Leadership in a volunteer fire department doesn’t work the same way as it does in a career department.
For starters, the officer positions may rotate, as frequently as every year. That means it can be tough to develop a consistent leadership culture.
My guest today says there’s also been a change in attitudes facing those leaders, and it’s not a good one.
John Sahatjian has been in the fire service for 17 years.
He’s the Fire Chief at the South Wall Fire Rescue Company, Fire District #3 in Wall Township, New Jersey.
John is a certified National Level 2 instructor.
John’s article: Leading in the NEW Volunteer Fire Service
Article: Fire department leadership: It’s influence, not a title
Trivia question:
How much water can a fire engine’s onboard tank hold and still be classified as an engine?
Answer:
A fire engine can generally carry about 1,500 gallons of water and still be called an engine.