The behavior and conduct of volunteer firefighters should be an important piece of any training program. Today's members must understand how to be safe and skilled firefighters but must also understand how to conduct themselves properly around the station and in public. The future success of our fine departments hinges on a strong connection to our traditions, values and history and a positive public image. My Leadership and professional conduct academy insures that ALL of your members young and old will understand the importance of working as a team. This class can be offered in a general audience or officer specific format. The full day format can also be done in a general audience segment for the AM session and an officer specific "leadership and change management" component for the PM session. The following is a sample outline of a 6-hour version:

Fire Department Officer/Member

Conduct, Pride & Leadership Academy

“Preserving the past….protecting our future”

By

Michael P. Dallessandro

FULL DAY SATURDAY PROGRAM SCHEDULE

08:45-0900      Registration & Refreshments (If provided)

900-1000                  FD 101

During this one-hour introductory session participants will be treated to a review of what the fire service stands for as an organization. Fire service traditions and core values will be discussed and proper behavior both on duty and off duty will be covered. FD 101 will help instill pride in your members of all ages and remind everybody of the commitment they made to their department, company, district, community and the fire service as a whole.

1000-1010              Break

1010-1100              Important Dates in Fire Service History

Life in the fire service has not always been PBI Gold, Chief’s SUVs and 110ft Aerial Platforms. During this 50-minute session members will take a walk through fire service history. They will be provided information about the formation of early organized fire departments and receive background about Dalmatians and St. Florian. Actual dates for innovations such as motorized fire apparatus, leather fire helmets, underground water mains and thermal imagers will also be reviewed. Participants will also receive information about historic fires such as the Great Baltimore Fire, The Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire and the Station Nightclub Fire.

1100-1110              Break

1110-1200              Fire Service Team building & Managing Change

During this segment participants will learn the key barriers that prevent organizations from functioning like a true team. They will learn that it is important to listen and try to understand differences of opinion and how to work on projects and committees with a spirit of understanding. Firefighters will learn how to evaluate issues facing their fire department in a pro and con basis and understand how to avoid personal agendas. Key strategies to present and manage changes in any organization will also be reviewed.

1200-1245              Lunch (FD provided or on your own)

1245-1330              Why Volunteer Firefighters Quit

Recruitment and retention are key issues regarding management of manpower facing today’s volunteer fire service. During this segment participants will learn about forces that work against the volunteer firefighter both inside our organizations and outside them. We will review why it is important to add new firefighters to your department ranks while at the same time working to prevent the loss of trained experienced firefighters.

1330-1430              Understanding Fire Service Personalities and Basics of Leadership

This 60-minute unit will introduce participants to the four basic types of personalities found in most volunteer firehouses today. Skills will be provided in understanding which personality should be paired up with which firehouse task to achieve the best possible outcome. 12 key leadership styles will be reviewed and participants will also learn how to keep an eye out for future leadership potential in new recruits.

1430-1440              Break

1440-1500              Managing Junior Firefighters – Setting the Example

This short unit will review some best practices for interacting with and managing junior firefighters. Discussion will take place about what are considered safe, age appropriate activities and review the importance of avoiding situations that can get the fire department and individual members into trouble when dealing with young firefighters such as sexual harassment, alcohol consumption and dangerous activities.

1500-1530              Who’s Money is it Anyway?

During this 30-minute segment participants will get an introduction to the various ways fire departments receive funding. A brief overview of recommended purchasing practices will be covered. Appropriate training and conference travel spending will also be reviewed so nobody can say, “I didn’t know I couldn’t buy that with department money”.

1530-1630              (*Optional) Apparatus Purchasing or Dealing With the Media

Based on available time and type of audience, this segment will introduce participants to the complex process of specifying, bidding and purchasing fire apparatus or the positive/negative aspects of working with the media.