The Perfect Firefighter Candidate

It Comes as No Surprise!

Mother’s Day is here. When I think of all the various positions in the fire service, not too many can effectively be filled as much as a mom can.

Moms do not apply for all these positions; they just assume them without complaint. For most moms they become a permanent position. Most of us can promote or test out to another department, division or battalion. Moms don’t have that option – even after we are grown up and gone. Moms are always there for us!

Look at a few of the fire service positions below. No one but a mom can effectively fill those duties and without complaint. They receive no acting pay, overtime, or bonuses. Moms certainly deserve a medal of valor!

Moms are like the:

• 18-year Rookie (sometimes longer depending on when we leave home) – Mop in hand, cooking, dishes, laundry, cleaning toilets, sinks, showers – anything that needs cleaning – Moms do these with a smile!
• Administrative Assistant – Ensures accurate accounting, record keeping, house dues, IT specialists, screen calls, allowances issued on time while listening to our stories about how cool we are. Mom always demonstrates patience. Mom knows just as much (if not more) about what’s going on around the house than the Chief (Dad). He just won’t admit it!
• Perfect Firefighter – First in – last out. Up early, makes morning coffee, brings in the newspaper, cooks’ breakfast, ensures trash is emptied, assumes the role of the union rep, knows where everything is and in order, makes sure everything is locked up at night. Mom also gets blamed when things fail.
• Peer Assessment – Supports us during emotional break downs, difficulties such as break ups, unexpected zits, weight gain, or did not make the team. Knows exactly what to say and how to keep us calm.
• Paramedic – Bee stings, bike accidents, tree falls, scraped knees, stomach aches and assorted boo – boos. Always first on scene to administer first aid and ensure we are safely tucked in at night for rest & rehab!
• Engineer/Apparatus Operator – Always on time while safely driving us to school, little league, soccer, music, dances, swim lessons etc. Safety is her #1 priority, and no one can handle that mini-van better than a mom in all sorts of traffic. Is everyone belted in?
• Captain – Ensures all the personal household equipment (tv, computers, IPhones, back-packs, toys) are properly maintained and running. Uniform inspection: Ensures we are properly dressed with that shirt tucked in, combed hair, and teeth brushed and flossed. And please take that t-shirt off and put your nice collared one on. Who broke this and who said you can do that? Do this – not that, how many times do I have to tell you! Wait until your Chief (Dad) gets home! Many times, running interference from the chief.
• Haz Mat Technician – Diapers, poop, vomit & boogers. Little time for decon and always ready for the next spill!
• Training Officer – Don’t put that in your mouth, watch before you cross the street, say please and always say thank you. Did you do your homework? Let me check it. But always asking – how can I help?
• HR Director – Stop crying, you were not hit that hard. Let’s get checked by the doctor. Will you two stop fighting! Let’s meet and confer – but you are not getting any more allowance. I told you so!
• Battalion Chief – Planning for the worst, praying for the best. Organizing & managing day to day activities, while supervising the house, guests, family, and friends.
• Policy Developer – Sets the policies and procedures for bedtime, waking up, school, curfew, chores and how to act properly in front of others. Why? Because it’s policy and we have standards in this house!
• Assistant Chief – Fills in when the Chief (Dad) is gone.
• Chief (Dad) – When things go well, they get all the credit. When things go bad, it’s mom’s fault!

So, there you have it. Mom really does it all and truly is the most versatile employee without complaint!

This Mother’s Day take a little time to tell your mom ‘Thank you’ for all the roles and responsibilities taken on past, present and future.

The best gift you can give your mom is to be a good example to your children and teach them how to love, respect and appreciate themselves and other. Thank her for all that she has done and accomplished for the family!

Would you do all the above without negotiation, extra pay, or a need to meet and confer?

Happy Mother’s Day!

Sam DiGiovanna is a 40-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as Fire Chief at the Monrovia Fire Department, and currently serves as Chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale. He is Director at Large with the California State Firefighters Association, Associate Director for the California Training Officers Association and a consultant for www.Lexipol.com