During my recent travels to defend against lessening fire and building codes and attempting to minimize the risks of fire on firefighters and citizens (my current role), I picked up a book titled “No Dream Is Too High, Life Lessons From a Man Who Walked on the Moon” by Buzz Aldrin. What an amazing person—a person who continues to serve his role at 86 years of age, as he pitches the idea of going to Mars to President Obama, Congress and anyone who will listen! With this in mind, let’s ask ourselves, are we serving our role?
Each role, in action
As all fire organizations work diligently to ensure that the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act (FSIA) is ready should tax reform ever become a reality, you work diligently at the local and state level to ensure that fire protection isn’t weakened in your communities (your role). Your role as a respected professional and civil servant is very important to those serving in their role as an elected official at the local, state and federal level. Make sure they hear from you! Make sure you are aware, prepared and offering assistance. Don’t let your elected officials only see you with your hand out. Meet with them to impart knowledge and share an experience you’ve had that will make them say “wow, let me help!”
A great example of a fire service leader who has played his role at all levels—local, state and federal—is Chief Charles Hood of the San Antonio Fire Department. Chief Hood also serves on the Board of the National Fallen Firefighters Association (NFFF) and served the first portion of his fire service career in the Phoenix Fire Department. I always enjoy sharing that he was a captain in Phoenix when I was an intern there and, yes, he was a young captain!
Chief Hood is a fire chief who has experienced “the fire,” which I wrote about in my March 2015 column. For him it was the Wedgewood fire in December 2014. Chief Hood didn’t use all the typical excuses of why the political forces wouldn’t support high-rise retrofit in San Antonio; he took action. He also took action at the federal level by going to Washington, D.C. and meeting with HUD Secretary Julian Castro, his former mayor, to share his experience with “the fire” and offer solutions. This was an example of using the “teachable moment” that comes when an event has the attention of not only everyone affected, but those watching the media coverage, too.
Texas State Representative Rick Galindo served his role in trying to get the state to realize the risk to residents in high-rise buildings. Rep. Galindo was able to pass legislation; unfortunately, it didn’t apply to the whole state in its final form, but it did serve as a start and address the district where the fire occurred. Many fire safety advocates served their role and shared their stories to assist in the process. All made a difference in San Antonio, and those who persisted and were injured at the Wedgewood fire did not sacrifice in vain. However, going beyond that seems like going to Mars. Why do more people have to suffer and die before we realize that we can prevent those tragedies—and that it is not a dream too high?
Buzz Aldrin shares 13 life lessons in his book, the first one being: “The sky is not the limit … there are footprints on the moon.” Aldrin was the second person with his footprint on the moon; he didn’t have to be the first to make a difference. San Antonio isn’t the first city with a high-rise retrofit requirement; many cities have gone before and many should follow.
Be an influencer
Serve your role. Visit your local, state and federal elected officials. Help at the national level by visiting your representatives and senators while they are out of session prior to the upcoming elections. See what they dream of and share your dreams. All elected officials with a partial mind and heart care about the impact of fire on their communities. It’s our ability to engage in politics that can make a difference and help them understand.
Your role is one of an influencer. Are you leading and living fire and life safety? Are you sharing your passion, experience and solutions with your colleagues and Congressional leaders? The Congressional Fire Service Institute (CFSI) and your fire service organizations are there to help with your elected officials. Make sure you are a member and are contributing to those who are serving their role of serving you!
Stay safe and serve well!
