Government shutdowns, budget shortfalls, staffing reductions, new codes adopted without increasing fire protection, occupancies that are high risk for citizens and firefighters left on the 2000 edition of a code, and on and on. What is the world coming to?
Change vs. status quo
As gridlock occurs within our federal government because non-diplomatic people continue to rise to power (across all party lines), as local governments often foster people with what I call “selfish power,” and as state governments get stuck between too much bureaucracy and too much partisan politics, it’s hard to not see significant setbacks in the future.
Being blessed to see government, nonprofits and private industry as an insider, I can’t help but wonder whether we are simply too comfortable today in our position, job, family, etc., to focus on tomorrow. It seems as if we have a fixation on the present and preserving status quo. Has this been any different in the past and will it be any different in the future? Perhaps not. What makes a difference? Leadership? Power? People?
I recently met a gentleman who described himself as a serial entrepreneur. He was a fascinating young man with an ability to see the present, know the tools available to enhance it, and a desire to make it better while filling the voids others had left empty. At the same time, I often deal with organizations that are set on maintaining status quo, companies determined to preserve the immediate condition, and governments that may not ever cooperate again in my lifetime.
Leaders unite
If you don’t know whether to be inspired or frustrated at this moment, then I have properly described the condition of most focused leaders with whom I associate. So, what do we do?
As the fire service prepares for one of its annual pinnacle events, the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) Dinner and Symposium in April, this question should be on your mind, and your participation should be brought to our nation’s capital for the dialogue. This is a time to gather with your colleagues, support and represent your professional organizations, and visit your federal decision-makers and their staffs that make it all happen.
Then in May, the Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West, FL, will hold its 17th Annual Truman Legacy Symposium, a two-day educational conference. This year is the first time that the focus of the entire event is the American fire service.
On May 5, 1947, President Truman gave a speech to open the President’s Conference on Fire Prevention, beyond just the front end of fire protection. It focused on topics like how buildings were constructed, how firefighters were trained and deployed, how fires were investigated and the research involved in all aspects.
Can we have another Presidential Commission to study the current state and future of fire protection in America? Is it too much to ask? I am inspired with where we are and where we are going, and I optimistically answer “yes!”
The last Presidential-commissioned report, American Burning in 1974, made a huge impact on fire protection in America. Truman’s report in 1947 impacted every state in the country and is still making a difference today. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) is working to organize a joint meeting of fire service groups, and the CFSI is working to bring together some of the stakeholders that were involved in the 1947 meetings, like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other non-traditional organizations.
There were hundreds of organizations and companies that were involved in 1947, some that no longer exist, like the National Board of Fire Underwriters, and there are those that have changed names and mission, like the National Fire Sprinkler Association, then called the National Automatic Sprinkler and Fire Control Association. There are others that have not changed names or mission significantly, like the NFPA, IAFF and IAFC. It appears that every association in the country with any potential to influence fire protection was involved. We need this again.
Be ready!
It’s our time to push for what’s next and not let gridlock set us back. We owe it to our citizens, organizations and fire protection leaders, past and present, as well as our present and future firefighters. Let’s lead while everyone is gridlocked so when things turn around, we will be ready!
