Georgia Firefighter - Summer 2023

Firefighter

2 GSFA Officers

3 GSFA Contact Directory

7 Leadership Messages

41 Is Brotherhood a Thing of the Past?

47 Seven Characteristics for Saving Lives

59 Using the FORD Approach to Team- Building

61 Tattoos and Firefighters

63 How to Become a Person of Influence

65 Dekalb County Training

70 Business Directory

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President Gary Clark, Homer Volunteer Fire Department; 1st Vice President Mike Byrd, Spalding County Fire Department; 3rd Vice President Jeff Hardin, McRae-Helena Fire Department; Director at Large Jason Amerson, Cartersville Fire Department; Treasurer Bruce King, Bartow County Fire & Emergency Services; and Past President David Bullard, Columbia County Fire Rescue; 2nd Vice President Craig Dukes.

GSFA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Georgia State Firefighters Association

2022-2024 Board of Directors

GSFA

GSFA Phone: 770-914-7774

Egos and leadership are a poor combination at best. While confidence is key, it must never morph into ego based cockiness.

With a study of Servant Based Leadership, we learn that as leaders, we bear a responsibility for the success and well-being of those we lead.

If our decision making becomes egotistical then we lose the confidence of those whom we lead and in turn will lose their support.

The principle being that we support their growth and make sure that their needs are met.

If as an officer you have met your training requirements for the year, but one of your subordinates has not, what have you accomplished?

Leaders must be interactive to work towards the goals and needs of others. Egos can counter this by fostering a “my way or the highway attitude.”

While there are mandatory requirements and training, the re-

Past President David Bullard

Lego My Ego

mainder can be guided by seeking input from subordinates.

Difficulty presents itself when trying to have a mixed drill with experienced and inexperienced personnel. With an ego-driven approach you may try to control all aspects of the drill.

However, consider empowering the experienced personnel to take on roles in the drill to lead the inexperienced. Afterwards perform a good critique and use the feedback to aide all participants.

Also do not allow your ego to trick you into thinking you know everything.

Egos can make us defend beliefs or ideas that we do not have a good foundation of understanding of.

As more and more research comes forth on fire behavior in the modern fuel packages, it really just confirms what an honest look at recent fires that we have been to, should confirm.

It should also remind us that

some things we hang onto as tradition may have not been as traditional as we thought.

We are to the point we are at now due to adaptation and advancement. If that were not true each of you would be feeding hay to the horses in your fire stations.

The research and technology just give us a foundation to base our decisions off of.

It doesn’t mean everything from the past is bad and it doesn’t mean everything in the future will be perfect. The simple truth is we much set our egos aside and listen, look, and learn from what we encounter.

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The Georgia State Firefighters Association is on the move, reporting with a quick check-up of the 2023 legislative session.

Georgia State Firefighters Association followed several pieces of legislation, keeping our members informed of issues pressing to our organization is our goal.

During conference in 2022

Chief Scott Carter submitted a recommendation to GSFA resolution committee for a resolution.

The committee drafted a resolution and presented it to the body at which time it was read and voted on with a due pass recommendation resolution one listed below.

Local Sprinkler Lobbying Effort

Whereas, Members of the Cartersville Fire Department, as endorsed by the Northwest Georgia Fire Chiefs Association, Georgia Fire Investigators Association, and the Georgia Fire Inspectors Association come before you to seek a resolution; and

Whereas, according to the National Fire Protection Association, on average six people died in home fires per day in 2020; and

Whereas, this led to 2,230 civil -

President Gary Clark

2023 Legislative Update

ian fire deaths, 8600 injuries and 6.8 billion dollars in property damage; and

Whereas, today's one and two family dwellings burn faster and fail quicker due to modern lightweight wood construction and modern home furnishings creating a deadly home in as little as two minutes with significantly faster collapse potential; and

Whereas, according to the NFPA when sprinklers are present and activated fire is kept to the room of origin 96% of the time also reducing firefighter injuries by 60% with civilian death rate lowered by 87%; and

Whereas, O.C.G.A. 8-2-4 states that no residential or fire building code adopted by any political subdivision in the State of Georgia can include the requirements for a residential fire sprinkler system; and

Whereas, based on State code no local authority has the right to utilize current residential building

codes that will enhance the life safety and property conservation within a community across this Great State of Georgia despite

the fact that residential sprinklers are part of a fire safe community, required by all model codes, reduce dollar loss, add value to each home and saves lives; and Whereas, while it is our greatest desire that no firefighter or citizen shall lose their life in the horrible fate of fire, we beg the legislators for our great state to allow communities the right to implement current residential building codes concerning residential sprinkler systems; Therefore, be it resolved that the membership of The Georgia State Firefighters Association request that this become a high priority of the GSFA legislative agenda and all efforts shall be made to draft, pass and implement legislation into law that will correct the current danger to life in our communities across this Great State of Georgia:

The Committee recommends "Do Pass"

Do I have a second?

Seconded by Gary Voted and Passed

During this year's legislative session House Bill 574 was

introduced by representative Josh Gullett of the 19th House District.

The bill made it to the second reading in the House of Representatives, then it stalled.

We need all hands on deck to support this piece of legislation, I encourage you to contact your State Representatives and Senators and express your concerns and support for this piece of legislation. This bill will not affect the entire state, it is a local control ordinance bill only.

Sprinkler systems save lives and with the rise in fire deaths over the past few years it is imperative that we take action to reduce this number of deaths.

Next on the list of legislation is House Bill 503, introduced by representative Lee Hawkins of the 25th and other signers.

This bill termed the income tax certain contributions by taxpayers to local firefighting foundations tax credit. If passed this law would allow fire departments to establish A501C3 foundation and receive donations of up to $1,000,000 per department and a total of $25 million statewide to be collected by individual departments with 100% tax credit to donors these donations can be used for any purpose the fire department needs.

A similar bill was passed into law in 2020 for law enforcement.

Another bill that has been worked on for several years previously known in 2021 as House Bill 855 was introduced as a workers compensation bill, in 2023 House bill 451 was introduced by Devan Seabough of the 34th House district.

