By Jason Zigmont, via FireRescue1.

Professional volunteer departments need professional leadership — and it is important to be honest with yourself and your brethren when you decide to become an officer. If you are doing it for the shiny badge or title, think twice. You should only look at being an officer if you believe you can contribute better as an officer and serve as a role model of a professional volunteer for your members. As an officer you will have not only expanded privileges, but also more duties and requirements.

Becoming an officer is a commitment that you need to be able to fulfill and be sure your family will support you. Once you become an officer, the old saying of, “I don’t have to do it, I’m just a volunteer” becomes obsolete. Officers need to be able to put more time and effort into making the department grow. Those elected should expect to add anywhere up to an extra 20-40 hours a month at your department. While requirements vary by department, there will always be things that need your time, on top of officers’ meetings and public relations, not forgetting the fires that will need putting out.

So the next question is, what makes a good officer? Is it certifications? Years in service? Popularity? Or how about being one of the “good ol’ boys?”

Certifications sound like an easy answer. After all, if you have your Fire Officer III or whatever, it must mean you know your stuff, right? While all officers should have some minimum certifications, it is probably not right for the one with the most rockers to win. The bigger issue is whether or not you can actually apply the information you learn.

Read full column.

Categories: Columns, On the Fire Side
Tags: