Looking back on my career, I think about the mentors, the leaders, and the professionals who shaped me. I’ve been fortunate to learn from some incredible fire service “Jedis” who showed up with skill, patience, and presence. They didn’t always sit me down and spell things out, but I watched, listened, and learned.
Leadership? It wasn’t something I set out to chase. It just started happening – slowly, through moments, mistakes, and exposure to people who made me want to be better. The fire service needs leaders. But more importantly, it needs servant leaders. That includes the one-year firefighter just stepping into the bay.
Let me say this clearly: probationary firefighters are already leading. During tests, calls, drills – you’re not just “being evaluated,” you’re proving you can lead yourself, read a room, and anticipate your supervisor’s intent. You don’t need stripes to take ownership. You need awareness. You need presence.
On the fireground, it only works when everyone moves as one team. You trust the plan, trust the people, and execute. That’s not luck or hierarchy – that’s training, communication, and culture. We serve our citizens best when we lead each other well.
But service isn’t just about lights and sirens. It’s what we do in our downtime: training together, improving, bonding, and checking in. The firehouse isn’t just where we work. It’s where we build the kind of trust that shows up strong when the heat’s on.
There’s a saying that’s bounced around forever: “There’s no ‘I’ in team, but there is a ‘me.’” That’s not wrong. We all bring our own skills, personalities, and challenges. But newer members, here’s the ask: focus more on the we. You don’t lose yourself in the process, you refine yourself. Grow through your crew. Lead through your willingness to follow.
Here’s how that starts:
Lesson No. 1: Listen more than you speak
There’s a reason you’ve got two ears and one mouth. Use them in proportion. Listen during drills. Listen in the bay. Listen to what’s said – and what isn’t. It’s not just about learning tactics; it’s about understanding tone, culture, and timing. Listening is a leadership skill.
Lesson No. 2: Ask for help
Mentorship isn’t handed out – it’s earned through presence, respect, and willingness. If you’re waiting for someone to take you under their wing, go stand closer to the wing. Ask questions. Ask for feedback. Ask if you’re on the right track. You’d be surprised how many senior members want to invest in you, but only if they know you’re serious.
Lesson No. 3: Own your mistakes
It’s easy to deflect. It’s brave to say, “That’s on me.” Ownership is a skill that builds trust faster than perfection ever will. Captains, chiefs – this one’s for you, too. If we want our people to lead with integrity, we need to model it first. Start a hotwash by admitting what you’d do differently. That simple act gives everyone else permission to do the same.
Lesson No. 4: Remember the shoulders you stand on
We didn’t build this reputation out of nowhere. It was handed to us by people who served through less comfort, more chaos, and just as much heart. Don’t take that for granted. Don’t be the weak link that chips away at what others bled to build. This is your moment to carry it forward with pride.
Meeting in the Middle
Now, if you read the title and expected a rant about “kids these days” or a comparison of grit across generations, sorry to disappoint. This isn’t about proving who’s tougher or smarter. It’s about how we meet in the middle.
Old heads: we’ve got to do better than “Because I said so.” If we want our values to survive, we have to explain the why, not just the what. That doesn’t mean lowering standards. It means raising our level of engagement.
New members: show up curious. Show up consistently. The job is bigger than you, but that doesn’t mean you’re small. You have power – use it well.
At every level, we all carry the same responsibility: to lead, to serve, and to make room for the next firefighter coming up behind us.
Because whether you’ve got 29 years or one, this job demands your best.
And someone’s watching. Just like you once were.
