by the work one knows the workman.

By the work, one knows the workman.
Jean de la Fontaine

The above quote has a slightly different meaning for all that read it, but I will make some very direct fire service connections with it.

Ask yourself the following questions:

How are you looked at by your peers?

How are you looked at by your superiors?

How do you see yourself?

Answer the above honestly as the relate to you in the performance of your fire department duties whether paid or volunteer.

Do you report to work, drills, and details on time or are you either 1 minute before or always late. Persons that do not show up until 1 minute before shift change or any other event really tell a tale of their values and beliefs. Contrast this to someone who is there a few minutes early and communicates with others.

Are you the first or the last to volunteer for extra assignments? This also tells something about your work ethic and you as a person.

Are you the best at anything on your department?

The best pump operator, the best driver, the best rope rescue person, the best EMT or paramedic, the best dispatcher........

The challenge for this week is an easy one. Take a picture of yourself mentally, pick a skill or position on your department, and strive to be the best at that particular skill or task. Or just be the most professional in general behavior.(Good attendance, promptness,appearance etc..)

As you raise your level of skill, and apply the mental commitment to whatever you choose, others on your department will begin to "recognize your work by the workman."

Don't become recognized as the slacker, door dancer, complainer, or the "one with the bad attitude." Those things easily identify the workman also.

Let's stop making the fire service a job, let's work together and become "craftsmen" working at a craft.

The key to being a good "craftsmam" is training, diligence, and attention to detail. It is hard work, but our efforts will truly pay off.


Pete Lamb
Copyright 2014