House bill 451 is the PTSD

2023 Legislative Update (continued)

insurance policy requirement, this bill has been in the works for several years and this year was introduced as another Insurance policy similar to the firefighter’s cancer policy.

Every year public safety loses officers to mental health crisis and PTSD. It is our goal to support good legislation to assist public safety officers in crisis.

During 2023 session House bill 451 made it to committees and received a favorable recommendation but didn’t make it out in time to be voted on before crossover day. This bill will be seen again in 2024. It is our goal to support this needed legislation to aid our officers in crisis.

Again, I encourage you to contact your state Representatives and Senators to support this legislation.

This next bill, House bill 124, as introduced by Bruce Rogers of the 61st House district and other signers.

This piece of legislation would allow fire departments that have no EMS license to transport patients in emergency situations where EMS is not immediately available and receive the authority to bill for cost recovery.

This Bill didn’t make it out of the House before crossover day. Georgia State Firefighters Association supports these efforts.

The final piece of legislation followed and supported by Georgia State firefighters Association is House bill 168 “Moe Baxter” bill Introduced by Jason Ridley of the 6th House district and other signers.

This legislation would eliminate state tax on the firefighter

cancer benefit. This got overlooked when the original cancer legislation was passed in 2018.

Georgia State firefighters Association is working diligently to correct this injustice on the state and federal level. This Legislation received a favorable reading in the house but was held up in the Ways and Means committee. Unfortunately, it did not make it through on crossover day.

Once again, I want to encourage each of you to reach out to your state representative and senators and also your congressman and discuss this with them to change in the law to allow beneficiaries to receive the full amount of the benefit without taxation.

The Georgia State Firefighters Association executive board is working hard for you each passing day building better and stronger relationships with state agencies and officials.

We are representing the fire service in a positive manner; we can only be as strong as our membership.

We need YOU, we need every firefighter in the state to join our mission: To serve, promote, advocate, and represent the interest of the fire and emergency service of Georgia.

In closing a brief reminder, please make plans to attend the 2023 Georgia Fire Service GSFA/GAFC joint conference August 21st - 25th ,2023. Come join us for training, fellowship, competition and make some lifelong memories in Augusta GA.

Gary J. Clark President GSFA

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In the fire service, the phrase “pay it forward” has many connotations.

It may be young firefighters wanting to pay forward how they were treated as new recruits or probationary firefighters.

All too many times, this payit-forward thought process falls under the misguided ideals of “rites of passage.”

Sadly, it is usually more likely a form of hazing than it is what the true meaning of paying it forward is.

However, to truly pay it forward ideally means to pass on the knowledge that was given to you in your career.

A very wise, seasoned instructor once said that he is loaning his knowledge to his recruits with the expectation they will repay their debt by paying it forward one day to a new set of recruits.

We have a responsibility as fire service professionals to prepare those who come after us for the challenges they will face.

The International Association of Fire Chiefs states that succession planning starts the first day a new firefighter arrives on the

1st Vice President Mike Byrd Pay It Forward

job (International Association of Fire Chiefs, 2016).

How many of us remember our first day at the fire station, whether it was in recruit school or your first volunteer drill night?

Did you feel as though you were being prepared to enter the profession to be successful, or did you feel as though you had made a grave mistake?

For many of us, we were fortunate enough to have someone who cared enough to take us under their wing and act as a

mentor.

More than likely, our mentor had someone mentor them or had a bad experience and wanted to break the cycle.

These types of firefighters are a crucial component of organizational leadership, and remember, leadership does not equate to rank.

These mentors use a form of informal training that teaches newer personal knowledge, skills, or abilities that are difficult to guide through formal training (Brady, 2012).

Some things cannot be taught in a classroom or read in a textbook. Mentoring, succession planning, or paying it forward, whichever term you wish to use, creates an environment where fire personnel learns from the experience of others.

Every fire department has that old firefighter who never moved up for whatever reason. That career lieutenant is a valuable source of knowledge. We can only hope they embrace paying forward this experience that was given to them and not holding onto it.

Formal fire service leaders must embrace these individuals and encourage them to pass on what was loaned to them.

Education has its value. However, it can never overtake experience. This informal training has more than likely saved more firefighters.

Unfortunately, these crusty old firefighters and their value are overlooked because they did want to wear white helmets or go to college or fire academies.

Chief officers and company officers are also responsible for sharing their experiences and how they became successful.

In the past, many fire service professionals felt that knowledge was power that could be used by someone else to move ahead of them.

They would hold onto the knowledge that would prove to be helpful to others. That is a sad fire service tradition that needs to go away.

We hope that concept has died off with the fire service dinosaurs. We also hope the dinosaur eggs left behind them will not continue that tradition.

Pay It Forward (continued)

Great officers teach their personnel to be great firefighters. These same great officers are on the front row of promotional ceremonies knowing that something they passed on has made a difference in another’s career.

Fire chiefs have the most significant responsibility to pay it forward. Budgeting is a boring presentation full of facts about operating and capital budgets.

What these lectures have to have are the secrets of how to be successful in building a department.

What lessons were learned on how to get a group of elected officials to understand why a new fire truck is needed, why raises are essential to keep personnel, why stipends for volunteers are a must, or any other high-priced project needs to be funded.

Chiefs need to pass on how to deal with personnel issues in a way that keeps you off the news or, even better, out of court. How to respond when they are being drilled in a council or commissioner’s meeting without making a career-ending statement.

This informal training can only be passed on using past experiences. Again, formal training is required but doesn’t teach you how to survive the political fight. This informal training comes best from the bumps and bruises someone has suffered throughout their career.

Several of us in the fire service have had someone pay it forward for us. Take the time to pay forward what was given to you in your career. Paying it forward transcends the ranks from firefighter to fire chief.

This also gives you a chance to leave a legacy of knowing

your knowledge will continue long after you retire. Formal training occurs every day, with fire instructors doing it in the classroom or on the drill field.

Informal training is just as necessary, which happens in the fire station or on the tailboard on the emergency scene.

Take the time to repay the knowledge loaned to you by sharing it with someone else. Pay it forward!

