I'll take "what do firefighters hate" for $1000 What is change
Side Alpha Leadership
This month I sit down with my boys RJ and Sam. we talk tactics, learning new things, keeping your emotions in check and dealing with the dreaded word, change! It was great to just freestyle the conversation.
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Treat your people like you want to be treated
Side Alpha Leadership
This month I speak with Steve Jones. Steve retired from Montgomery County MD as the Operations Deputy Chief. Steve and I have known each other for many years. We both started as High School Cadets for the fire department. Steve talks about his career in the fire service and what he learned along the way. He used what he learned as he progressed through the ranks to the number 2 spot in the county. Steve has the old school mentality when it comes to firefighting and lives by the simple philosophy, treat people how you want to be treated. Steve shows no signs of slowing down. He...
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Your people deserve the best leaders. Train to be the best
Side Alpha Leadership
In this episode I talk with Battalion Chief Rafael Gibson. Chief Gibson is assigned to the Training Academy in Montgomery County Maryland. As chiefs we demand our people to train every day and be the best. Your people expect you to be equally trained to be the best. Chief Gibson discusses the new line officers training program, the advancements in command officers command competency program and continuing professional development. For more information on these programs contact Chief Gibson at
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Going old school with my dad
Side Alpha Leadership
In this episode I sit down with my dad Mike Kerr. We discuss the fire service back in the day and how it has changed. My dad tells his story about his love of the fire service as a kid and how he got started as a volunteer in Prince Georges County in Greenbelt, to becoming a career firefighter with the DCFD as a Tillerman at T12. Our family moved from Prince Georges County to Montgomery County, where he became a volunteer with the Burtonsville Vol. Fire Dept. He moved through the volunteer ranks and eventually became the longest serving chief. He honed his leadership skills and became a...
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To make big changes you have to start small
Side Alpha Leadership
This month I had the pleasure to speak to Asst. Chief Siddiq. We discussed a lot of topics. Change in the fire service is hard and you will be met with resistance if you try to go big right away. The key is to start small, get buy from those closest to you. Be honest with your reason for change. Making decisions will come easier through training. Members will gain confidence with their skills and feel at ease making decisions. Let you firefighters plan and run drills. Finally, as a senior member of your organization you need to train you subordinates to one day move into your position. This...
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The new guy, senior staff and expectations
Side Alpha Leadership
This month I have Stephnie White back on the show. We discuss the new firefighters coming into the service. Are they too soft or are we projecting our rookie time onto them and is that fair? We discussed station members' expectations of seinor staff and vice versa. if station members run for cover when the chiefs come to the station, the chiefs have a huge communication issue. we discussed how to overcome that communication gap.
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Honest Communications, trust and good relationships = great morale
Side Alpha Leadership
This month I welcome back Dr. Shelly Wheeler. Shelly is a Captain assigned to the training academy in Montgomery County Maryland. Shelly and I talk about how to make morale good in the fire service, foster a culture where firefighter make decision and prepare them for the next step in their careers. Start the officer prep the moment firefighters come off probation and continue until they sit for their first promotional exam.
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Who's the mentor, You're the mentor!
Side Alpha Leadership
This month I welcome back RJ (Robert James) we dig into the topic of being a mentor. It is important to take the new firefighters under your wing, guide them and set them on the path to be successful. It is everyone’s job to ensure we are turning out the best firefighters. Remember your rookie is a reflection of you and your shift. In the 2nd part of the show, we discuss officer development. The fire service drops the ball when it comes to teaching firefighter to become officers who can make quick decisions with imperfect information. What does the perfect officer development school...
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The Training Officer steers the ship
Side Alpha Leadership
This month I sit down with Chief Dave McGlynn. We talk about his new book "The Training Officer" Being a training officer is hard work, but rewarding. We talk about the culture of the fire service. Many say we need to change the culture of the fire service, but I don't believe that. I think we should always try to enhance the culture of the fire service and strive to make it better, but not change it. The fire service has a rich history and the culture is a large part of it.
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You say you take care of your people, but do you really?
Side Alpha Leadership
You need to invest in your people to know when something is wrong. Firefighters are reluctant to ask for help, so you need to spot trouble and get the help members may need. When you promote to a leadership position you are always on duty for your people. You have to answer the phone when someone reaches out to you. You may be their last call when their whole world is falling apart around them. As a leader you are always on, you accept that role when you are in that position. Make sure you know the resources available in your department to get the help your people need.
info_outlineIn this episode I speak with my friend Lt. David Braun. David is a former Marine Scout Sniper who spent 7 years with the Marines with much of his time in Afghanistan where he serves at the rank of Sergeant. David is now a Fire/Rescue Lieutenant in the DC Metro Area. We dig into the leadership lessons learned in the military and how it fits into the fire service.