Just last night...

It was a nice night. Around 5:00 pm, as I recall, I walked into the firehouse a couple of blocks from my home with a few high school friends. There were about six of us. That was the night we joined the fire department as junior members.

We learned a few things that first night; Basic donning skills and the names of some of the equipment. We did tours of the engines and opened all of the compartments. We also learned what we were allowed to do and what we couldn't do yet. We were taught by one of the chiefs and two company officers. I can remember that night like it was last night. 

Over the next few years, my training continued. Fire academy, drills, responding to emergencies. Every day was and is a training day. I was lucky to be around a group of volunteers who wanted to be highly professional. We innovated several tools for our local area and networked with hundreds of other firefighters from our county. In the book Outliers, Gladwell describes situations that create a perfect storm that allow individuals or groups to shine. I have little doubt that our department was such a place. Several members went on to career fire service positions in a time and place where that was uncommon. We were a part of a unique culture that I sense still exists today in that fire department. 

That night led to a long list of lessons and an amazing career. I wanted to take a minute and share a couple thoughts with you. 

First, the ride is shorter than you would imagine. Recently, I looked at pictures of the original group from that night. Half have died. Two from accidents, one from cancer. Only one of the three officers who taught us the first night is still alive. The other two died way too young. Over the years, there have been many more sisters and brothers who have passed through my life. Some for a fire. Some for a tour. Some for decades. Each has had a lasting effect. The most important thing is to enjoy your time with these folks. We don't know how long they (or we) will be around. If you're not laughing together in the firehouse, you're doing it wrong.

Next, take the fireground seriously, don't take yourself too seriously. The life work that any of us do is important, and it matters and makes a difference. We should always try to improve the work, the tools, and our own ability. We also need to understand that we are human and prone to mistakes and, well, being human. That goes for how we treat ourselves and also others. I've seen some recent examples of fire departments that run off people for differences in personalities or style or while just learning their roles. The mob may be satisfied that the "bad" guys are gone, but in reality, they will be quick to condemn the next guy, too. People and organizations need to put time and effort into the work and extend grace wherever possible. A friend often describes the three U's. Is someone unaware, unable, or unwilling? In most instances the first two Us are trainable or fixable. In most instances the last U is rare. Too often we assume that people are unwilling and we cut ties without trying to help them be successful.

We all need to understand that we are running a middle leg in a mega marathon race. We weren't there for the start of the race. We won't run the anchor. Our job is to run as fast and as far as possible to set up the subsequent runners for success. We won't be there to teach the last class. We won't be there to fight the last fire. When we start each day thinking about helping the next generation succeed, we do the best for the organization. It is never about our run; it's about the entire team, including team members yet to be hired.

Last, if I gave you a half pitcher of water, I could ask you if it is half empty or half full? You probably have an answer, and I do, too. That doesn't matter, though. As leaders, a primary function is to give energy to the people around us and thus increase power in the department. We only have what is in the pitcher to pour out that energy. When was the last time you filled up your pitcher? In my career, I can think of countless times when I've suffered from too little sleep, too much stress, poor diet, and a lack of exercise. I've been plagued by trauma and seeing the sometimes horrible things we see in our industry. Frankly, too many times, I've allowed all of that to drain the pitcher and not taken the time to fill it back up. At my department, we now spend considerable time working on the eight dimensions of wellness. All members have access to resources that help them fill up their own pitcher. I've gotten much better at stepping away and taking care of myself. Good sleep, a better diet, a workout routine that works, and plenty of decompression time have made an enormous difference in my life and my ability to share energy. 

40 years ago today, I walked into that firehouse. I had no concept of what that night would mean to me or my life. There's a line from my favorite singer as he talks about his first guitar, "Last night we all sat around laughing at the things that guitar brought us." I think of that firehouse on that first night each time I hear that song. Oh, what the fire service has brought me. #Grateful #timeflies #livelucky