PRIDE AND OWNERSHIP
The Backbone of The Fire Department
Often understanding WHY something is the way it is, is just as important as understanding the basic principles.
Years ago, you would hear members of the Dallas Fire Department (yes, Department, not Fire-Rescue) speak of [Engine] Driver-Engineers as "the backbone of the Fire Department." This was primarily because they recognized the value these competent, passionate members brought to the fire ground every time the bell hit. These Driver-Engineers took pride and ownership in their craft and rig, and the result was a fire service that earned the respect of its citizens through consistent action on the fireground and living up to the oath they had sworn.
For some of us, it's time to reclaim this title as the "backbone of the Fire Department!
But it's not enough to simply say it.
We have to be it!
And to be it, we have to put in the work, which takes time, discipline, and ownership!
At the end of the day... without us, lines don't go into service, buildings burn to the slab, and citizens' lives are unnecessarily cut short from their loved ones. This is WHY we are the backbone of any fire service... because, without us, shit doesn't get done.
Pride & Ownership
What I have come to appreciate most about Rick, and you will quickly discover for yourself, is the level of pride and ownership that this man exhibits.
When we're talking about "pride," we need to be careful. Pride is not the same thing as being prideful. Rather, pride is rooted in gratitude and tribal by nature. Pride is something you demonstrate, not who you are. Pride drives excellence and keeps you humble because there is always something new to learn.
Ownership is a choice. It is not something that can be forced upon a person. Instead, ownership is something you choose to take upon yourself, both in good times, more often than not, in difficult times.
These are the traits of men like Rick Brewer that we should all consider and seek to model ourselves after. Throughout this class, you'll be challenged to raise the bar for yourself and your crew. The question is, "will you step up?"
The process of becoming a competent Driver Engineer takes discipline and time (two of the difficult aspect of ownership). Often... way too often... we see many young firefighters jumping at the opportunity to ride up without putting in the discipline to study, learn, and observe more senior Drivers who understand the craft of pumping. Which is exactly what it is... a craft.
Remember the Stages of Learning...
Image © 2019 Chris Ostorero
Further, competence takes time, but it's time we all (from the Rookie to Company Officer) need to invest in if we are going to take The Job as seriously as it deserves.
You cant get through that with false bravado and swagger, you have to know the equipment
In this video, Rick talks about why it's important for every member at the Station to become passionate about the role the Driver Engineer plays and how basic competence drives us forward and the bar back up.
THE FIRST STEPS IN BECOMING ELITE
Image © 2019 Chris Ostorero
The process of truly taking ownership of this craft and becoming elite doesn't have to be complicated. Rick is going to layout the BASIC principles for moving from Unconscious Incompetence towards the next two stages - Conscious Incompetence to Conscious Competence.
EVERY SHIFT you should learn something new about the apparatus
🚨 DISCLAIMER: Dallas Fire-Rescue does not endorse or promote these videos. The information herein is my best understanding of the material covered and the subsequent views expressed are my own and not necessarily those DFR. These videos are strictly for educational purposes only. It is critical that you follow your department's MOP/SOP, and talk with your Station Officer (and crew) before implementing anything you see here on The Roll Steady.
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PUMP SCHOOL W/ RICK BREWER
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