August 7, 2012
Fire-Rescue International was a great networking opportunity with many good topics of discussion, training and education. Our keynote speaker, (Ret) Colonel and Astronaut Mike Mullane, spoke about the individual's role in keeping themselves and their team safe in hazardous environments. He shared personal stories where as part of a team either at NASA or on the fire-ground, he felt the urge to say something but didn't because he was the new member or was of lower rank or maybe just thought the other guy had more experience and would be offended if he questioned him. Whatever the reason, Mike didn't say anything even though his gut was telling him something isn't right here. At this point, Mike said, in reality he was nothing more than a passenger along for the ride. Sometime later he realized, that you're not really fulfilling your role as a team member if you're only along for the ride. At NASA they have a saying, "we're all in it together" and "if you see something, say something." This is a good message for our firefighters as well, as we too are all in it together. Like the astronauts sitting in the space shuttle, the engineers, those in mission control, etc., so are we as firefighters, dispatch, inspectors, etc. - all in it together. In order to prevent accidents, personal injury/property damage, we must speak up when we see something or when we get that gut feeling that something's not right. Regardless of rank or position, remember we're all in this together. If the driver is driving too fast for conditions and you don't say something, you're just as responsible for the outcome as the driver himself. We are all responsible for ensuring "Everyone Goes Home!" You've heard the saying that hind-sight is better than fore-sight. In most cases we had that gut feeling, but simply refused to say something or act until it was too late.
Back to Firewire
Next Post
South Carolina
Firefighters' Association
111 Westpark Boulevard
P.O. Box 211725
Columbia, South Carolina 29210
© Copyright South Carolina State Firefighters' Association 2021
Website by 37 Gears
Store