I would like to thank those who have paid it forward to me in my career: Chief David Wall, Chief Scott Carter, Chief Henry Argo, Deputy Director Butch Beach, Captain Jon Williams, Captain Paul Bonner, and Division Chief Carl Demarco . Thank you.

References

Brady, M. D. (2012). Effects of mentorships on self-efficacy in new fire apparatus engineers [Master's thesis].

International Association of Fire Chiefs. (2016, September). Succession planning or succession program? https://www.iafc. org/iCHIEFS/iCHIEFS-article/ succession-planning-or-succession-program#:~:text=A%20succession%20program%20is%20 one,by%20advanced%20knowledge%20and%20education.

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The Fire service is constantly evolving with new technology to improve performance.

We have new technology that poses issues with how we respond to certain incidents. What measures are we taking to ensure we are taking care of our firefighters.

Are we still Existing like we always have, going through the same processes and hoping it is good enough to make it?

Hopefully we are Evolving, through educating ourselves through training opportunities, getting out of the everyday process and pushing forward for fire service.

Daily I receive new information on a new product that is

Are We Evolving or Simply Exisiting? Director At Large

Jason Amerson

coming out.

Our emails are drowning with new tools and programs to better our departments. Drones, TIC’s, Training props that are now virtual, and many others.

I know I can hear you now, the Chief will never go for that, it cost to much, the excuses can go on and on.

My first question is have you asked? Followed by have you put in your time to research the product to show the value in it.

Promoting a better fire service also includes taking care of ourselves and other firefighters.

How do we do this? Are we staying healthy, doing our routine health checks? Are we staying fit to do the job physically? Are

we staying mentally fit? Are we checking in on our fellow firefighter making sure everyone is taking care of themselves?

Most importantly do we really know how to get help in the area of mental health? Do we know and have contacts to the resources that are available to us? Chiefs are we providing this information and educating the benefits for the programs available.

When we look at our Department, Shift, Crew, and ourselves, are we existing or evolving. If we were evaluating the four categories’ just mentioned, how would they be labeled?

Are we evolving or existing? When you evaluate these categories and get the results are you

Spread the Word!

Treasurer

Bruce King

There are many firefighters missing out on the benefits of being a member of GSFA. Just a few of them available through the Association include:

• Awards for Firefighter, Rookie, Educator, Company Officer, Instructor and Life Saving Valor

• Up to Two $1,000 fire department

grants offered annually

• Up to Six $500 scholarships annually

• $1,000 line-of-duty death benefit

• Discounts through Jones & Bartlett and PennWell for training manuals

• GSFA Decal

• GSFA has selected Provident to be its sole insurance provider. The agreement with Provident provides

up to $5,000 accidental death and dismemberment insurance that doubles to $10,000 for accidental deaths in the line of duty. Visit gsffa.org for a more complete list of benefits. Get the word out, don’t let your fellow firefighters miss out!

With Sincerity and Respect,

Bruce King GSFA Treasurer

satisfied? I would hope you are never fully satisfied and would continue pushing for better.

However, depending on your position in your department you should always start with you.

I’ve always heard that the two things firefighters dislike the most are change and the way things are.

When we choose to push for a better fire service it will come with change. Every one will not like it, you may not like it always.

We have to give some to benefit the service occasionally. We will not always be here; the way things are can’t and won’t always be the same.

It’s not the same as when you started in the fire service. Go take the classes, research the new equipment, work to find the funds to purchase new equipment.

When I invest in something I have always wanted to leave it better that I found it.

Welcome change and Evolve

the fire service to something better that when you started.

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Is Brotherhood a Thing of the Past?

by (retired) BC Jeff Sanders Spalding County Fire Department

I spent a few years at Clayton County Fire Department back in the mid 1970s assigned to Station 3 on Battlecreek Road.

It was here I realized a unique bond among the men I was serving with. Men like Julian Lovern, Keith Waller, Donald Cook, David Sapp, Raymond Fair and many others.

This unique bond wasn’t just about spending time together away from the department but was all about the “family” sense of belonging to each other, supportive and holding each other accountable and loving one another.

It was about taking care of each other and their families in tough times or showing up in a multitude of numbers to show respect for one’s death. In essence the Brotherhood has 343 meanings!

Brotherhood was once just about the men in our ranks, but over the years it now encompasses all sexes, creeds, and races.

In 1978 I joined the newly formed Spalding County Fire Department in Griffin. It was closer to my hometown

of Thomaston and would provide more opportunities for advancement.

There too, it didn’t take long to realize this unique bond called the Brotherhood of the fire service.

I served this department for many years, and it soon became evident that the Brotherhood of the Fire Service was a unique and coveted fraternity that was among the ranks of many other departments across our region and beyond.

Just to be a fireman, a firefighter, an officer didn’t automatically make you a member of this fraternity.

Just because you drive or ride a million-dollar rig with flashing lights, paying lots of attention and making noise as you speed to an emergency didn’t mean you were accepted either.

In some situations, it began by letting young volunteers hang out at the station and joining in the rituals of friendly horseshoe games.

Other times it was making sure to treat everyone fairly and equally important during training and shift duties or seeking everyone’s input while sitting at the table over a cup of coffee or glass of sweet tea.

It took patience, training, char-

acter, love for mankind, values, and morals as the cornerstone for the Brotherhood.

There was no glamour or ceremony when you realized you had been accepted into this coveted fraternity, but the self-feeling you were now an important part was beyond measure.

A part of you that would live on years after your retirement.

The fire service is steeped in tradition. Though the friendly horseshoe games, card games and station horse play are long gone there is no reason we should not be teaching these young men and women the importance of the Brotherhood/ Womanhood of the All-American Fire Service.

This day and age we need the Brotherhood to live on, be vibrant in this generation of firefighters and those who have earned their retirement.

We need to continue to light that fire in them, teach them and show them the way.

With the evolution of changes, so comes the evolution of people changes. A new generation of firefighters has rapidly replaced the

Is Brotherhood a Thing of the Past? (continued)

older generation of the Brotherhood.

I often hear that the Ole Brotherhood of the fire service is becoming a thing of the past.

