Defining Professionalism in the Fire Service

There are several definitions and assumptions about the word “professional.” It could be defined as individuals who are engaged in a particular activity as their main paid occupa-
tion or people who are employed or qualified in a specialized area. Often, the perception of a professional is paired with a vision of an individual who plays a sport, wears business-like clothing or receives large paychecks and is competent or specialized.

Assumptions about the fire service can be formed because of a lack of education about what the profession is about. Although firefighters maintain high standards of training, ethics and discipline, the public often views the fire service through a narrow lens that’s shaped by tradition, Hollywood and/or occasional interactions. As a result, the fire service frequently is perceived in the same way as that of a school referendum: If community members don’t see a direct or immediate benefit to themselves, they might question the value or purpose. This perspective doesn’t account for the overall protection, preparedness and professionalism that reinforce modern emergency services, and it minimizes the extensive behind-the-scenes work that ensures readiness long before an incident occurs.

Dress the part

Being professional isn’t a label that we assign to ourselves. It’s a description that we hope that others will use for us. This idea reflects a fundamental challenge for the fire service, which I sometimes take very personally. Each day, I work to raise the level of professionalism in a profession that often isn’t seen as professional. To bridge this gap, I take intentional steps that demonstrate our standards, reinforce our values and make our professionalism visible to those who we serve. 

Professionalism often is judged long before our work is understood. Our appearance becomes the most immediate indicator of the standards that we uphold. Because of this, we always must dress appropriately. I was reminded of this when I attended the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Conference in Duluth, MN, which is where I first met Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Fire Department Fire Chief Mark Watczak. The first thing that he said to me was, “Chief, thank you for dressing the part.”

How we dress affects how others observe us. It also affects how you feel about yourself, increasing confidence, focus and your overall mindset. This psychological effect, which is known as enclothed cognition, improves performance by aligning your physical appearance with your inner goals and the expectations of the environment in which you operate.

Blind spots

Training and formal education are two of the most visible and critical contributors to the development of professionalism in the fire service. Consistent, high-quality training enhances competence, confidence and readiness and, ultimately, defines a professional individual and organization. 

As fire service professionals, I encourage you to be unusual and different. If we allow others to set expectations for us, they will set them low and keep them there. Instead, we must be disciplined enough to uphold the belief that “good enough” never truly is good enough. Fire service minimum standards represent the starting point for safe and effective performance. We never should remain there, because it is only one step away from failure. 

To raise your level of professionalism, pursuing advanced education and recognized development programs is critical. The National Fire Academy’s Managing Officer (MO) and Executive Fire Officer (EFO) programs, Center for Public Safety Excellence credentialing, and college degrees improve a fire chief’s ability to lead, think critically and navigate the challenges of the modern fire service.

These achievements not only increase individual ability but also reinforce the professionalism, credibility, and excellence that our communities expect and deserve.

During my journey as a fire chief, I realized that I don’t always possess the knowledge and experience that’s needed to lead effectively in every situation. When I began to explore the idea of a leadership coach, I hesitated more than I would like to admit. The hesitation was because of my ego. In this role, I believed that I should have all of the answers, skills and ability to navigate challenges on my own. However, with humility, I can acknowledge that all leaders have blind spots and areas for growth.

Through my work with Jeff Marian, who is a certified life and leadership coach, I discovered that leadership isn’t defined by having all of the answers. Instead, it’s finding the courage to ask questions, to seek honest feedback and to continue to grow. This change in mindset strengthened my leadership skills and, as a result, has contributed to a higher set of standards for myself and for the organization that I serve.

On and off duty 

In my organization, I emphasize the importance of making deposits in the social checkbook rather than writing checks. As members of the fire service, your name always is connected to your job title. Every interaction either builds or destroys credibility and trust. Read news headlines, and you’ll understand what I mean. 

The truth is that professionalism doesn’t end at the close of the workday. Your actions, both on and off duty, forever will be associated with you, your department and this career.

The community that you serve doesn’t separate the person from the title, nor can you. Your behavior online and in social settings reflects your judgment, values and beliefs.

Maintaining professionalism outside of work isn’t about limiting your personal life. It’s about recognizing the responsibility that comes with your role. 

Remember who you are

Amnesia is a common theme in superhero stories. It helps the audience understand the heroes’ traits and shows how their instincts led them to courage, service and doing what’s right.

These principles apply to us. True professionalism starts with remembering who you are and what it is that you stand for. When you lose sight of that, your actions and standards begin to drift. Soon, as a result of this, you risk losing your credibility.

Using a label maker, I placed a sticker above my office door that reads, “Remember who you are.” Throughout the day, I look up from my desk and read it. It reminds me of Superman being held in a cage. When he remembered his identity, he found freedom. 

If you find yourself off track, remember your 'why.' Rediscover the purpose and the discipline that’s needed to earn public trust. Recognizing who you are serves as the foundation of professionalism, particularly when stress, fatigue and ego threaten to steer you off track.