Its not about the dollar. It was never about the dollar.

Training costs are always one of the first items that are cut in most agencies. Fortunately in most areas a solution is hatched out and people go on learning in house from folks that are great at the craft. This network of "in-house" instructors is invaluable. Many of them are credentialed instructors with whomever their governing body is some are not but are just as valuable. Without the dedication of the individuals dedicated to this many folks would be left with little to no training. Kudos to those that step up and take the initiative to help educate the new arrivals in our rank and file and keep the saltiest of Jakes on the path to solid tactics and procedures.

Additionally folks, with the easy access to the WWW and the advent of many social media ventures into the world of training and education, including ourselves and many of our friends, we think that we are all approaching some interesting avenues.

I think that there are a TON of options out there.
A number of years ago I wrote an article for a widely published print trade magazine. It was a northeast region article but it was in the early years of web based education programs in emergency services.

I will spare you the stroll down memory lane but I was really excited about the idea of web based didactic education. It amazed me that we, as students,  were provided access to experts in our fields and that they would take the time answer our questions. They would actually take the time and communicate with each student. They were passionate about passing it on. One of the educators later went on to use this phrase very effectively! I though it would go far, and it has, but now the question is this.
Is this now too much of a good thing?


We have a lot of guys with a lot of great ideas and sometimes it just seems to get lost in the shuffle. There are still a ton of web based educational programs out there and most people understand that this is no replacement for time and practical experience. MOST people. We have a few members out their that may still need some special attention. Their helmet stinks of scented candles and ethernet cable and is sprinkled with a dusting of megabyte.


I get asked a lot as to whom is the best. Who has the most up to date ideas and is following trends that are occurring now. My answer is quite simple. What is working for you and your agency. They are the ones that are the best. I have the ones that I am a fan of. I always like to hear from them and I think that the content that they put out is spot on and too the point. The bottom line is still this. What works for you and your agency.

One thing that I want you to consider is this though. It is not always about the dollar. Sharing information doesn't have to come with a dollar sign. It doesn't have to have proprietary rights, its not a patented technique.

 I want information to get to the working line firefighter so that it will help them do their job, it will keep him safe and get them home to their loved ones at the end of the incident. I want to help officers whom are struggling with understanding their crews and how to work with them make it a better environment. If you ask would I like to make a few dollars along the way, like any other hard working guy, of course I would, but it has never been about the dollars. It has never been the sole purpose.

In the end you can look to the guys that are out there and see who is doing with heart. Connect with those guys, ask TONS of questions, instructors, leaders, mentors, coaches, whatever you want to call them love questions. We thrive on connecting with people and we always want to help.

Happy webbing and until next time, stay low and stay safe.

Be Ready. Be Willing. Be Present.

-NexGen