It’s a common phrase heard too many times in stations across our state! The question is not who is to blame, but how can we correct it!?

Almost two years ago the Old Legends of Spalding County Fire and Griffin Fire Rescue was organized by eight retirees.

Our numbers are now 36 strong and one of our main objectives is to re-ignite, rebuild, and instill the Brotherhood into the younger generation of firefighters in our respective departments.

Through a lecture at the beginning of recruit classes, retirees calling or visiting stations on a regular basis, catered meals with the retirees and active firefighters or showing up at some hands-on training exercises to boost the morale and comradeship are all ways we as retirees are working together with our younger generation to rebuild the Brotherhood before it’s forever lost!

The old saying fits well. If you believe in something, fight for it! If it’s your passion, lay the cornerstone and get moving and make a positive difference in the new generation of firefighters!

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Se7en Characteristics For Saving Lives Every Company Officer A Trainer

by F. R. Montes de Oca, EFO, MESH, CPM

Recently I attended a virtual meeting hosted by the Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

The discussion focused on upgrades to programs dealing with firefighter survivability.

At the end of the briefing, the chatroom discussion focused on the growth of increasingly aggressive firefighter training.

Full disclosure — the opinions and recommendations contained herein result from having served a decade as a chief training officer for a large Central Florida fire department and an additional 40 years designing and delivering firefighter safety and survival training throughout the US.

On occasion, I witnessed training being suppressed and supported, ignored and embraced by department leaders. Witnessing these events helped me to formulate my approach to training. During each experience I discovered “aha” moments.

A sad “aha” moment occurred before returning to the fire service post retirement.

It occurred July 2002, south of Orlando when two firefighters needlessly died during a poorly managed live-fire training event. As a result of the LODDs, the fire chief was terminated.

The sad truth is that firefighter deaths during training operations occurred 9 percent of the time in 2021. In many past years the figure was 4-5 percent, which reflects a double increase!

So, if we as a profession are so much better than past genera-

tions, what’s the deal?!

Shortly after the deaths of the firefighters, I was appointed fire chief.

During the honeymoon period the governing board was generous, but I knew it wouldn’t last.

The solution to providing current, safe training? (Aha moment arrives like a Federal Q. Incorporate the existing 48 company officers into the training team.) In other words — every company officer a trainer.

The CO is the most invested in his/her company. Often he or she knows the troops better than the troops – if observant.

And, the CO has the most to gain (or lose) if the training isn’t well-developed and competently delivered.

I include “she” here to recognize Captains McCollum and Reed who I was fortunate to lead in my training bureau days.

They consistently developed, managed and delivered excellent training while supervising dozens of male assistant training officers.

The Warriors Guide, being published in 2024, contains 366 tips and guides on life, death,

success and failure.

One of the aphorisms in it and adopted by various professionals and practitioners is: “Leave it better than you found it.”

That has been my approach to all organizations that I have been affiliated with since my rookie days. If there ever was an appropriate time to adopt this guiding principal it was now.

Sometimes you have to look for opportunities to improve. Oftentimes the weaknesses or need to improve stares you in the face.

Regardless of the situation you find yourself in, always endeavor to leave the team, group or agency better than when you arrived.

Even if you plan on spending only a day or so with a group, make your time account for something more than taking up space and air.

You don’t have to be “the legend” everyone refers to or remembers in awe, but make every effort to cause improvement. Following are seven traits (or tips) that are fundamental in successfully maintaining a forward training trajectory.

Se7en Characteristics For Saving Lives (continued)

Begin With Yourself

Before jumping into the training arena, determine if you need a refresher (or two) in the fundamentals and if so, get them.

Your credibility depends on it. The first time you walk into a group with the intent to train them on something you’re weak in, soon they will know … and eat you alive.

Oh, they’ll be courteous, especially if you outrank them, but word gets around, rumors start, and you’re done. Credibility is like trust.

You may have accumulated a lot of it throughout the years, but as soon as you cause your trust (or credibility) to falter it takes a lonnnng time to get it back. If ever.

Safety First — Always

Whether you’re covering simple hose lays, ladders or whatever the training bureau directs, ensure that ALL hands-on evolutions are conducted with safety as the underlying directive.

The day’s (or night’s) event

must be written and approved by the AHJ for the all-hands briefing. Helmets, gloves, eye protection, SCBAs and all other appropriate PPE is mandatory during every point during the event.

Plenty of rehab with pre-and post-vital medical signs taken for everyone. Safety Officer(s) assigned and an established command structure that manages the operation with focus and deliberation.

Following the termination of the operation a hotwash and after-action review (AAR) should be submitted and shared with all

involved.

This is not a comprehensive list, but a good start that may help some that have been or are being thrust into the training role.

The paragraph above reminds me of a practice of a department I was affiliated with — a common practice at this department, which had been in business since 1845: Six months before a member was scheduled to retire he was reassigned from the field to Training.

Because he had all the skills, knowledges and willingness to train? No, it was so he could retire out at a higher paygrade thus increasing his retirement benefits. Now I don’t begrudge any brother or sister his/her hard-earned pay, but what message does it send to the troops regarding the value of training?

Not to mention the liability and potential harm firefighters received while training with those unwilling or unable to safely conduct training?

Be Honest

Training isn’t simply showing

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Se7en Characteristics For Saving Lives (continued)

someone how to do something, watching them do it and calling it a day.

Training is the incredibly important skill of changing someone’s capabilities, improving their confidence and their survivability. If conducted properly and given the right conditions, outcomes are positive.

Occasionally an individual or group won’t measure up. When you have trained, retrained and retrained again and the individual or group still doesn’t measure up, it’s time to seek intervention either from your senior officer or colleague.

Perhaps you are the problem. Maybe your demeanor is the problem. Whatever is causing the derailment, find it, report it and remember, honesty saves lives.

Practice What You Suck At

It’s human nature to seek comfort. We all do it; sometimes unconsciously. I don’t want to get too “Maslow” here, but even firefighters like to feel comfortable.

Just look at their pickup trucks! So, given this truism, we often train on things we already know and/or are comfortable. Ladders, hose, PBA. Ladders, hose, PBA. You get the picture.

