By William Stacy
As a fire officer, I understood the importance of upholding the highest standards of leadership and excellence. I also liked to have fun. The fun should never be hurtful or cross any line that might be perceived as harassment. However, in today’s fire service, too many chief officers want to micromanage every aspect of the day, and fun is not allowed. I led by example and demanded the values and skills expected of a fire service professional. My goal was to make my crew members promotable firefighters to replace me in the future. Through my actions and words, I sought to inspire and motivate my team to exceed expectations and continue the proud tradition of the fire service. Respect is earned, not given. As a maverick fire officer, your actions and decisions should demonstrate your commitment to respect and teamwork. Lead by example by treating everyone with respect and inclusivity, regardless of rank or position.
- The Company Officer: It’s All About Trust
- Difficult Conversations: Ways to Improve Firefighter Performance
- Being a Company Officer Takes Intention
- Embrace Your Company as the Company Officer
I used to hear great quotes from my crew from movies. “Jesus, Bill, you never know when to quit, do you? Do you ever wonder why you’re stuck as a &#%!@ captain for life?” (Backdraft,1990). A fire officer is crucial in protecting not only our environment but also the lives and properties of individuals, especially ensuring all firefighters go home. One stands out among the many fire officers who have significantly contributed to the firefighting profession: the maverick fire officer.
The Characteristics of the Maverick Fire Officer
The maverick fire officer is known for quick thinking and a fearless approach to firefighting. This individual has dedicated his or her life to serving the community and protecting people and their properties from the destructive forces of fire. However, despite a commendable track record and expertise in the field, maverick fire officers are often at odds with their superiors. Maverick fire officers tend to question their orders and decisions, which is not always well received. “You see that glow flashing in the corner of your eye? That’s your career dissipation light. It just went into high gear.” (Backdraft,1990).
Maverick fire officers believe they are responsible for speaking up if they feel their team’s or the public’s safety is at risk. They also speak up for the crew if a policy or procedure comes out that the shift doesn’t agree with. This entails not only speaking up about the policy but also bringing possible solutions, and in a way that is respectful and understanding of where the chiefs may be coming from on an issue. This often puts maverick fire officers in direct conflicts with their superiors, who prefer to micromanage and not be questioned. Handling questionable matters must be done without being insubordinate.
An Example from the Fireground
One example of this was roof operations training on a three-story wood-frame building, with the working side being four stories due to the topography. The chief wanted all firefighters to work on the pitched roof and make cuts without being tethered in with a belay line. I asked the chief if I could talk to him privately and explained that this was a safety issue and that, to protect all of us, we should set up a belay line of another aerial device to ensure no firefighters slip and fall from the roof. At first he was against it, saying everyone should be comfortable on the roof. However, after voicing my concerns for safety and giving him a solution, we continued training all firefighters on a belay line.
Maverick fire officers speak up for their firefighters, going to bat for them when needed and putting their necks on the line. “Yet you can’t get a promotion, you won’t retire, and despite your best efforts, you refuse to die. You should be at least a two-star admiral by now, if not a senator. Yet here you are, captain. Why is that?” (Top Gun Maverick, 2022). Standing up for your firefighters and leading by example are things missing in today’s fire service. Fire officers must involve others, provide solutions, and develop firefighters to lead in the future. Being a maverick may not always be well-received by others. Maintaining a positive attitude and remaining respectful even in difficult situations is essential. As a maverick fire officer, you must consider safety, policy, procedures, documentation, and empathy for personnel issues.
What’s Standing in Your Way?
In today’s fire service, upper management doesn’t necessarily appreciate people who look out for others. Find ways to keep moods light and morale high, even in a highly regulated environment. Having a sense of humor can build camaraderie and make the challenging aspects of the job more bearable. There are a few reasons why chiefs may prefer to avoid maverick fire officers who have the respect of the firefighters and look out for them. One reason may be simple jealousy. Some leaders may feel inadequate or insecure about their ability, leading to resentment towards those possessing this quality. Some chiefs may be selfish or self-centered and may view those who look out for others as naïve. People who value individualism and self-sufficiency may see those who prioritize helping others as interfering or imposing their values on others. Maverick fire officers put others before themselves, requiring a certain level of vulnerability and trust. Chiefs are uncomfortable with being vulnerable and may view those who are as weak or quickly taken advantage of. However, being a maverick fire officer means balancing your innovative and nonconformist nature with a strong sense of teamwork, collaboration, and respect for others. By being open-minded and inclusive, communicating effectively, and leading by example, you can be a successful and respected leader in the fire department.
Training as the maverick fire officer was different than other shifts. We must make sure our people are true professionals. At shift meetings, I would ask firefighters, such as the pipe man, what nozzle was on the first line that usually gets pulled. Also, what tip size is the nozzle, and what is its flow? If they didn’t know the answer, I would let them ask a friend until the correct answer was provided. Then, have that firefighter retrieve the nozzle and bring it back to the watch desk, where we would go over the nozzle, its tip size, and its flow. I would explain to them why we need to know about our equipment.
Filling a Need
Maverick fire officers are needed in the fire service. They help develop future leaders and are usually kind and compassionate people who want to pass along knowledge and skills. On some calls, I would let one of the firefighters on the truck with me run the call; they would handle all radio communications, metering, investigations, and alarm resets after they did the NFIRS report and learned how to enter the call correctly. Doing this helps when firefighters get promoted and makes them more capable of handling their new position. This training was documented as officer development training and entered into the training logs. Maverick fire officers should be celebrated if they teach and ensure all firefighters stay safe.
Having a maverick fire officer on the team can improve the overall effectiveness of a fire department. These members can provide guidance and motivation for the team, resulting in improved operational efficiency and morale.
William Stacy is an adjunct instructor for the Connecticut Fire Academy. He has served in the fire service since 1984, and has an associate degree in fire science and a bachelor’s degree in fire administration. He is a master’s candidate in emergency management from Columbia Southern University.
