Wrangling the green horns.

While operating at a multi-alarm incident recently I was assigned a few eager probationary firefighters. Their passion exemplifies the needs of the fire service today. They are dedicated, hard working and for the most part follow directions well.

This was a mutual aid incident and were able to see that we were going to be going to work well before we arrived on scene. This is unusual in the hills of new england so it gave them a few minutes to prepare themselves and me some time to prepare myself for what I believed would be like herding barn cats.

I was pleasantly surprised that this was not entirely the case.

You see I had a predisposed notion that this was going to not go very well. It was me and only me that had placed this thought in my head. I freely admit that we live in a world full of "what-ifs" and that I had prepared myself for the worst. The worst of what others might create but never thought I would be the others.

Now, having realized that this is no way for them to be able to grow and learn I stepped back and afforded them the opportunity to do work and do it well. For all intensive purposes we were not going to be saving much property and all were accounted for. We arrived on scene to be working with a shell of a structure. Why would this not be the perfect time for them to work and work independently, or at lease let them think they were.

I did no harm in allowing them to work freely. They were operating in a manner that was consistent with their training. They checked on things they were unclear on. Overall I think that this was a great opportunity for them to work. They had a chance to learn a few things, get a little dirty, move some water and work with other companies.

So the next time your riding in the front seat and its a green horn day, dont be afraid to let them show you what they are made of. They are itching to show you what they are made of.

An eagle has to leave the nest eventually, you may as well be there to see it soar.