How much risk?
Donald D. Cummins
Lieutenant Colonel/Fire Marshal
Louisville (KY) Division of Fire
Regarding “How Much Risk Is Too Much?” by Bill Gustin (November 1996), our department has visited this issue many times.
The past chief of the Louisville (KY) Fire Department, Russell E. Sanders, defined for his department what I believe should be the motto for every department engaged in fighting fires. The message is conveyed on a two-sided business card, which I carry with me at all times.
On the front of the card, the department`s mission statement states: “We serve by providing quality fire prevention, environmental protection, and emergency services!”
Flipping the card over, it reads,
“As Louisville Professional Firefighters:
We accept great personal risk to save another`s life!
We accept moderate personal risk to save another`s property!
We accept no personal risk to save what is already lost!”
Short, simple, and on point!
