BY BRIAN WARD AND DAVID RHODES
Why is mentoring so important? What value can be gained from such a program, formally or informally? It's the chance to pass on knowledge and experience that cannot be found in a book or a PowerPoint® program. Mentoring in practice is the fostering of a relationship between an experienced veteran who shares his knowledge and experience with a less experienced firefighter or officer. Although this may sound simple enough in theory, we sometimes don't allow ourselves to gain all of the benefits that can come from a mentorship. This article presents a two-perspective approach to mentoring, which illustrates that both the veteran and the rookie firefighter must be committed to the principles of mentoring.
So, you have made it through recruit school and you're a certified firefighter. You're eager and ready to be cut loose for your first shift. Or maybe you have been in the field for awhile, ran a few calls, and fought some good fires. Now what? What's new? Where do you go from here?
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