As a proud member of the fire service for nearly 20 years, I am often outspoken about the brotherhood and the camaraderie within our ranks.  Usually I only share my feelings locally, but after a long night and a large fire in our city, I feel compelled to share some thoughts with my brothers across this country.

As we progress through our life in the fire service, we experience many different types of firefighters.  All of whom have numerous reasons as to why they decided to enter this profession.  Sometimes we come across some internal MUTTS that act as if they were drafted into the fire service.  They float around for years, below the radar, complaining and simply trying to pull others down.  These are the folks who are our lower 10%.  I say “our” because they still wear the same cross on the uniform as we all do.

This lower 10% always seems to be unable to understand what drives the rest of us.  They lack the passion for the service and are here either for the insurance, schedule, or Lord knows what.  You know the type and can probably insert a few faces here.  These people complain about everything while offering no solution. They are against training, getting along with others, and usually, what the rest of us stand for.

On the other end of this spectrum, we have the upper 10%.  These folks are the polar opposites of the lower 10%.  Their attitudes, abilities, and understanding of who we are and what we do are exceptional.  The upper 10% rarely needs coaching, since these are the coaches; they are self motivated and usually are unstoppable.  These are our leaders, with an immovable positive attitude, who constantly “steer our ship”.  The upper 10% and lower 10% work together, but usually do not get along.  They have completely different agendas, skill sets and core values.  They integrate about as well as oil and water.  Can you insert some faces to this class in your organization?

Now, that leaves us with our middle 80%.  That’s where you will find most firefighters.  All of them entered this service on their love of the job, and their drive and skills fall across the entire spectrum. The lower part of the 80% can sometimes be unmotivated and are often “followers”.  The middle to upper of the 80% bracket is the backbone of our organization and is what make things happen.  This is the group that’s willing to fly to Seaside or Seattle on their own dollar, because it is important.  These are the people who volunteer to be on a committee, or ask to give something back to the organization.  These are the ones whom can usually be called upon and will do almost whatever is asked of them.  These are the ones who put out the fires.

Lids of the FOOLS 2007 Convention

Now, let’s understand that many of us will sometimes move from the 80% to the top 10% and usually after a short period, settle back into the 80% again.  This is important, because it is where we do our best work.  This is where our comfort zone exists.

Sometimes, some of the middle 80% group will fall into the lower 10%.  This happens because the lower 10% is never satisfied with their current personnel and they are always recruiting.  They are lower leaders and have the ability to bring you down.  Remember, they have gravity working with them, so it’s not hard for them to find you.  You need to watch out for them, because they are always there and are walking among us.

Let’s understand that we all may occasionally dip into the lower 10% area to take a look around, but the lower 10% disease is very contagious, so don’t stay there long.  Once you’re there, leave ASAP before you’re also infected.  If your find yourself sitting around the kitchen table, maybe insulting one of your brothers who just left, then guess what, you’re being recruited by them.  Get out of there fast!

So, how do we avoid being plagued with the lower 10% disease?  Just remember to ask yourself “What good will this do?”  At my station, I recently told my new crew that “complaining hour” is limited to 0600-0700.  That’s it.  If they need to complain during this time, that was fine, as long as we ALL could fix the problem within the shift.  Remember, this is a group effort and all problems and complaints should be approached that way.

Now ask yourself, “Where am I, and where do I want to be?”  If you make a determination that you’re not happy with where you are, then FIX IT.  Look around and determine who around you is in the top 10% and ask for help.  Believe me, this group cannot get too busy.  They live and strive to help others.  Be their student.  Ask them for advice, they are there for you.

Avoid the lower 10%. If you are an upper 10% guy, it is incumbent upon you look around and find someone who may be floating and needs a little direction, it’s your duty. Tell them about the FOOLS. 

YOU may be the one that they have been waiting for to help nudge them in the right direction.  Chances are, there out there right now waiting for you!

So, are you up for the challenge?