Inclusion
I’m STILL a Fire Service Feminist!
I wrote on this topic–lack of representation of women in the fire service–back in 2016 and unfortunately it’s still a topic that won’t go away. What…
Where are the Champions in the Fire Service?
I'm not referring to individuals or teams that have attained the #1 status in their sport. Rather, I'm going to discuss the dearth of champions in fire and EMS departments who can turn the word champion (the noun) into champion (the verb). The key difference between mentors and sponsors is that mentors are “one-way streets”, giving their chosen mentee a gift of wisdom, time, and advice. Sponsorship requires reciprocity and commitment; sponsors serve as champions.
An Epiphany About Diversity and Inclusion in Organizations
I recently had one of those “I never thought of it that way,” moments about diversity and inclusion in an organization, particularly fire departments, because I did serve with the Chesterfield (Va.) Fire and EMS Department for 26 years before retiring as a battalion chief. See if any of what I'm about to share with you “strike's a similar chord.”
What you know—or don’t know—about Millennials and Generation Z
with Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell In a recent post on FireRescue1, Rachel Engel, associate editor of FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com, wrote “While many…
Non-Dominant Group Members Need Champions, Not Just Mentors
The key difference between mentors and sponsors is that mentors are “one-way streets”, giving their chosen mentee a gift of wisdom, time, and advice. Sponsorship requires reciprocity and commitment; sponsors serve as champions.
Why was there no sense of urgency for the Milwaukee Fire Department?
When I received my first promotion to the rank of company officer, it was made truly clear to me by my organization, the Chesterfield (Va.) Fire and EMS Department, that as an officer the organization would expect more from me. And that expectation was reaffirmed with each subsequent promotion to captain and then to battalion chief.
What inclusiveness does, and doesn’t, look like in a fire department
I’m doing research for a future article on inclusiveness. I know, I know, everyone is writing about diversity and inclusiveness…
Build inclusiveness in your fire department and they will come
By: Marlene Kostyrka, Assistant Chief, Charleston (SC) Fire Department As I scroll through social media these days there seems to be a glaring issue with people…
Men could stop sexual harassment in the fire service tomorrow
Update: I’ve updated this post because I was moved by the courageous post I read today from a fire service…
Why aren’t fire departments getting better at inclusion?
So, I was on the road headed towards FDIC 2019 in Indianapolis and some random thoughts began running through my…