Two-Pen Perspectives | Art by Paul Combs, Narrative by Chief Kris Blume, Meridian (ID) Fire Department
The phrase “Serve the Work” within the fire service encapsulates a profound dedication to the profession’s core values: protecting life, property, and the environment from the ravages of fire and emergencies. This dedication brings deep personal satisfaction from knowing one is part of the greater good. This commitment transcends the individual and is at the heart of community service.
At the core of this satisfaction is the altruistic motive of helping others. Through reps-and-sets, we hone our craft and this is what becomes the foundation of serving the work. As a profession, we often find ourselves in life-threatening situations, not for personal gain but for the safety and welfare of others. This selfless commitment to the community’s well-being provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment unmatched in many other professions—the true joy comes from serving the work. The knowledge that each shift presents an opportunity to save lives and make a tangible difference in the community is a powerful source of motivation and personal gratification.
Moreover, “serving the work” entails a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. As we know, firefighting demands physical fitness, mental acuity, and a willingness to learn and adapt. Pursuing these qualities, necessary for effective emergency response, fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment. The satisfaction derived from mastering new techniques, understanding advanced firefighting tactics, and improving response strategies contributes to firefighters’ personal growth and professional development.
The camaraderie and brother/sisterhood within our firehouses further enhance the personal satisfaction of serving the work. Firefighters share a unique bond forged in the fires of shared adversity and triumph. This belonging provides emotional support, builds trust, and fosters a sense of belonging. As Francine Rives is famous for saying, “Nothing brings people closer together than shared suffering.” In this quote, we come to understand how these bonds are created. Knowing one is part of a team that shares the same commitment to service strengthens the individuals’ resolve and enriches the personal satisfaction of their work.
The personal pride of “serving the work” in the fire service emanates from the profound impact on the community, the pursuit of professional excellence, and the camaraderie among firefighters. This unique blend of altruism, dedication to improvement, and brother/sisterhood fills firefighters with satisfaction and fulfillment, driving them to continue the noble mission of saving lives and protecting the community.
You can reach Chief Blume at kris.blume@gmail.com.
Kristopher T. Blume is the fire chief of the Meridian (ID) Fire Department and has more than two decades of fire service experience. He is an author, lecturer, and independent consultant. Blume is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) program and an instructor at the National Fire Academy. As a student of the fire service, he is focused on values-driven, mission-focused leadership for the profession.
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