November 2006

Media Monitor

“[T]he fire service does in inadequate job of meeting the emotional needs of its membership,” wrote Scott Ferguson in Fire Chief. The inadequacy shows up in how departments deal with the symptoms of stress, like alcohol abuse. According to Ferguson, a deputy chief from Peoria, Arizona, with a master’s degree in management and psychology, most departments take better care of their apparatus than members’ emotional well-being. He wrote: “Every so often, the department’s mechanic lifts the hood to change the oil, tighten the belts and grease the zerk fittings. It’s time that we pledge to grease our members’ emotional zerks.” Ferguson suggests getting management and unions to work together to identify qualified counselors and make them fire service savvy. But even “with a clear set of guidelines in place, regular training and significant buy-in, the process most likely will fail,” Ferguson wrote. But, keep trying. “Psychology is not a perfect science, and neither is personnel management,” he suggested. “We can no longer scurry into the darkness.”

Get More Tools in Your Leadership Toolbox Subscribe to Best Practices in Emergency Services

Yes! Enter my subscription to Best Practices in Emergency Services at the rate of $265 for one year of print and electronic versions. I understand that if I am not completely satisfied, I may cancel my subscription and receive a refund with no questions asked. Best Practices in Emergency Services is the one professional leadership newsletter you will read when all the other publications pile up. Reporting on best practices both in and out of emergency services, this publication boldly gives you the information, analysis and critiques you need. In every issue you will find: Best practices from across the nation Reports on emerging trends The latest in reimbursement A summary of what's happening on Capitol Hill Tools for everyday leadership and management Get me started today!