Choices

Choices… It seems no one wants to take advice these days. No one wants to be “told” what to do these days. Chain of command??? That’s a struggle in 2022. It seems like most days it’s every man or woman for themself. Everyone wants to be “equal” at the fire house when it comes to everything from being a rookie to being the thirty year guy. Which is strange to me considering there is a chain of command and a core of senior men and women who have come before some of us and know what they’re doing…To me, it seems more like these things exist rather than that they are followed. So, everyone wants their voice to be heard and everyone wants to make their own choices. “Don’t tell me what to do, I got this…” 

Now, I don’t have a problem with firefighters being treated equally and with respect. That should go without saying. What I’m saying is that if you want to make your own choices and ditch advice every time an officer or senior man gives you some wisdom, be willing to suffer the outcome of your choices. Yes, they are your choices but they will also be your consequences. Unfortunately, sometimes these consequences also trickle down to other crew members as well. 

Sometimes there are people looking out for us that have “been there done that.” Sometimes it does pay to keep our mouth shut and listen. In a craft where we are supposed to be a team, it seems that everyone is trying to create their own way to success. This is what hinders us to the realization that there are good men and women in the fire service who will look out for us. A lot of the time just sitting, listening, and taking advice will help us make the right choice! 

Before you make “your choices…” Listen, consider the outcome, consider the source, weigh the options, weight the consequences, make your choice. Not everyone in here is out to get you. A lot of us are still here and willing to get you where you want to go…. My choices, my consequences. Just don’t forget to own the choices and the outcome that follows…

Josh Chase