A Colorado fire chief who attended the “Executive Edge” program at Fire-Rescue International told me how pleased he was with it. Though a small group attended the program and the environment was relaxed, it wasn't just chiefs trading war stories, he said; it was respected fire-service leaders offering their wisdom. “It was information not learned in years of textbooks or classrooms,” he said.
How does one gain wisdom? Is it something that is acquired through careful contemplation and observation? Or does it simply happen — as if by osmosis — as the years unfold? Regardless of how it is gained, wisdom is an integral building block in the formation of effective leaders.
FIRE CHIEF hosted a celebration dinner at FRI for this year's Chiefs of the Year, their families and friends. Career Chief of the Year Randy Bruegman and Volunteer Chief of the Year James Seavey Sr. appear to be opposites both in personality and leadership style. Still, each man has demonstrated tremendous passion and commitment to improving the fire service globally. Each man also has stepped up and spoken out for the betterment of the fire service. (View profiles of the winners: Career Chief of the Year Randy Bruegman and Volunteer Chief of the Year James Seavey Sr..)
This year's dinner not only had the largest attendance in the event's history, but we were honored to have several fire-service elders among the guests, including 2006 Career Chief of the Year Alan Brunacini, longtime columnist Chief Ronny Coleman and Ray Picard, one of the founding fathers of fire and emergency services accreditation.
Every person in the room had been invited because of the wisdom and leadership they have exhibited as fire chiefs. I was struck by the dinner's mix of legends, seasoned chiefs and next-generation leaders. “The people gathered in this room were responsible for most of the innovations in the fire service over the past 20 years,” one guest observed.
What makes a fire-service leader an elder or a statesman — or both? Some cultures refer to an older, respected member as an “elder,” while a “statesman” is admired for his expertise in national or international affairs.
The process of aging doesn't make you an elder any more than being named chief makes you a leader. Often we use the term “leader” too loosely. Anyone can lead an organization, association or group, but few do so with vision and wisdom.
Created in 1995, the Chief of the Year Awards honor one career chief and one volunteer chief for his or her dedication and commitment to emergency response. The award acknowledges the important role fire chiefs play in communities across the country. Some chiefs raise the standards of the department; some chiefs simply bide their time until they retire or they are pushed out. The difference is what makes a leader.
Next year, we plan to revisit the previous recipients, because lessons continue to be learned as life goes on.
I'd like to personally congratulate Bruegman and Seavey on this achievement and, more importantly, on the wisdom and leadership they exhibited in the performance of their duties, which led to their being named as chiefs of the year. And thanks to Pierce Manufacturing for its sponsorship of this award, and to the IAFC for its support.
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