As you grow as a volunteer firefighter in your fire company, the election of officers comes (in many cases) at the end of the year. You express interest, you run and you win (hopefully not only for popularity…but that is another discussion).
Now what??
Well, it is time for you to open your mind, even more than the day you joined. You MUST soak everything up, read books and articles, watch YouTube, take classes, etc.
Also, do not be afraid to ask questions of the senior men of the company. They are also a wealth of experience, not only in firefighting, but in may cases with information on your response area, knowledge of buildings, and more.
If you want to be a successful officer you must always train. Training includes not only actual fire ground experience. It is also accomplished by taking classes on your own personal time.
The most dangerous mistake can be the officer who thinks they know everything.
Check out our Fire Officer Leadership classes offered by All Hands Fire Training.
JS
