Aggression

You know, I don’t think of myself as a aggressive or abrasive person. I’m not overly assertive and don’t generally let my blood pressure sky-rocket. But when it comes to firefighting, I use my training and past experiences to fight fire or to lead my men into fighting fire a certain way.

Some people may consider it aggressive, even dangerous, I don’t honestly care. Their opinions don’t make my decisions for me. My crew doesn’t second guess me and they trust when I politely let out the, “get the “F” in there!” As I’m walking by the porch during what is most likely my second 360…I’m that officer that paces circles while my crew is doing things I once did.

My style of firefighting is personal. I fight fire in a way that does risk our safety. I lead my crew into places that are not for the light-hearted or the second guessing type. The job of a firefighter is inherently dangerous and my men know that, they also trust that I will know when it has become too unsafe for them. That trust is spawned from training. It is groomed from station life and my demeanor during station activities or non emergency situations.

Aggressive? You’re damn right! In this small town, my department is going to not only make sure to try to rescue every living thing in that burning structure but also limit as much fire damage as possible…because that’s why we’re here. They didn’t call the fire department to watch their belongings burn up because the firefighters deemed the house vacant or not make entry because, “all occupants have exited the building.” Are we going to risk a lot to save a little…yes, dammit.

Because low income homes not covered by insurance deserve the same, if not more aggressive firefighting, than the high dollar, massive square foot, fully insured homes do. WE OWE THAT TO OUR CITIZENS!

Force the door, stay low, make the push and put water on the base of the fire. End of story.