Brothers and Sisters,
Where has the year gone? Just seems like yesterday I was sitting for my medic test and like many of you, this year has been filled with lots of projects, work and just plain life. We’re at the time of the year when we all reflect on what is really important to us, our families. We have, after all, two families, the one at home and our Fire Department Family. They are both very important parts of our lives.
In our lives we all wear many hats. Personally we are husbands, wives, brother, sisters, aunts, uncles, etc. In our Fire Department lives we are also many people; we are the EMS folks that help the grandfather with his shortness of breath… we are the firefighters that preserve a citizens hope when their house catches fire and we recover that one valued picture…we are the friendly face that simply gives a stranger driving directions while we stop for coffee after a stressful call, but most of all… we are the ones people call when their world is out of control, we are the calm in the chaos. For all of these reasons and many more, you should be proud of yourself.
We all have our personal goals in both our personal and professional lives. I would ask each of us to evaluate how our professional visions fit into the future of this Fire Department and how The Department’s goals fit into our own. We can all achieve our plans together if we remember a few simply rules, they are for the most part what we all learned in elementary school…
…Be open and honest in your dealings,
…Be open to and respect others opinions,
…Do not talk bad about others,
…Have pride in your Department
…and do say please and thank you.
As an entire County Organization we have just made a historical decision. We have committed ourselves to a growth process that will take many years to mature. This was not and will not be a simple process. I’ve had many conversations with our career and volunteer staff and most all members want us to progress forward. I believe that this is due in part from their desire to do what’s best for the citizens; as well as, helping ourselves create an environment that we can all grow professionally. It will take all of us working together as a professional team to accomplish many of the challenges that our leaders will task us with.
I am extremely proud to be a part of this family and even more honored to know each member as an individual. As we celebrate this season and look forward to many more years together, I would ask each of us to do three things. The first is, that everyday we come to the station, we ask ourselves…”How can I leave the Department and myself better than I found them?” No matter how small or large the improvement, it all adds up in the end. Second, please ask for information; don’t assume anything. Meet your Administration and the Union leadership halfway in the information exchange process. Get the accurate information you need to be your best. Third but, probably the most important, get involved. This coming year we will be heavily involved in local and state politics as well as helping Administration with continually shaping our Department. Topics such as health and safety both on the fire ground and around the station and public relations are two very important issues that come to mind. Get involved early in a process and help create new ideas; be proactive, not reactive. Please plan to attend the meeting on January 7, 2010 to help shape the future.
I appreciate everyone in this Department and look forward to a productive and successful 2010. Please extend a Happy Holiday greeting from Theresa, Savannah, Jessica and I to your family and please be safe and return home to yours.
Dwight