Too much critiquing?
This refers to “True Story” by Bobby Halton (Editor’s Opinion, August 2018). I retired as a battalion chief after 34-plus years as a career firefighter in Peoria, Illinois. I had the honor to serve and learn under some of the best firefighters in the country, some of whom began in the fire service in the 1950s.
I totally agree with the editorial. In my opinion, we have gone too far. We have tried to sell this job as the best job in the world—and it is. My family and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Lieutenant Ray McCormack, Fire Department of New York, said it best in a speech at which I was present (paraphrased): We have tried to make ourselves more important than the very citizens we are sworn to protect. With that attitude instilled in the next generation of firefighters, we don’t allow for the decisions described in the editorial to be made without consequence. The new generation of leaders fears the reprisal from those who don’t have any dog in the fight. Without outspoken people like Chief Halton, we would lose our voice to the public.
My daughter Dori is seeing the change in Phoenix, where she serves as a deputy fire marshal. She was a “Bruno Brat” and interned under some great leaders there on Engine 21 and in that battalion. She doesn’t like the “new look” either. Some of the old battalion chiefs find her “refreshing.” Maybe it’s time we started reinforcing our officers’ decisions instead of critiquing their every thought.