Start researching and developing training modules that focus on topics that either you know or suspect you and your group stink at.

It may be as easy as going through recent run reports and gathering information from the AARs that indicate activities that went poorly.

Structural companies are sometimes challenged by the errant aircraft that falls in their jurisdiction. Or perhaps a municipal company gets mutual aided to a rural area for wildfire ops. Don’t know or follow LCES? Get outside your comfort zone!

Train How You Work and Work How You Train

Is your training (as rumored by your colleagues) uninspiring? Are you simply reading the training bulletin, filling out the report and calling it a day?

If that’s the case, sit everyone down, put on an episode of Emergency!, complete the report and send it in.

But, if you are truly interested in protecting yourself and those who you are responsible for, get

off your butt, clear the cobwebs out of your head, research the subject BEYOND what the Training Bureau sent and inspire your folks to train how they work and work how they train.

A wife and child or a firefighter under your command may thank you someday for being instrumental in the survival of their loved one.

You’re Always in the Spotlight — Act It

Whether you are the training officer or a CO acting in the capacity of a training officer you are now in the spotlight. In other words, if you are the one who leaves dirty dishes in the sink or reports for duty with last week’s unwashed and wrinkled uniform, here are four words: Clean up your act. If you want to capture and hold the attention and interest of your group you must act the part. On duty or off, you will be watched and evaluated

Be Courageous

This is one of the most dif-

Se7en Characteristics For Saving Lives (continued)

BONUS: For those assigned the task of ensuring the basic skills and abilities of their firefighters, a simple checkoff manual (that can be customized for your shift and/ or department) is available at the email address below.

ficult characteristics. As mentioned above some departments use the training officer’s position as a last-stop before retirement or a dumping ground. Other departments give great lip service to training but rarely do any more than that. The stakes are too high today to not consider training as the most important effort of a forward-thinking, modern fire and emergency service. That means sometimes you may have to advocate for training when others think it too expensive or too time consuming. When that becomes

the norm, take a few minutes to research operational mishaps, LODDs and the value of training that is integral in reducing losses. Spend ten minutes in your favorite search engine or go to https:// usfa.fema.gov , www.nfpa.com or www.firehero.org and the information you seek can be found. If you adopt these traits or similar ones, you will be responsible for saving lives.

Go forth. Train with passion. Save lives.

Frank Montes de Oca served as a firefighter/paramedic for over 38 years serving as Chief of EMS, Training Bureau Commander, Emergency Disaster Trainer and Senior Operations Officer. Following retirement from Orange County (FL) Fire and Rescue, he was appointed Chief of Department for Springfield, Ohio; and Fire Chief and Emergency Services Director for Osceola County, Florida. His last appointment was as Emergency Services Director and Fire Marshal for Orange County, NC. Throughout his career he has been engaged in training, leading and developing firefighter safety programs and organizational change. Chief Montes de Oca is an adjunct instructor for the National Fire Academy and qualified to present training programs for OSHA and the EPA. He can be reached at frm1@ me.com or www.responder1.org.

(706) 934-5098

803 South Wall St, Calhoun

Using the FORD Approach to Team-Building

by Randy Toms Executive Director Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council

I once heard a story from a wise friend and advisor about building and rebuilding a team.

The story went something like this: “Mr. Randy, my family has been driving Ford trucks for as long as I can remember. My Grandfather drove Ford Trucks, my father drove Ford trucks, my uncles, brothers, and everybody in my family drove Ford trucks. I drive Ford trucks. "We like and believe in Ford trucks. The thing about a Ford truck is that if the motor goes out in a Ford truck it can usually be fixed. Sometimes it is a minor repair and sometimes you must rebuild it. However, Sometimes the damage is so great that you must replace it.”

He went on to say that when you are building a team of people coming in as the new leader you must remember a few things: Some people are running like a well-oiled machine, and you just need to keep them moving in the right direction.

Some people will need a few minor adjustments and given the necessary direction.

Some people will need more attention. Those people will need to be rebuilt or retrained to be able to move in the right direction.

Lastly, some people are so damaged from lack of direction, improper maintenance, negligence or rough conditions that they simply must be replaced.

The leader will not be required to inform them of the need to replace them. They will

realize on their own that they do not possess the ability to continue in the direction of the leader and the team.

These words of wisdom have proven to be both accurate and inspirational. I have used this illustration in many conversations since they have been passed on to me. Therefore,

I feel it is appropriate to construct an acronym using the word Ford as a motivation for the GFSTC rebuilt and newly formed team to draw from for the future mission.

The acronym for FORD is:

• F- Fearless

• O- Optimistic

• R- Reliable

• D- Dedicated

Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council is committed to strive towards the goal of following the FORD acronym in our service delivery strategy.

GFSTC will endeavor to:

1. Fearlessly face every situation with integrity, honesty and dependability.

2. Optimistically seek the correct answer for every situation.

“Try to say yes.”

3. Reliably meet the situation with the highest quality of customer service.

4. Dedicatedly set an unmatched standard of customer service and live up to that standard.

There has never been a better time in the history of GFSTC to recommit to a standard of excellence in customer service.

The customer for GFSTC in the Fire Service for the State of Georgia, of which we are a part. It is a high honor to be a part of the fire service and to serve the fire service and we should meet that challenge with our very best.

We will work together, as a team, to meet every situation and challenge fearlessly, optimistically, reliably and dedicatedly to provide superior customer service.

GFSTC has been deeply involved in training on the new Acadis system. We are getting very close to launching the system in areas throughout the State.

We believe this new system is going to revolutionize GFSTC and the fire service in Georgia. The biggest need we have in the new Acadis system is to stress the importance of every member of the Georgia Fire Service to have an updated email address on file.

Please make sure that everyone checks and make sure that the correct email address is in our current database for you. GFSTC will continue striving to be the service-oriented agency the fire service needs us to be.

Tattoos and Firefighters A Unique Outlet to Showcase Individuality, Dedication

by Kurtis Trumbauer

In recent years, the number of firefighters with tattoos has been on the rise, causing some to question whether or not this type of body art is professional or unprofessional.

