Chief Forum - February 2010

Rapid Intervention

Many of us in the fire service feel the urge to rush to the fire station to hop onto the fire trucks and then rush off to the scene.  We think we are rushing because our minds tell us that we are in a rush mode.  Reality is that no amount of time saved by rushing to anywhere has ever done anyone any good.

When we rush we become unsafe, when we become unsafe, we cause accidents.  Don't be surprised to see one of our fire trucks come to a complete stop in an intersection only to be certain the oncoming traffic has stopped.  The lights and sirens can cause confusion, our job is to manage that confusion and insure a safe trip for all without rushing.

 I am to tall or to small to be a firefighter

The reality is that everyone has the ability to be a firefighter.  Offering a different skill, education or motivation.  Once you understand the demands of firefighting, you can become comfortable in performing the tasks assigned to you.  Not too comfortable.  With comfort comes complacency, with complacency come accidents.

Firefighting is not just for the John Wayne type characters in the movie Hell Fighters, 6 foot tall and fit.  We need solid engineers and good operators to assist us in fighting fire as well.  If you think you have what it takes, let us know.  We would be happy to discuss the opportunity with you.

 

 

Chief Doug Breunig

Doug Breunig was elected Chief in 2009 after being active in the department since 1979.  Doug had held other ranking positions, such as, 1st. Assistant Chief and 2nd Assistant Chief within his span of service.

Doug understands that the demands of the chief come from many directions.  He has the leadership responsibility of the department, the social aspect to the community and the administrative role to the common Board's and communities the department serves.

Contact Chief Breunig - SCFDChief@merr.com