Fire Service Leadership: Preparing the Next Generation

摘要

I HAVE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF INVOLVEMENT with many of our fire rescue service groups: local emergency medical services (EMS) and training groups, state regional groups such as the South Florida Local Emergency Planning Committee and State Emergency Response Commission, and the hazmat committee of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. A common thread within every level of our industry is the call for leadership. In the hazardous materials world, the elders who developed the hazmat programs as we know them today are vocal in their expectations. They paid their dues, laid the groundwork, and want hazmat leaders to take this specialty to the next level. I remember having a conversation with one of my hazmat mentors, a true hazmat guru, who laid it out pretty simply: "We need the next leaders in hazmat to step up!" It was not a suggestion; it was an order! One chief I know who regularly presents at hazmat conferences always co-presents with an up-and-coming team member-a brilliant way to start empowering the next generation of leadership!