However, while many people still see tattoos as a sign of unprofessionalism, there are a number of reasons why firefighters having tattoos can be a good thing.

For one, tattoos can be a great way for firefighters to show their commitment to their profession.

They are a visible reminder of the courage and dedication that firefighters have for their job, as well as a way for them to express their pride in the work they do.

This can be particularly important for those firefighters who are dealing with difficult situations

or times of tragedy, as the tattoos can serve as an inspiring reminder of their commitment to public safety.

Tattoos can also be a great way for firefighters to bond with their colleagues.

By having a shared experience of getting inked together, firefighters can have a stronger sense of camaraderie and unity, which is essential for maintaining a cohesive team.

Additionally, the shared artwork can be a great conversation starter and can help to create a more relaxed and friendly atmosphere within the firehouse.

Finally, tattoos can be a great way for firefighters to show their creativity and individuality.

As tattoos become more popular, they are becoming more and more of an art form, and firefighters can use this to express them-

selves in a unique and creative way.

Whether they choose to get a traditional tattoo or a more modern design, firefighters can use tattoos to express their personality and show off their artistic side.

Overall, tattoos can be a great thing for firefighters, as long as they are tasteful and relevant to their profession.

Tattoos can be a way for firefighters to show their dedication to their job, bond with their colleagues, and express their individuality.

So, while tattoos may still be seen by some as unprofessional, they can actually be a great asset for firefighters.

How to Become a Person of Influence

by Christopher Armstrong Fire Chief Hall County Fire Rescue

I recently had the opportunity to speak with members of the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs during their Spring Executive Session in Savannah.

The topic of our discussion was about how we can improve our leadership skills and what we can do to teach these critical skills to our future leaders.

I’m confident we have all seen our share of both, good and bad leaders during our time in the fire service.

It doesn’t matter if you work in a large or small department, career, combination or volunteer organization, the one thing we all have in common, is we all have some good leaders and some who could use a little advice on how to be better at leadership.

But if we want people in leadership positions to get better we must first understand what makes a good leader? And what makes a bad leader?

It’s important to start with an understanding that positions and titles don’t make leaders, actions do.

John Maxwell says “everything rises and falls on leadership” and we all have the ability to be good leaders!

So what makes a good leader? INFLUENCE. Your ability to build trust and relationships with people will directly affect your ability to influence people.

The ability to influence those around you to reach above and beyond what they think is possible is what makes great lead -

ers.

So how can we increase our influence? According to John Maxwell, the answer is in the word itself.

Let’s briefly look at nine ways you can build your influence with people:

Integrity – Integrity commits itself to character over personal gain, principles over convenience, to the long view over the immediate.

Nurturing – As a nurturer, you focus more on giving than getting.

Faith – Most people will do anything to live up to your faith in them, people rise or fall to meet your level of expectations for them. When you have faith in others you give them an incredible gift.

Listening – Most people listen to respond not to hear. Listening shows respect and builds rela -

tionships.

Understanding – If you can’t understand people and work with them, you can’t accomplish anything.

Enlarge - When you enlarge others, you do several things: Raise their level of living, increase their potential, and increase their capacity for growth.

Navigator – Understanding people’s passion, potential, and vision allows you to better see where they really want to go.

Connector - When you connect with others you are asking them to come alongside of you.

Empower - The act of empowering people changes lives, and it is a win-win situation for you and the people you are empowering.

The first of five of the nine qualities speak to the attitude of the leader and the good news is that all five are attainable and achievable.

We can all become better leaders by practicing these skills and attitudes with our teams, but we must be intentional about doing it.

Remember, the road to failure is paved with good intentions, but the road to success is paved with good actions!

Dekalb County Training - Companies 16 and 20

Auto Business Services

Construction

Farm/Agriculture

Food/Beverage

Classified Directory

Home and Garden

Hotel/Travel

Housing/Real Estate

Industrial/Manufacturing

Media

Medical Miscellaneous

Office Equipment

Organizations/Churches

Personal Services

Pets/Veterinarians

Professional Services

Recreation/Fitness

Retail Trucking

We are pleased to offer our readers this easy reference guide to additional businesses. Advertisers are listed alphabetically and by category of service or product. We urge you to patronize these advertisers, as well as those who have purchased display space in this magazine.

AUTO TECH

AUTOTECHHOME.COM

4788 OLD DIXIE ROAD

404-362-0340 FOREST PARK

C&P AUTO REPAIR

7937 JONESBORO ROAD

678-458-1489 JONESBORO

COURTESY AUTO

82 SCHOOL ROAD, #D

404-268-9934 SUNNYSIDE

DAVALOS TIRES

TIRES - OIL CHANGES - BRAKES

585 MAIN STREET

470-278-2188.................. PALMETTO

DNC AUTO REPAIR

ALL FOREIGN & DOMESTIC REPAIRS

2737 E ATLANTA ROAD

678-846-5403 ELLENWOOD

EXTREME CYCLES

1430 LYNDON AVENUE

770-233-1188 GRIFFIN

GOOD WHEELS CERTIFIED AUTO REPAIR

181 SOUTH MAIN STREET

678-545-4239 JONESBORO

INDEPENDENT TRANSMISSION SERVICE

328 SAMMY CIRCLE

678-315-3568 GRIFFIN

JERRY GOWENS GARAGE

NAPA AUTO CARE CENTER

20 NW BROAD STREET

770-964-8526...................FAIRBURN

LUCKY’S CAR AUDIO

5680 OLD DIXIE HIGHWAY

678-201-7447 FOREST PARK

MARATHON FOOD MART

1536 NORTH EXPRESSWAY

- - GRIFFIN

MCINTOSH BP

1590 NORTH EXPRESSWAY

770-227-5767 GRIFFIN

MIKE’S SERVICE CENTER & WRECKER SERVICE

LIGHT/MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TOWING

236 EAST TAYLOR STREET

770-227-4290 GRIFFIN

NICOLAS AUTO REPAIR & BODY SHOP

GENERAL AUTO REPAIR - TOWING

296 WILSON ROAD

770-227-9490..................... GRIFFIN

PALMETTO TIRE

TIRES - OIL CHANGE - BRAKES

584 MAIN STREET

678-519-4405.................. PALMETTO

PROFESSIONAL TRUCK TOWING, INC.

