Ljay Geist, a firefighter in West Kansas, discusses the importance of mentorship and aggressive firefighting tactics. They also delve into the challenges faced by company officers, the value of outside training and mentorship programs, and the significance of realistic training scenarios and community engagement. The speakers highlight the importance of genuine followership in leadership and share upcoming teaching engagements.
Striving to be a monster in order to learn control and excel in their field is emphasized as a path to success.
The significance of mentorship in the fire service is highlighted, stressing the importance of experienced firefighters guiding and supporting new recruits.
Attending outside training events and connecting with firefighters from different departments is crucial for personal and professional growth.
Company training is essential for building trust, morale, and skills within a fire department.
Realistic training, including live burns or smoking out real structures, is crucial in relieving training scars and enhancing firefighting capabilities.
Deep dives
Importance of Being a Monster and Learning to Control
It is emphasized that one should strive to be a monster in order to learn control. By embracing an aggressive mindset and seeking to excel in their field, individuals can gain mastery over their actions and develop the discipline needed to succeed.
The Value of Mentorship
The significance of mentorship is explored, highlighting the importance of experienced firefighters guiding and supporting new recruits. Mentorship helps recruits understand the love for the job, learn the intricacies of the profession, and navigate the challenges of being a firefighter.
The Benefits of Outside Training
Outside training is presented as crucial for personal and professional growth. Attending conferences, regional trainings, and connecting with firefighters from different departments fosters relationships, exposes firefighters to new techniques and approaches, and recharges their passion for the job.
The Power of Company Training
Company training is emphasized as an essential element in building trust, morale, and skills within a fire department. Through regular training sessions, firefighters can learn each other's strengths and weaknesses, foster a competitive yet supportive mindset, and develop the confidence needed to perform effectively on the fireground.
The Importance of Realistic Training and Getting out of Training Grounds
Realistic training is crucial in relieving training scars and burn building scars. It is important to train in different locations and acquired structures to add realism. Sticking to training grounds can limit growth. Live burns or smoking out real structures adds more authenticity.
Learning from Medical Calls and Applying Knowledge to Fireside
Medical calls provide valuable learning opportunities for firefighters. Responding to medical calls in familiar neighborhoods and houses can help firefighters gain insights about potential fire risks and layouts. Taking the time to understand the layouts and conditions of these locations during medical calls can enhance firefighting capabilities.
Representing the Fire Department in the Community for PR
Engaging with the community through training in public spaces or restaurants can positively impact the public perception of the fire department. Demonstrating dedication to training and showing a willingness to interact with citizens can enhance the department's reputation and demonstrate commitment to serving the community.
The Significance of Humility in Leadership and the Fire Service
Humility is a vital quality in both leadership and firefighters. Humble leaders gain respect and followership from their team. Being humble allows others to see themselves in you, fostering approachability, trust, and camaraderie. Humility also promotes a culture of growth, learning from mistakes, and fostering strong relationships within the fire service.
Promoting the Right People and Leadership Development
Promoting the right people in the fire service requires evaluating competence, dedication, and genuine care for the job and the people being led. Actively seeking input and feedback from peers can provide a clear perspective on the potential of a leader. Investing in leadership development programs and formal training can help identify and nurture the right individuals for future leadership roles.
LJay has been in the fire service since 2009 and currently serves as a Firefighter in West Kansas. He has lectured and instructed HOT trainings both regionally and nationally, with an emphasis on aggressive search and fire attack culture. Ljay’s tailboard Leadership class is a must for every firefighter. His passion for the craft is undeniable. Having the opportunity to talk with like minded people like who want to stomp mediocrity out of the American fire service is an absolute honor and Ljay did not disappoint. We hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did.
