Page 6 - InCommand Volume 31

Are You a “Community"
Fire Chief?
Chief Joseph Kitchen, OFC
Author Bio
Chief Joseph Kitchen, OFC
Chief Joseph Kitchen is the fire chief of the Bath Township Fire Department in Lima, Ohio. He currently serves as a member of the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Board of Directors. Follow him on Twitter at @chiefjoekitchen
Every city or town has a different idea about exactly what the
duties of a fire chief should
be. Sometimes this varies from community to community based on size, and other unique demographics. But, for most people, when they think of the essential functions of the position, the following duties come
to mind: administrates and directs
the operation of the fire department; oversees personnel; recruits new employees; sets department policy; budgeting; responds to fire and emergency scenes; oversees facilities, equipment, and training; prepares and compiles reports; and communicates with government officials - just to name a few. And yes, all of that is true in most departments across
the country. The job of a fire chief
is certainly overwhelming and extremely encompassing. For many
of us, no two days are the same.
In large departments, deputy fire chiefs and administrative chiefs help shoulder the work load. In small volunteer fire departments, many of the responsibilities may rest on the shoulders of one person. The job of managing the day-to-day operations of the average fire department is definitely daunting. But, an important question to ask is what do you think the residents in your community expect of the fire chief? What do
they think your job is? What does
the average person who lives in your town or city want from their local
fire chief? Again, this could vary from community to community based on size, call volume, and economics.
After three decades in the fire service and 18 years as fire chief, I have come to realize that the community may want more than to just know the fire department will come when they call. Further, engaging in your community is definitely mutually beneficial, especially for those of us who depend on voters to approve and renew tax levies to keep our agencies afloat.
So, what does it mean to be a “community” fire chief? Well, I think it could mean a lot of different things to a lot of different chiefs, but I will lay out to you some of the things that I have found to be successful in my community. Most of these are pretty easy ways to be fully engaged within your town or city.
1. Don’t hide in the office. Be seen. When there are activities and events going on, the fire chief should make every effort to try to be there. This may include fairs, festivals, parades, and farmers markets.
2. Wear your uniform. I mean a
nice looking uniform. I know wearing polyester from head to toe isn’t always the most comfortable, but maybe that’s the old school fire chief in me. I feel like a well pressed white shirt with dark pants and shoes is the appropriate appearance for the fire chief. I believe it sends a message of confidence and leadership. We have worked hard for these gold badges and collar brass, let’s wear them.
3. Join a civic group. There are many service groups that do amazing work such as, Optimists, Kiwanis, and Rotary. Most of these only meet once a week, and usually for a meal such as breakfast or lunch. This is a great way for you to get to know leaders in your community and for them to learn more about you and their local fire service.
6 InCommand JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020 • www.ohiofirechiefs.org