By Brian Ward
Everyone Goes Home® Georgia State Advocate
As firefighters we run the calls, we perform the public services, we go out of our way to help the citizens and we never ask for anything in return or praise. But, we need to celebrate our successes, our forward progression and the positive changes that we have accomplished. It's very hard work to change anywhere, especially in the Fire Service, but when we do and we talk about it, we create that positive momentum and touch that affective domain thing we learned about as instructors. The beliefs, values, and attitudes inside of all of us are touched when we succeed. So, I would like to share the successes and progression that Georgia has achieved and challenge others to join us in celebrating.
On October 1-2, 2008 we put on two classes entitled "Fully Resolved: Preventing LODDs in Training." The first day was hosted by Atlanta Fire Rescue and the second day was hosted by Warner Robins Fire Department. It is also important to say that none of this would have been possible if it was not for the help of the Metro Atlanta Fire Chiefs Association and the Georgia Fire Chiefs Association. Both of these associations have bought into the 16 Initiatives and believe in them. Tim Dunkle, Fire Academy Training Service Administrator for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Dave Casey, Florida's Chief of Fire Standards and Training gave a great presentation on LODDs that have directly affected them and preventing these types of occurrences from happening again. During the afternoon session Arizona Executive Director and Region 4 Advocate Ron Dennis presented the Version 7 Courage to Be SafeSM program. People throughout the state joined us, including two from the Alabama Fire College. We greatly appreciate the networking and discussion that took place from all participants. It was truly a success and I would like to share an E-mail that was sent to me not 12 hours after taking this class. The Smyrna Fire Department in Smyrna, Georgia issued the following to all employees in their department:
"Initiative #4 states: 'Empower all Firefighters to stop unsafe practices.' Even though the City has a policy for seat belt use I know that seat belts are not being used on all calls (because I've done it too). As Station Officers it is your responsibility to enforce seat belt use and as Engineers you are empowered to not move the truck if everyone is not buckled in. I would not want to tell a firefighter's children that their father is not coming home because I wanted to be a buddy and not enforce a safety issue. As the Departmental Safety Officer I challenge you to enforce 100% seat belt usage on every call. If you are caught not using your seatbelt, be forewarned that you will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination for violating city policy. The Fire Chief has expressed his concern about this subject and indicated that there will be no leniency for violation of the seat belt policy."
That is a very strong statement and just one example of the positive influence that this program has created. We are also in the process of a "Seat Belt Blitz" where we are attempting to receive 5,000 Georgia firefighter signatures on the National Seat Belt Pledge. We are not quite there, but we are getting closer everyday.
The help of the Georgia Fire Academy and www.FireServiceSLT.com has been tremendous in all of these activities and we have more to come. The Gwinnett County Leadership and Safety Conference was held January 23 - 25, 2009. Speakers Chief Rick Lasky, Chief John Norman and Chief John Salka were on hand to speak about key items in the fire service.
Initiative One states: Define and advocate the need for a cultural change within the fire service relating to safety; incorporating leadership, management, supervision, accountability and personal responsibility.
Gwinnett County is advocating the need for leadership, management and supervision. But, we can't let it stop here; we have to continue pushing the bar until there are no more LODDs. With the help of my fellow Advocates we will succeed because we will not accept anything less and I hope everyone can join Georgia in this statement.
I would like to thank some of the following key players with incorporating Everyone Goes Home® in Georgia. First, Chief Billy Hayes for getting me involved; Georgia Fire Academy Director David Wall, fellow Georgia Advocate Rodney Pickle; Section Chief of Georgia Fire Academy Steve Couch; Atlanta Chief of Training Mike Simmons, long time Everyone Goes Home® promoter Chief Freddy Howell; and Region 4 Advocate Chief Rick Larkins. Lastly, I could never leave out Chief Ron Dennis for his countless hours spent in Georgia helping us. Thanks to all, it would not be possible without you.
For free training presentations or information on the Leadership and Safety Conference visit www.FireServiceSLT.com or if I can ever be of any assistance, please email me at brian.ward@gwinnettcounty.com.