Salt is Salty, Not Bitter

A letter to seasoned firefighters.

You have years behind you. As each passes, it seems like life at the station moves further and further from the way it was when you first came in. Regardless of whether the changes are positive or negative, it is not difficult to recognize their impact. Changes in what is acceptable, how the tasks are completed, the time spent together as a crew, the manner in which services are provided, the attention that is given to traditions, etc. all equate to a whole new fire service.

Being firefighters, it just seems natural then to find the source of the change and attempt to "stop the bleeding." This type of thinking is what we are best at. Problem solving is why people call the fire department in the first place, right?

Unlike the incidents that we are called to, however, we are part of the situation without having to be dispatched. As a result, there is a large amount of time spent discussing the source of the changes. Time spent looking for a scapegoat; a fall-man.

There is no doubt that the following sounds all too familiar: The mayor hates the fire department. The Lieutenant got promoted before he even knew how to be a firefighter. The Chief has no idea what is going on out on the streets. The rookies these days don't have a clue what work is. The senior man couldn't get off the couch if he tried. It's the same arguments year after year. While we might always be able to pinpoint individuals that cause a drag on the system, the majority of that time is spent in vain. Firemen are great at determining the cause of our issues. Yet, we often fail to find the logical perspective; instead, it is traded for bias and pessimism. After all, changes do not always equate negative outcomes. Cup after cup of Folgers' finest is downed while talking things through, but the necessary actions just do not follow. 

It is said that someone with experience is "salty." The term is one that is not thrown around lightly. Obviously, it must be earned. My hope for all of us is that years of service yield saltiness, not the bitterness that is so common among "the seasoned." We might be dealing with a new fire service, but it should still be something great. Here is what the fire service needs from you:

To the man with five years in- You are the force of action. The one who gets up and does. Secretly, many of us are relying on you to carry the load when it comes to being motivated. The enthusiasm that you bring helps remind others of why they love being firefighters. When others are troubled by the burdens of responsibility and years of stress, you are the positive the fire service needs. So, put the phone down and make everyone participate in the newest training you saw on YouTube (the complaints you will hear are really just hidden compliments, anyway).

To the man with ten years in- By now, you have seen some of worst this world can throw your way. Your experience has placed you in a prime position as the mediator between the old school and the new school. Being such, an open mind and effort will result in powerful momentum. Fresh ideas coupled with the experience to determine what actually works is what the fire service needs moving forward. True, you may have been passed over on a promotional exam, but rather than being defeated, show your true value. It's way too early to hit the cruise-control. The younger generation is coming to you first. Be approachable, and help guide them.

To the man with twenty years in- We realize you are tired. There is no doubt that you have been neglected by administrations on more than one occasion. You have likely had to put up with newly promoted officers who seem to have lost touch with those who are putting in the work. But, you still know what it is like to ride backwards. Put the younger guys through the same strenuous hoops you had to jump through. You know what it takes to build crews with unbreakable bonds, and firefighters that would rather get punched in the throat then shut down a bail and back-out. Complaining about what is being done wrong pales in comparison to walking everyone through how to do things right. Your leadership and actions will garner the respect that your years of service say you deserve. What you choose to pass along will be the foundation of the new fire service.

To the man with thirty years in- The aches and pains that you feel daily won't go away. Brothers that fought by your side left years ago, and a few have already past. Such is life, or so we are told. Force us to drink black coffee (most can't help that we were raised in a generation of macchiatos and flavored creamers.) Show us how you complete daily duties; not so that you can be replaced, but so that we know how to do things right. Define brotherhood. Tell us stories of knee length boots and the first air pack that sat untouched in back of pumper. If we don't know the value of our history and traditions how will we know that it is important to pass along to those who come after us. It's easy to disappear into an office, only returning to make the run. It's just as easy for fire service values to fade as you walk out the door for the last time. We need you to be present while you are still here.

We need the seasoned to be salty. Leave it to someone else to carry bitterness.

But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. Matthew 5:13 NIV