Undisclosed Agents Podcast #23 Justin Lorenzen - BIG passion = BIG target
Apr 12, 2024
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Lieutenant Justin Lorenzen shares his passion for firefighting, emphasizing continuous improvement, training, and leaving a positive impact. The podcast delves into intense training exercises, resilience building, creative logo customization, navigating criticism, and embracing training in the firefighting community. It also highlights the importance of ongoing training, peer support, mental health advocacy, and resources within the fire service.
Embrace being a 'monster' in passion and drive to excel in roles and strive for excellence.
Dedication to training, search operations, and leaving a positive impact showcases commitment and love for the fire service profession.
Importance of in-depth training, stress inoculation, and immersive experiences to cultivate resilient and proficient firefighters.
Handle negativity with resilience, focusing on personal commitment to excellence and staying true to passion despite criticism.
Deep dives
Embrace Being a Monster
The podcast episode emphasizes the idea that individuals should embrace being a 'monster' in a figurative sense. It suggests that one should not shy away from being assertive and aggressive, but rather learn to control these aspects. By being a 'monster' in terms of passion, dedication, and drive, individuals can excel in their roles and strive for excellence.
Passion for the Job
The conversation with Justin Lorenz highlights his unexpected journey into the fire service and his passion for the job. Despite starting with aspirations of becoming a paramedic, Justin found his calling in the fire service. His dedication to training, search operations, and leaving a positive impact on the job showcases his commitment and love for the profession.
Training Excellence and Personal Growth
Justin Lorenz's role as a training officer underscored the importance of in-depth training to equip recruits with essential skills. He learned the significance of going beyond basics and ensuring recruits fully grasp the 'why' behind their training. By implementing stress inoculation and immersive experiences, he aimed to cultivate resilient and proficient firefighters, fostering personal growth and building a strong foundation for future leaders.
Navigating Challenges and Negativity
Dealing with negativity and target placed by peers is addressed with resilience and leadership. Understanding the need to focus on personal commitment to excellence rather than succumbing to external criticism is highlighted as essential. Justin's experience with handling naysayers and maintaining a positive outlook reflects the importance of self-assurance and staying true to one's passion and purpose in the face of adversity.
Importance of Taking Time for Growth and Learning
Taking time to digest new information and skills is essential for growth. Rushing to apply everything learned immediately after a conference or training may not yield the desired results. It's like feeding little bits of knowledge over time to allow for gradual absorption and understanding. Patience and persistence are crucial as growth and improvement take time and can't be rushed.
Dealing with Criticism and Negative Feedback
Learning to handle negative comments and criticism effectively is a vital skill. Advising to not engage in arguments or negativity but to respond calmly or even positively can disarm detractors. Letting go of the need to prove oneself right immediately can diffuse tense situations and prevent escalations.
Emphasizing Long-Term Career Development
Encouraging a long-term perspective in career progression is highlighted. Understanding that progress and success take time and consistent effort is crucial. Recognizing that valuable skills and experiences may develop slowly over one's career underscores the importance of patience and dedication to continuous improvement.
Justin started in fire service in 2005 at a rural combination department about 30 miles south of the metro and was there for 3 years before getting hired at Oklahoma City fire department. Where he is currently a Lieutenant on the south side of the city at station 7/C, the “Capitol Hill Creepers”, and drives Battalion 603. Justin also Served as a training officer for 3 years in the training division. Outside of his department Justin is currently the president for the local F.O.O.L.S chapter, Mid-America F.O.O.L.S OKC Metro, he is a part of Firefighter Rescue Survey, the Valor Fire Training Cadre and Build Your Culture Cadre. Justin’s passion is Search and all things training but most importantly leaving the job better than he found it! This was yet another excellent conversation with a very humble inspirational individual. We hope you enjoy the show.
