to this or any other topic please feel free to share them. Thanks for reading, stay safe, and vote for me for Blog of The Year Starting Jan. 24, 2010 http://firecritic.com/2011/01/blog-of-the-year-contest-the-nominated-blogs/#

EDIT: For some reason the video is not loading in the post but if you click on the VODPOD link at the bottom or directly to youtube here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBTjoCvok5w Sorry for the technical difficulties

OVM, posted with vodpod

 

Average Jake Nominated

WOW…..I do not know who did it, but it is really an honor to get nominated for the Fire/EMS Blog of the year contest over at www.Firecritic.com

Whoever thought I was worthy enough for consideration amongst blogs such as Ironfireman, Firegeezer, The Bravestonline, and many other great blogs I really appreciate it and please shoot me an email so I can thank you properly. Now I know I am a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG shot to win this thing, but please take some time to vote for me and the blog, tell your friends, tell your families, etc. You can vote once a day from your computer.

So please again vote for me here is the details http://firecritic.com/2011/01/blog-of-the-year-contest-the-nominated-blogs/#

Thanks for reading, and stay safe!

Baltimore County LODD

As I am sure most of you are aware last nite at a 4th alarm fire a Baltimore County Volunteer Firefighter (and retired from the career side of BCoFD). Details are still coming in and Dave Statter over at www.statter911.com has the best coverage of the story.

From what details we do know is that this fire escalated fast from a reported kitchen fire, to a 4th alarm were several rescues were made. Firefighter Falkenhan issued a MAYDAY after becoming trapped.

Keep the Falkenhan and the BCoFD family in our thoughts over the following weeks and months as they go through this difficult transition.

Thanks for reading, and Stay Safe out there!

Backwards Axe

This is a short video on how the back side of a flat head axe can be far faster than the blade side. The blade side actually acts as a wedge and gets stuck in the wood, and roofing material. The back side (also known as flat side, or striking surface) simply pulverizes the roofing material and makes for a faster cut.

While a saw is easier, saws often break, won’t start, or run out of gas. The axe on the other hand works every time, which is why one must always come with you to the roof.

I have used this technique several times on several types of roof structures and it works great. I do not know who came up with it, but it was originally introduced to me by Capt. Dugan from the FDNY.

If you have any tips or tricks for roof ventilation please feel free to share them in the comments section. Stay safe and thanks for reading!

Ventilation Using an Axe, posted with vodpod

 

Whats In Your District

This “Whats In Your District” Comes from Danny O….the details are below with some pictures it really emphasizes knowing your area and how each are is unique.

 

Attached are 2 photos of a significant hazard to firefighters.

 

While performing a “Home Safety Survey” at an older residence the owner advised that she wanted some suggestions on storing items in her basement.  As we were asking her questions about her basement she opened up a trap door in her kitchen floor to reveal a stairwell that led down to the basement.  This was the only entry and exit into the basement area, and of course would be completely hidden in low visibility.  The basement was full of fire hazards and extreme fire load.  If a fire were to break out in this basement it would immediately impinge on structural floor members and would lead to a collapse most likely before even noticed it was on fire. 

 

Richmond, Va is an old city and this house was a very old refurbished house.  I’m pretty sure this is not the only house on that block to have this type of basement location.

 

Moral of the story is……KNOW YOUR ENEMIES AND DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!!!!

 

Do you take the can?

So yes this is going to be another search article. I wanted to address some things I think about searching on the fireground after reading some more of the “Why We Search” articles over at www.backstepfirefighter.com. I do agree that search is important, it is a lot of times the victims only chance between death and survival. However we have to realize that even at our best, most well-trained, physical peak that the chance for survival of the victim is still low, and we must be able to recognize when we should and should not search, or even enter a building, and yes there are those times no matter how many people still may be in the building. So in order to be at our best and give the victims the best chance for survival we have to constantly evaluate what we are doing and if it meets the needs of our district, the fires we are running, and the citizens we are serving.

We all know that we need to take tools with us in the fire building, these tools are either based on riding position, occupancy, or personal preference. For example when I was assigned to a truck company we typically had 3 on the rig (Driver, Officer, Firefighter) The firefighter and officer would take care of all of the interior truck work and take along with them 2 hooks, set of irons, and the TIC. Typically the irons would be split with the officer carrying the axe, and firefighter carrying the halligan. The driver and in the rare case of a 4th person would handle all of the exterior work, and would choose their tools based on the assignment needing to be done first. Sometimes it was ladders, and hooks other times it was a rotary saw. If we were to go to a hotel, or multi family occupancy the interior team would add a hydra ram (to force multiple doors fast) and typically a water can.

The water can was always something of great debate, since the main job of the Truck is to search, and we need to search fast a lot of guys felt the can slowed them down. Others thought that since we are typically searching away from the hose line the can provided a bit of protection and would allow the search to be extended if fire was encountered. Both sides of that argument have merit, and make a lot of sense. However one thing no one ever talks about is how distracting the can is. What I mean is that when you give someone the can they feel like they have to use it. On many fires I have seen guys on the truck take in the can, initiate their search, find the fire and instead of radioing to the chief or engine officer the location of the fire and continue their search put the fire out (or try to), and then immediately go to pulling ceiling, overhauling, etc. and not finish the primary search. I have seen this in multiple types of occupancies. I have also seen the Truck company guys locate the fire in the kitchen and abandon their search and try to extinguish the fire with the kitchen sink sprayer.

I always thought the can was and should be a fluid tool that I could add or take away when the situation arose. For single family dwellings and we arrived after or at the same time as the engine I left it. If we arrived before I brought it. For commercial, multifamily, and hotels I always wanted to bring it because the speed of the line stretch was slower typically and we needed to get in there and begin our search. I however never used it to extinguish a fire unless it was in danger of trapping us, I felt it was better to radio the location, and try to confine with a door (if available), or give it a few shots to slow it down and then continue my search.

I will add that if you have enough guys on your Truck to dedicate to the can and his job is to find the fire and keep it in check until the line is in place then that is awesome, and keep brining the can. However if your dealing with a similar man power situation to the one I described I think a review of operations is in order to see what benefits you are actually getting from taking the can.

So what do you do? Do you take the can no matter what? Do you pick and choose? Leave some feed back in the comments section. By the way great webcast on forcible entry on Firehouse.com today check it out here: http://www.firehouse.com/webcasts/todays-forcible-entry-facing-new-challenges-every-door-and-window Stay safe and thanks for reading!

2010-2011 Fire/EMS Blog of the Year Contest

Rhett over at www.firecritic.com is hosting the 2nd annual Fire/EMS Blog of the Year Contest. The categories are Best Fire Blog, and Best EMS Blog.

The rules, and how to nominate are here http://firecritic.com/contests/fire-ems-blog-of-the-year-2010/#

So nominate your favorite blog, no matter who/what it may be, and if you feel like its worthy then nominate the Average Jake Firefighter Blog for consideration. Either way blogging has become a great way to learn, and spread information. I know I have learned a lot from reading, and writing one and those that dedicate the time to do so need to be recognized for putting themselves out there, no matter what people may think.

So nominate and then vote for your favorite Fire/EMS Blog. Stay safe and thanks for reading!