Comments on: It’s The Minimum http://firehousezen.com/2010/07/28/its-the-minimum/ Brain Food for Mongo. Change management & leadership in today's emergency services. Tue, 15 May 2012 13:31:26 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: First Due Blog Carnival Edition 5 – Minimum Standards – The Fire Critic http://firehousezen.com/2010/07/28/its-the-minimum/comment-page-1/#comment-6922 First Due Blog Carnival Edition 5 – Minimum Standards – The Fire Critic Thu, 05 Aug 2010 03:54:36 +0000 http://firehousezen.com/?p=1233#comment-6922 [...] Firehouse Zen – It’s The Minimum Unless your organization is living in a 1950’s time warp, the people in your community, when they call the fire department for help, expect help for many things that exceed the scope of “firefighting”.  Regardless of whether your community is staffed with a career or a volunteer department, there are increased expectations on the level of service being provided.  I can rationally argue the need for standards on a number of different levels.  I will, however, only provide you with this one today; it’s the minimum. [...] [...] Firehouse Zen – It’s The Minimum Unless your organization is living in a 1950’s time warp, the people in your community, when they call the fire department for help, expect help for many things that exceed the scope of “firefighting”.  Regardless of whether your community is staffed with a career or a volunteer department, there are increased expectations on the level of service being provided.  I can rationally argue the need for standards on a number of different levels.  I will, however, only provide you with this one today; it’s the minimum. [...]

]]> By: Jim Still http://firehousezen.com/2010/07/28/its-the-minimum/comment-page-1/#comment-6823 Jim Still Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:40:27 +0000 http://firehousezen.com/?p=1233#comment-6823 good stuff.... good stuff….

]]> By: Dave http://firehousezen.com/2010/07/28/its-the-minimum/comment-page-1/#comment-6819 Dave Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:36:00 +0000 http://firehousezen.com/?p=1233#comment-6819 Sounds like I'm preaching to the choir Chief :) It just fries me that our dept, along with our union, resists annual fitness testing so vigorously. The dept because it's a money issue. The union because it's seen as a way to get rid of those who can't get off their asses. Very frustrating. Especially given that we have to do con ed and skills review for our EMS qualifications but, once you're done with the academy, you never have to be tested for competency again....just wrong in my opinion. Sounds like I’m preaching to the choir Chief :)

It just fries me that our dept, along with our union, resists annual fitness testing so vigorously. The dept because it’s a money issue. The union because it’s seen as a way to get rid of those who can’t get off their asses. Very frustrating. Especially given that we have to do con ed and skills review for our EMS qualifications but, once you’re done with the academy, you never have to be tested for competency again….just wrong in my opinion.

]]> By: truck6alpha http://firehousezen.com/2010/07/28/its-the-minimum/comment-page-1/#comment-6800 truck6alpha Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:14:37 +0000 http://firehousezen.com/?p=1233#comment-6800 I'm okay with an annual minimum standards test, mostly because I am against requiring a number of hours for training and supportive of competency-based training. The main problem as I see it with competency based training, however, is when you have evaluators who are reluctant or unwilling to insist on actual competency. I really like the fact that the Commandant has to qualify as well, since I'm sure it does great things for morale. I personally go out and take our physical fitness competencies with the troops even though I'm no longer required to. I'm not as fast as I used to be, but when the young bucks see the old man out there dragging that manikin, they know they'd better at least beat my time. What are your thoughts? I’m okay with an annual minimum standards test, mostly because I am against requiring a number of hours for training and supportive of competency-based training. The main problem as I see it with competency based training, however, is when you have evaluators who are reluctant or unwilling to insist on actual competency.

I really like the fact that the Commandant has to qualify as well, since I’m sure it does great things for morale. I personally go out and take our physical fitness competencies with the troops even though I’m no longer required to. I’m not as fast as I used to be, but when the young bucks see the old man out there dragging that manikin, they know they’d better at least beat my time.

What are your thoughts?

]]> By: Dave http://firehousezen.com/2010/07/28/its-the-minimum/comment-page-1/#comment-6770 Dave Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:14:53 +0000 http://firehousezen.com/?p=1233#comment-6770 How do you and your readers feel about an annual minimum standards test to stay on the job??? Along with a minimum fitness standards test?? I'm a big supporter of these but,I feel as though I'm in the minority on this one. I personally like the fact that the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps is required to qualify with a fitness test, and his weapon, annually. Any thoughts Chief??? How do you and your readers feel about an annual minimum standards test to stay on the job??? Along with a minimum fitness standards test??

I’m a big supporter of these but,I feel as though I’m in the minority on this one. I personally like the fact that the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps is required to qualify with a fitness test, and his weapon, annually. Any thoughts Chief???

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