Promotion

[Jun18ior]

After a lengthy application and interview process, I've been appointed Captain for 2008 in my volunteer department. Any commentary would be appreciated. I already understand the responsibilities associated with the promotion, but I'm looking for any advice on the transition from rank and file to supervisor. To top it off, we are in the middle of an operational consolidation with our sister department, and we are the first group of officers within the consolidated system.


Note: I'm one of three captains, approx 35 members, 100% volunteer, 500ish calls a year, manpower issues in the daytime (like almost every other volunteer department), suppression and rescue service only (no EMS), spent the past year as training officer.

Thanks!

[BLSboy]

Rob, feel free to IM me
Fireguard69 on AIM and Yahoo.

I will act up as a Lt. when the situation calls for it, and I have some advice for you, that was given to me.

[KeithA8]

I'm glad to hear that you had an application/interview process and it was not just a popularity contest. That is rare in the volunteer world around here. You should feel very proud to be appointed. How much time do you have on and where you a Lt. first? I noticed by your name you may be young (ju18ior). Is this a position over juniors or regular firefighters?

[WFDjr1]

Just to clairify, Keith, while he may be young, as am I, we're no longer Juniors. Some of us didn't change our screen names for whatever reason after we became full-fledged firefighters. It can get downright confusing sometimes!:p

But back to the subject... Congrats Rob! The only advice that I can give off the top of my head is don't send your guys into anything that you wouldn't go into yourself. Read "First In, Last Out" by John Salka, it is possibly the best leadership book I've read.

[Jun18ior]

I've been on the job four years, and as training officer this year acted up as a co. officer almost daily. And you're right about the name WFD, plus my name is Rob Jr.

This year is the first time the process has been legitimized by interviews and applications, so I'm pretty happy that I didn't get the position by popularity, as that has been a problem for us in the past.

I've also read Salka's book and thought it was great, and if you could see how many highlight marks and post-its are in my copy of Norman's book, you might call it a Christmas tree. If anyone else has any books or references to recommend, please let me know.

Stay Safe!

[fyrmnk]

If anyone else has any books or references to recommend, please let me know.

Stay Safe!

Pride & Ownership by Chief Rick Lasky. Good luck, take care of your guys.