Each October, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service calls our attention to the perils of being a firefighter. While it's fitting to show our respect to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to support their families, we must make it our goal never to add another name to this list.

As difficult as it may be, we have do something to reduce the horrendous loss of life of career and volunteer firefighters in the United States. Although for the past few years the number has remained near 110, I think it's 110 too many. We simply can't become complacent. I'm not willing to accept sacrifice of life as being OK and a part of our business.

As chief of a combination department, not a day goes by that I don't awake realizing I have the awesome responsibility of advising the men and women of the Virginia Beach (Va.) Fire Department that today may be the day they are asked to put their lives in harm's way. I often think about this responsibility, realizing there are some things I can do to ensure that those who are willing risk their lives do so based on risk assessment.

Gear up and ride out

There is, in my mind, more to being a fire chief if we are truly going to enhance the personal and organizational accountability of health and safety. I needed to make a different commitment. It isn't enough to just talk about how important safety is; I had to do something about it. I needed to demonstrate my commitment by showing up on the fireground in full turnout or whatever compliant gear necessary to mitigate the situation.

I don't respond to incidents often, but when the opportunity arises I certainly take advantage of it. My role for the most part is either to take command or to assist the incident commander. Being the fire chief at an incident helps one understand what firefighters are doing and how well they are accomplishing their task.

Moreover, I realized I needed to get back to what I believe is the most important phase of firefighting: recruitment and recruit training. Like all chiefs, I greet the new recruits on their first day. I talk to them about organizational philosophy, department goals and objectives, strategic business plan, and all the other things we believe are important for new employees to understand. But I wanted to take it a step further.

I decided to become more involved with recruit training. I make sure I receive a copy of the recruit manual and the training schedule. I make sure the instructors are teaching the right material and that we are in compliance with local, state and federal regulations, and meeting the needs of the organization.

I also participate with the recruits when they perform live-burn evolutions, which I find very rewarding. This not only keeps me informed but also allows me to interact with the recruits and instructors. By acting as the safety officer, I can evaluate our training under live-fire conditions, making adjustments if necessary.

This also allows me an opportunity to evaluate our gear. I don't get an opportunity to go into burning buildings often, but I find it's still as much fun as it was the day I began my career 37 years ago.

As a fire chief committed to safety, I've found no better way to stay connected as well as to ensure the training staff is in fact teaching the right things to keep our firefighters safe. Moreover, it gives me the opportunity to support my training staff and make recommendations for improvement. As part of the Tidewater Regional Fire Academy Consortium, which has been training firefighters throughout the Hampton Roads region for more than 20 years, it also has given me an opportunity as a board member to see first-hand how the curriculum is relating to the job and NFPA standards.

Personal challenge

It goes without saying that we fire chiefs recognize the importance of investing in the firefighters who work for us. They are critical and the reason for our jobs. It is our responsibility to ensure they are doing their jobs safely and effectively.

As a fire chief, there is no better way to show your commitment than to actively engage in training, especially recruit training. It provides one the opportunity to see how the training is going, whether it is compliant, evaluate the turnout gear, put on a breathing apparatus and go into a burning building and fight fire a couple times a year. Reconnecting with our roots help us understand why it is necessary to hopefully one day go to the National Fire Academy for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in October to honor our fallen without adding another name.

My challenge to my fellow fire chiefs is this: If you really want to make a difference, then make a personal commitment to get involved with the accountability of the men and women who work for you and with you. Commit yourself and your organization to safety and to doing what is right. You can't do this by sitting behind a desk; you have to get out and demonstrate your commitment.

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Gregory B. Cade has been the chief and emergency management coordinator of the Virginia Beach (Va.) Fire Department since August 1998, where he oversees a multi-service agency of 439 career personnel and 99 volunteers. He currently is completing course work for a master's degree in public safety leadership from Old Dominion University. In 1994 he received his bachelor's degree in fire administration (with honors) from the University of Maryland, College Park, and in 1979 he received his associate's degree in fire science from Prince George's (Md.) Community College. Cade also has completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.