By Michael Krueger
As a firefighter, you are in a unique position to inspire others. This might be a kid who hears you speak at her school or someone who has an interaction with you on a professional basis and decides to volunteer in his hometown.
It happens within your department as well. It might be in the gym, during training, or in a classroom. Someone will see how hard you work, how much you care, and how happy you are and think, “I want that too.”
It’s a big responsibility, but it is a great feeling too.
Be Proud
You have worked hard for what you’ve gotten. You’ve gone to school, you’ve attended continuing education training seminars, you work out in the gym and on the training ground. You’ve demonstrated a passion and dedication to your work, and you have a lot to be proud of, no question about it.
When rookie firefighters see you in the gym putting in the time and effort to be the best, they realize that if they do that too, perhaps they can reach that pinnacle as well. Just by observing you, they can see that all the work is worth it. Your confident demeanor, the way you wear your uniform, and the way you treat everyone with respect are what they will aspire to.
It’s obvious that you are focused on your goals; you don’t cheat on your diet, in your workouts, or in your life. You exude pride of ownership in the fire service and in your fitness life.
Be Humble
So, we’ve established that you have a lot to feel really good about. You are a stand-up guy in the fire service as well as in the community and in your family. Now it’s time to bring you back to earth.
No one likes a braggart. Leading quietly and by example is one thing, but constantly talking about how much you train or how good you are gets old very quickly. Instead of inspiring people, you will annoy them and turn them off.
We’ve all seen that annoying guy at the gym I refer to as “Joe Bodybuilder.” He wears sweatshirts with the sleeves ripped off so that everyone might be blessed with the visage of his bulging biceps. He has no problem disparaging those with lesser physiques; we mere mortals should bow down (but don’t avert your gaze) in awe in his presence. He spends a fair amount of time flexing in the mirror, not looking for flaws but fawning in admiration at his own perfection. Granted, he has worked hard for his success, but he has missed the point completely. His narcissism and demand for attention and praise, rather than being inspiring, just make most people turn away.
As a professional firefighter, you have achieved a certain amount of success, and it’s appropriate to share what you have learned so long as it is in the proper forum, at the right time, and in the correct way. When you are successful in an endeavor that others are interested in, it’s a good thing to talk to them about what you have accomplished and how you have accomplished it. This is where you inspire others with the “I did it and so can you” speech, rather than the “Look at me, see what I did” speech.
This isn’t the time for false modesty, but it’s not the time for braggadocio either. At this point, you have their attention, so now is the time to pump them up, to help them to believe that they are capable of making this happen too. This applies to your physical accomplishments as well as your position in the fire service.
Be Approachable
It’s always a risk to someone when they approach someone they admire. This happens in the gym when a person comments on your physical stature, your effort, or the quality of your workout. They may be looking for guidance or inspiration, or maybe they just want to acknowledge your achievement; it doesn’t really matter. At that moment, you have a chance to maybe change someone’s life for the better.
On the other hand, if you act like a self-absorbed jerk, you might turn someone off fitness for the rest of their life. When people summon the courage to reach out to you, they are extremely vulnerable, and it’s probably going to be a turning point in their life, for better or for worse.
If someone approaches you while you’re training and you happen to be in the middle of a set, there’s still a gracious way to handle it. Simple tell them that at this moment you really need to focus and could you talk to them in a few minutes. Ask them their name. Remember to smile. Same thing applies to when you are out and about performing your firefighting duties. The civilian population is fascinated with firefighters, and it’s up to you to project your pride in the service, even if you are tired, hungry, or cranky. Once again, your attitude will shape their impression of the fire service, your department, and you; you won’t get a second chance.
Random Encounters
Of course, most people won’t approach you in the gym or in the community. It’s human nature I guess to be a little self-conscious, to be wary of offending or bothering someone. This doesn’t mean that they don’t notice. In the gym, they may watch from across the room and be impressed with your discipline, effort, and physique. They might not tell you, but they file it away and try to emulate it in their workout. They might think, “I could look like that if I’m willing to work that hard.” Perhaps the next time they consider blowing off a workout, your image will flash through their mind and instead they’ll pick up their gym bag and head off for their workout. How cool is that? You’ve inspired someone you’ve never even met.
When you leave the station in an official capacity, you always make sure the engine is clean and shiny. You make sure your uniform is sharp–no faded T-shirt, grubby cap, or baggy pants. Your boots are shined, and your attitude is positively adjusted. You never know whom you might meet–a retired firefighter who stands a little taller when he sees you drive by or a little kid who holds his breath and hopes to one day be on that truck.
Be Even Prouder
You can be an inspiration in so many ways. When someone is in trouble and they hear your siren, they feel a little better. When you step out in your full “Class A” uniform, looking fit, strong, and confident, you make everyone in the community feel safer and equally proud of THEIR fire department.
This admiration can be a burden to those who are not up to the challenge, because deep down they often feel like a fraud. These are your crew members who are unfit and overweight to the point where they don’t look the part of firefighter, much less being able to perform as they should. Their uniform is ill-fitting, their shoes aren’t shined, and they don’t project confidence because they don’t have any. They scowl and complain and are unapproachable. These firefighters don’t want to feel this way. They want to feel good; they want to be confident and be both inspired and inspiring.
Through your example and guidance, you can provide that inspiration. You’ll take pride in the fact that you helped a brother or sister firefighter to achieve their potential and become an inspiration to everyone around them. That’s your mission, that’s what all your hard work is about…
… inspire someone!
Michael Krueger is an NSCA-certified personal trainer. He got his start in fitness training while serving in the United States Coast Guard. He works with firefighters and others in and around Madison, Wisconsin. He is available to fire departments, civic organizations, and athletic teams for training, consulting, and speaking engagements. He has published numerous articles on fitness, health, and the mind-body connection and was a featured speaker at the IAFC’s FRI 2009 Health Day in Dallas, Texas. E-mail him at MKPTLLC@gmail.
