If you’re trying to join the fire service, raise your hand.
Wow, that’s a lot of you.
There are some good resources to help you with things like passing the written tests and the interview stage.
But one of the keys is mentorship, a/k/a “networking.” Turns out, who you know really can make a difference in getting in the door.
My guest today is here to explain.
Dave McGlynn is a 17-year Fire and Emergency Services veteran who has worked in both municipal and federal fire departments as a volunteer and career firefighter.
He is the Chief Training Officer for the US Military Academy at West Point’s Fire Department. Dave also owns Passion in Leading, LLC.
Dave’s article: Networking for the Future Firefighter
Article: Mentorship: Improving the Fire Service One Member at a Time
Article: Five Steps for Mentoring Success
Trivia question:
What is a Bresnan nozzle?
Answer:
A Bresnan nozzle is an old-school appliance used to fight basement fires. It’s named for FDNY Battalion Chief John Bresnan, who helped design it.
The nozzle has nine holes it in that produce a water stream up, down and out all at the same time and in a spinning motion.
It’s also called a cellar nozzle and was designed to be used in hard-to-reach basement fires where the line could not push down the stairs from the interior.
Crews would cut a hole in the floor to provide access to the basement, then lower the cellar nozzle into the opening to knock down the fire.
