A captain recently told me that my editorial on the importance of storytelling in the fire service really had struck a chord with him. The column reminded him of when he was a young boy who would run to the curb to watch the fire trucks go by any time he heard sirens. The vivid, pleasant memory prompted him to create a Web site so others could share the childhood wonders that inspired future firefighters.

Storytelling isn't limited to sharing childhood memories. Telling and re-telling tales of calls and incidents that went right — or, more importantly, that went wrong — can teach valuable lessons.

While he was chief in Wallingford, Conn., in the early '80s, Jack McElfish would collect stories on fires, accidents and related news from a variety of sources, including his mom, who lived near Washington, D.C. McElfish also collected articles during his travels and from fire-industry experts and his students. (McElfish taught part-time at a technical college.)

Once a month, McElfish would copy the articles he collected and send them to a group of 20 or so friends that included the likes of Alan Brunacini, Billy Goldfeder, Rich Marinucci, Don Manno, Warren Isman, Garry Briese, Ed McCormack and Jim Page. They, in turn, would share the articles with their departments, peers and organizations. It was a laborious way to communicate, but it ensured that need-to-know information got around.

Goldfeder got his first computer in 1998. He started e-mailing to the group news and articles that he felt had value. The "Secret List" eventually grew to include more than 100,000 readers, plus another 45,000 followers on Facebook.

After the success of the Secret List, Goldfeder and Gordon Graham teamed up to create FirefighterCloseCalls.com, where first responders can share first-person stories of scary lessons learned. The IAFC also collects near-misses at firefighternearmiss.com.

But the fire service isn't served only by tales of woe. It also is full of stories of gratitude. Elizabeth Harman, assistant administrator of FEMA's grant programs, recently asked for stories about how FIRE, SAFER, and Prevention and Safety Grants have made a difference to fire departments. How did the fire truck, rescue tool, air compressor or turnout gear purchased with grant dollars save a life or property? Congressional leaders always are asking whether the grants are making a difference, so Harman's request is important.

If you received a gift or a donation, wouldn't you write a thank-you letter, maybe explain how you'll use the gift? Harman needs you to do the same thing. Take the time to write a story on the value of your department's grant at the "Submit Success" section on www.firegrantsupport.com. (See this month's Chief's Clipboard "A Word About the Two Most-Important Words" for Ronny Coleman's perspective on this topic.)

But sometimes the most powerful stories are the most personal ones. Bttn. Chief Craig Coultas shared his experiences of fighting testicular cancer in these pages (see "Road to Recovery"), while Chief Pat Kenny wrote about the impact of his son's suicide (see "A Father's Grief"). Chief Mario Trevino e-mailed his powerful story of fighting cancer last year, and Tom Carr announced to his department last month that he has Parkinson's disease (see article in Charleston City Paper). Each of these chiefs shared their stories so others know they aren't alone.

The retelling of stories — the sharing of experiences — whether printed, posted on the Web or shared around the kitchen table should not be taken lightly.

Related Stories

• Chief's Clipboard: A Word About the Two Most-Important Words
• Mutual Aid: Master Storytellers
• Audience Command: Firefighter tales and stories
• Chief's Clipboard: Aesop's Fables and Firehouse Culture
• Near-Miss Reports Help Train the Trainers