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Conferences, trainings, and workshops are perfect opportunities to meet fellow fire service personnel at a social level, and maybe even advance your career

By Josh Velten

Networking is a tool used by business professionals all over the world. It is a social construct that allows professionals in particular fields the advantage of reaching out to each other for relationship building and personal and professional development. Being able to bounce ideas off peers and utilize them as a resource for personal and professional growth is an opportunity many first responders miss.

Firefighters and other first responders seldom take advantage of networking. Genuine networking – not following Facebook pages or podcasts, but real, old-school networking. It is an opportunity many of us have. Imagine coming back from every conference or training with a couple names of people you can call to bounce ideas off or get some helpful advice.

Networking, especially outside of your own department or immediate geographic area, has many benefits for first responders, especially those hoping to move up the ranks and excel in the service.  From improving mental health to career advancement, networking provides numerous benefits to those willing to reach out.

Knowledge Sharing 

How many times can we benefit from an expert in the field, or at least someone who is practicing ideas and methods we may be considering? Research is great, but imagine being able to reach out to someone who is already familiar with the issue and has first-hand knowledge they are willing to share. Maybe a contact you made at your last conference.

Your networked connection is someone who can answer your questions immediately, in real time, with relevant answers that cut through all the fog of data and information out there. Find out what worked for them or their department, and what did not. Get pros and cons that will not be biased to your situation or department. Unbiased information in the fire service can go a long way.

Then, after getting the answers you needed, imagine being able to do it many more times as you work through your network of contacts. Vast amounts of information is out there to be shared through your network, from items as trivial as what emergency light manufacturer is preferred to as involved as SOP development, it is all available to you.

Mentorship and Guidance

Some of the best mentorship for professional growth and development can come from your network. As your network grows, seasoned professionals in the fire service can pass down guidance in areas such as career development, certifications and higher education, professional memberships to achieve or organizations to join, or simply mentor you as you move through a difficult time in your career….