Home Page Survey

[Scoop422]

I know that the home page survey is new but I am surprised that about 20% of people think that knowledge and training is the most important factor for choosing officers while only 12% think experience is. I know it is just opinion but I would rather listen to a guy at a scene who had been to thirty fires than a guy who has taken every course available and has only been to two. Just my opinion.

[Ratchet]

To me, knowledge is key. While experience is very valuable, I feel that knowledge would be the main factor. Experience is limited in the fact that it will show you how things worked in that particular situation. Where as the courses that officer took mentally prepared him to make his decisions not only based on what is happening right now, but also with what may/will happen. I understand your statement about the "one who's only been to two", but I trust the training structure that has been set up to put the right people where they need to be.

[Dickey]

I hear and understand where you guys are coming from.
I prefer, and think it is best to have a combination of all the factors. I know guys that are old salty dogs been doing this business since fire was invented but are not good leaders, or at least don't want to be. On the other end of the spectrum, there are guys that are totally book smart and can quote lines out of books and have all the knowledge in the world but do not have any experience. Also there are guys who might be more senior but hang back in the shadows and let other people do the work and not get involved in many "projects" or anything.

A promotion should be based on some experience, lots of knowledge and training, the ability to lead, have respect of his/her peers, and seniority should be considered or maybe a tie breaker.

Keep your head down and your powder dry.
__________________
Lt.Jason Knecht
Altoona Fire Rescue
Altoona, WI

[mcaldwell]

You can't narrow it down to one or the other. You definitely need both to do the job well.

As for the idea of experience over knowledge, just remember, bad habits can be passed down many times before an accident happens. Just because you have a few dozen fires under your belt doesn't necessarily mean that you are doing it the best or right way.

[RyanEMVFD]

anyone can read but not comprehend
anyone can see but not understand

it all depends on the person. i know someone that has been a firefighter for over 20 years but wouldn't make a good officer. i also know some that have been doing for just a year and would make a good officer with a little bit more knowledge and experience.

[E229Lt]

"If you throw a book at a fire..."

[NJFFSA16]

Though we may be learned by another's knowledge, we can never be wise but by our own experience. - Montaigne

E229LT's short post speaks volumes. Until you experience something you've read about.....well, only then can you truly understand how to apply the "book knowledge."

Knowledge and training are valuable factors in choosing officers, but combine those with experience in the field....and there you will find the well rounded candidate. In my opinion...."been there, done that, experienced that, in fireground conditions....rates higher than "read it in a book."