24-HOUR TOWING

3107 PLANT STREET

404-559-9805 EAST POINT

PULLIAM’S TIRE & ALIGNMENT

UNIROYAL - MICHELIN

546 MAIN STREET

770-463-4276 PALMETTO

SHELL FOOD MART

1790 COMMERCE ROAD

706-850-3102 ATHENS

TEXACO

3155 CAMPCREEK PARKWAY - - EAST POINT

TIREMAX

6262 OLD DIXIE HIGHWAY

770-968-6410 JONESBORO

TIREMAX NEW & USED TIRES

WWW.MYTIREMAX.COM

762 GEORGIA 138

770-506-0035.............. STOCKBRIDGE

TWINS - QUALITY NEW & USED TIRES

4816 OLD DIXIE HIGHWAY

678-994-7427 FOREST PARK

Business Services

LUCKY FORTUNE LUCKYFORTUNE777.COM

404-227-4272.............. FOREST PARK

VENZU1

113 HIGH STREET - - DUBLIN

Construction

CLARK’S CABINET SHOP

WWW.CLARKSCABINETS.COM

1101 ANNE STREET

770-227-6803..................... GRIFFIN

CLAYTON SHUTTERS

WWW.CLAYTONSHUTTERS.COM

636-A CORDELL DRIVE

404-767-6863 COLLEGE PARK

Farm/Agriculture

FAIRBURN FARM SUPPLY, INC.

