by Martin Hamrick
The world we live in today is full of fast-paced activities, super-sized meal deals, and $3 gasoline. Although we may make more money than our parents, the dollar is not worth as much as it was in the past. Even our children are “growing” at an accelerated rate; my daughter is four years old and is learning things in preschool that I didn’t learn until the first or second grade.
With this in mind, where will the fire service be in the next 10 to 20 years? We all have heard the terms “brotherhood” and “tradition” since joining the fire service. To some these are just words spoken during new hire orientation; to others, they are a matter of pride and a way of life. In the past when people left the military, they joined the local fire department. It was a good fit for them–the sense of brotherhood, tradition, and the willingness to serve others has roots in the military as well as in the fire service.
如今，备忘录是计算机年龄和X世代的产品。在大多数情况下，它们非常聪明，但许多人不了解“旧方法”。我并不是说旧方法一定会更好。过去，存在一些不良习惯，例如不穿SCBA。但是，消防服务和兄弟情谊的古老传统必须继续下去。退伍军人是我们的决定，以确保新的消防员学习这一点。
The television seriesBand of Brothers处理在训练中成立并在战斗中锻造的兄弟情谊。这些角色超越了他们所要求的，因为他们知道自己的兄弟的生活受到威胁。他们负担不起错误。他们互相依靠。即使结束了，他们仍然是一个紧密联系的单位。兄弟会在消防部门几乎是一样的，但我觉得它正在失去一些光泽。我听到仅在方便或以某种方式使演讲者受益的兄弟情谊一词。我们中的许多人（如果有的话）很少在完成转变后想到我们的同事。发生了太多事情：“我必须去找另一个工作”或“我与家人有关系。”这两个陈述都没有错，但是消防部门不是您家庭的一部分吗？
And, there are other complaints: We don’t make enough money, and so on. What kind of example does this set for the young firefighter? What kind of example do you set for the young firefighter?
It is very hard not to be influenced by the negativity of those who have been jaded in some way. I was very lucky when I started. As a probie, I served under a very good shift commander. I looked up to him, and he helped mold me into what I am today. Under the guidance of good fire officers and senior firefighters, I learned why this is the greatest job in the world. I learned quickly what brotherhood was all about. Coming onto the job, I didn’t know anyone. I came from a small town and a rural volunteer fire department and was very proud to be a part of a “real” fire department. On my third shift here, my mother fell ill with cancer; the guys at my station went above and beyond to help me–someone they had just met–cope in a very difficult time.
In rookie school, I earned the “Outstanding Rookie” award. Also, I met a person who showed me the kind of firefighter I wanted to be and how to accomplish that task–namely,从未停止学习呢后来，我被一个老朋友重新认识。他是“新人”，我尽力向他展示绳索。但是，我认为我从他那里学到了与他一样多的东西。我们经历了成为“卡车”的骄傲。我很自豪地将所有这些消防员称为我的“兄弟”。我知道我可以指望他们，他们可以指望我。那是兄弟会。
一些消防部门离开新秀学校后未能继续接受教育。那是一个大错误。我们战斗的火势正在改变，与战斗的策略也在发生变化。由于较新的现代建筑方法，结构火的频率正在减少，但是火灾更热，气氛比以往任何时候都更加危险。我们必须在将来面临的大火训练。
我们被要求执行的任务也在改变。技术救援和危险材料是我们无法在工作中“掌握”的领域。它们是我们必须训练并准备好进行的“低频，高风险”活动。而且，这是EMS和“常规”呼叫的补充。仅仅打火的日子已经过去了。
It is the company officers’ job to make sure their crew is ready. Whether it’s an engine, truck, or rescue company, the crews must know their job. If they don’t perform as expected, the officer should help them out, not knock them down. That is brotherhood.
如果您是最好的，那将帮助您周围的人做到最好。完成我们的工作所需的速度是效率的副产品，这来自培训和实践。抵制摇晃躺椅手柄的冲动。即使您只是坐在厨房的桌子旁讨论如何在您所在地区打火或浏览设备上的设备，也要起床并提高生产力。您和您的船员知道所有设备如何工作吗？火场不是找出答案的地方。下次您使用“兄弟”一词时，请记住这首圣经经文：“男人没有比这更大的爱，为他的兄弟献出生命。”约翰福音15:13
To me, brotherhood means that my brother firefighter can count on me, and I on him; teaching and encouraging the young firefighter to be better than I am; always saying, “Follow me” instead of “Do as I say, not as I do”; and spending time with my fellow firefighters and their families away from the job.
What does it mean to you?
马丁·哈姆里克（Martin Hamrick）是消防局12年的老兵，是琼斯伯勒（AR）消防部门培训部的成员，也是阿肯色州消防学院和阿肯色州紧急管理危险材料部的兼职讲师。188博金宝体育1