SEMINOLE/TRIPLE CROWN/PURINA

338 EAST BROAD STREET

770-964-6658 FAIRBURN

SHIRLEY FEED & SEED

2439 N ELM ST

706-335-2162 COMMERCE

Food/Beverage

76 FOOD MART

11539 EAST LOVEJOY ROAD

- - HAMPTON

AMERICAN WINGS

890 CLEVELAND AVENUE

404-765-9946 EAST POINT

ATL FOOD MART

5036 UNION STREET #A

678-489-2377 UNION CITY BIG TEX TRAILER WORLD

BIGTEXTRAILERWORLD.COM

345 INDUSTRIAL BOULEVARD

770-914-6996............... MCDONOUGH

CHEVRON FOOD MART

701 WILLIAMS ROAD

- - GRIFFIN

CHEVRON FOOD MART

6714 TARA BOULEVARD

- - JONESBORO

CHINA CAFE #3

CHINESE CUISINE

1481 HUDSON BRIDGE ROAD, #1

770-389-9688 STOCKBRIDGE

CHINA GARDEN

CHINAGARDENUNIONCITY.COM

4720-17 JONESBORO ROAD

770-306-0407................. UNION CITY

CHINA KITCHEN

CANTONESE, SZECHUAN & HUNAN

11179 TARA BOULEVARD

770-603-8005 HAMPTON

CITGO FOOD MART

10010 TARA BOULEVARD

- - JONESBORO

DRAGON HOUSE

DRAGONHOUSEFAIRBURN.COM

8390-A SENOIA ROAD

770-306-5538 FAIRBURN

EASY SHOP

SERVING GRIFFIN SINCE 1962

375 NORTH 13TH STREET

770-227-3162..................... GRIFFIN

EL AGAVE MEXICAN RESTAURANT

ORDERELAGAVE.COM

1381 HIGHWAY 20 WEST

678-583-2339 MCDONOUGH

EL GRANERO

SUPERMARKETS & RESTAURANTS

6561 HIGHWAY 42

678-545-4663 REX

EL MERCADITO

TIENDA CARNICERIA Y PANADERIA

274 SENOIA ROAD

770-969-7665...................FAIRBURN

FAST LANE

685 BATTLE CREEK

- - JONESBORO

FLORENCIA SUPERMARKET, BUTCHER & RESTAURANT

629 NORTH EXPRESSWAY

770-233-9080 GRIFFIN

GERARO GROCERY STORE

1245 NORTH HILL STREET

770-228-4750 GRIFFIN

GRAND WINGS

LAKE CITY CROSSING

5232 JONESBORO ROAD

404-968-3300 LAKE CITY

GREAT CHINA

75656 HIGHWAY 85

770-991-6789 RIVERDALE

GREAT CHOW

1302 MOUNT ZION ROAD

678-422-1666................... MORROW

GREAT WALL CHINESE RESTAURANT

GREATWALLMORROW.COM

2262D LAKE HARBIN ROAD

404-361-2288................... MORROW

ICHIBAN EXPRESS

JAPANESE FAST FOOD

1501 HIGHWAY 20 WEST

678-961-5487 MCDONOUGH

JJ FISH & CHICKEN

ORIGINALLY FROM CHICAGO

6746 HIGHWAY 85

470-979-6887................. RIVERDALE

JUQUILITA

211 BULLSBORO DRIVE - - NEWNAN

LA ESPERANZA

CARNICERIA - PANADERIA

407A NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE

404-500-4636 HAPEVILLE

LAS TROJAS CANTINA

WWW.LASTROJASCANTINA.COM

1971 MOUNT ZION ROAD

678-545-4003 MORROW

LOVEJOY WINGS CAFE

11169 TARA BOULEVARD

678-479-2505 HAMPTON

MA & PA GAS & FOOD

1137 MERIWETHER STREET

678-603-1711 GRIFFIN

NHC FOOD COMPANY

NHCFOOD.COM

5182 OLD DIXIE HIGHWAY

404-996-2540................ FOEST PARK

QQ SEAFOOD MARKET

ORDER ONLINE: QQSEAFOOD.COM

5512 NORTH HENRY BOULEVARFD

678-834-5788 STOCKBRIDGE

RODEWAY INN

612 SOUTH MAIN STREET

478-237-3577 SWAINSBORO

ROYAL SEVEN #4

2295 HIGHWAY 41 - - GRIFFIN

SAKI

JAPANESE SUSHI & STEAKHOUSE

202 WEST BROAD STREET

678-572-4971 GRIFFIN

SAKURA HIBACHI & SUSHI BUFFET

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

1001 REGENCY PLAZA BLVD.

678-583-8566............... MCDONOUGH

SANTA CRUZ TIENDA, TAQUERIA Y CARNICERIA

PAGO DE BILLES - ENVIOS

421 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE

404-228-3948 HAPEVILLE

SHOGUN JAPANESE RESTAURANT

RICHMONDHILLSHOGUN.COM

97901 FORD AVENUE, #101

912-756-8803 RICHMOND HILL

SUPER HIBACHI

422 W BELMONT DRIVE

706-628-6288 CALHOUN

SUPERMERCADO LA BENDICION

AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE

544 MAIN STREET

678-961-7633 PALMETTO

TASTE OF THAILAND

121 JONESBORO ROAD

678-961-5986 JONESBORO

TERIYAKI EXPRESS

1443 HIGHWAY 16 WEST, #A

678-692-6662 GRIFFIN

THE CRAB HUT

WWW.THECRABHUTRIVERDALE.COM

7165 HIGHWAY 85, #B

770-539-5988................. RIVERDALE

TOUCHDOWN WINGS

WWW.TOUCHDOWNWINGS.COM

1385 HIGHWAY 20 WEST

678-782-3678 MCDONOUGH

TOUCHE LOUNGE & GRILL

SOUL TACOS - FRIED TURKEY RIBS

1155 VIRGINIA AVENUE, #K

404-428-1069.................. HAPEVILLE

WING RANCH

108 WOOLSEY ROAD

770-946-4166................... HAMPTON

YUKI TERIYAKI & SUSHI

1573 GA HWY 20 #105

770-679-0980 CONYERS

Hotel/Travel

AMERICAN INN & SUITES

6358 OLD DIXIE ROAD

770-305-0300 JONESBORO

COUNTRY HEARTH INN & SUITES

6710 SHANNON PARKWAY

770-306-7750 UNION CITY

NORTHSIDE INN

8305 US 301

912-739-4485 CLAXTON

RODEWAY INN & SUITES

4415 JONESBORO ROAD

404-361-0200 FOREST PARK

STAY EXPRESS INN & SUITES

STAYEXPRESS.COM

6690 SHANNON PARKWAY

770-306-3800................. UNION CITY

TRAVEL INN

7709 WEST EXPRESSWAY

770-228-6000 GRIFFIN

TRAVELODGE

6025 OLD DIXIE ROAD

404-361-3600 FOREST PARK

WESTERN INN & SUITES

CABLE & HBO - WIFI

7420 OAKLEY ROAD

678-827-7500................. UNION CITY

Industrial/Manufacturing

SKYLINE COURIER & LOGISTICS

SKYLINECOURIERLOGISTICS.COM

404-768-8149.................... ATLANTA

Media

JMX GRAPHICS

JMXGRAPHICS.COM

817 WEST WALL STREET

770-228-9368 GRIFFIN

Medical

PALMETTO PHARMACY

PALMETTOGAPHARMACY.COM

202 FAYETTEVILLE ROAD

770-703-5027 PALMETTO

Personal Services

ANGEL NAILS

PROFESSIONAL NAILS CARE

500 BALLARD PLACE, #D

770-463-3822 PALMETTO

DIAMOND NAILS

1055 GAINES SCHOOL ROAD

- - ATHENS

DS HAIR SALON

415 NORTH CENTRAL AVE #B

404-964-3009 HAPEVILLE

FAMILY NAILS

188 UPPER RIVERDALE ROAD

678-519-3601 JONESBORO

FINE NAILS

PROFESSIONAL NAIL CARE SALON

2052 HEADLAND DRIVE

404-305-9964.................EAST POINT

GREAT STYLES

826 MORROW ROAD

404-366-6665 FOREST PARK

KIM’S CLEANERS

EXPERT GARMENT CLEANER

8390 SENOLA ROAD

678-545-2219 FAIRBURN

LOVELY NAILS

PROFESSIONAL NAIL CARE SVCS.

26 OAK STREET

770-775-1186.................... JACKSON

LOVELY NAILS SALON

PROFESSIONAL NAIL CARE

511 WEST OGLETHORPE HIGHWAY

912-368-1747 HINESVILLE

LUXURY NAILS

1121 W OGEECHEE STREET - - SYLVANIA

MAGIC NAILS

535 NORTH EXPRESSWAY

678-603-2792 GRIFFIN

MODEL NAIL SALON

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

6851 SHANNON PARKWAY #8

770-774-8600................. UNION CITY

SALON DE BELLEZA LATINA

2423 LAKE HARBIN ROAD

770-703-4664 MORROW

USA NAILS

PROFESSIONAL NAIL CARE SALON

6175 OLD NATIONAL HWY #264

770-996-8505.................... ATLANTA

Professional Services

AC INCOME TAX MULTISERVICES, LLC

INSURANCE AGENCY

216 WEST BROAD STREET #K

678-933-4000...................FAIRBURN

MODERN FINANCE

42 SE BROAD STREET

912-685-5754 METTER

Retail

CC BEAUTY SUPPLY

106 HILLCREST PARKWAY - - ............................. DUBLIN

DELOWE PAWN SHOP

GUNS, JEWELRY, DIAMONDS, TVS

2111 HEADLAND DRIVE

404-765-0070 EAST POINT

MOSS PAWN

JEWELRY & GUNS

6382 OLD DIXIE HIGHWAY

770-968-4949 JONESBORO

NEW HOPE ALTERATIONS

6163 REYNOLDS ROAD, #D

770-961-7603 MORROW

THE HERB SHOP

OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY 10AM-6PM

6740 SHANNON PARKWAY #19

770-306-0507 UNION CITY

TITLE EXCHANGE

SERVING GRIFFIN FOR 31 YEARS

1029 WEST TAYLOR STREET

770-412-0100..................... GRIFFIN

Z WIRELESS

818 MORROW ROAD

336-301-3110 FOREST PARK

In addition to the advertisers who have display and directory space in this issue, these merchants and firms are cooperating to make this magazine a successful and valuable publication.

Georgia State Firefighters Association

521 First Street

Milford, NE 68405