Page 4 - Volume 19

A Message from OFCA’s President
Chief Jeff Klein, OFE, OFC OFCA President
It’s a Fire Chief’s responsibility to advocate for the needs of their department and community by educating their elected officials.
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Ironically, as we continue with the theme “Capturing the Wisdom Before It’s Gone”, this
is my last article as OFCA President. On July 16, 2017, Chief Bill Houk will be sworn in as your new president. As your outgoing president, I have a responsibility to ensure that Chief Houk is as prepared as he can be for his new endeavor. As an OFCA member, you expect me to share what I have learned with Chief Houk. We must do the same in our own fire departments.
First, we must identify those who are most likely to succeed. Not everyone possesses the administrative skills required or the ability to work with their people in difficult times. This skill set can take years to master. Can your organization afford to wait until there is an opening to address this?
Succession planning is a long-term process spanning many years and in some cases, several decades. Those with potential must be identified early on in their careers before bad habits are formed. They must understand an important component of success is learning from one’s failures. Personally, my failures have had a much longer impact on me than any quick success along the way. Failures can be frustrating, demoralizing and occur more times than we would like. However, our response to our shortcomings is what sets us apart. Our up-and-comers must also learn how to survive disappointments and develop the skills needed to persevere.
In the last issue, I addressed how most firefighters work on tactical skills rather than learning administrative responsibilities. To that, I would add the need for introducing your firefighters and officers to how the political process works in your community.
Are you a township, village, city or fire board? Each type of governance has unique nuances and requirements. You have to successfully navigate these waters from day one. After all, the Titanic hit the iceberg after only four days at sea!
In talking to Fire Chiefs throughout the state, the topic of elected officials is another area that almost always comes up in conversations. Why is that? Rising through the ranks, we heard little of elected officials and how they operate. Truth is, they need votes to get elected. You don’t always get votes by telling people what they need to hear but rather what they want to hear. It’s a fire chief’s responsibility to advocate for the needs of their department and community by educating their elected officials.
Who among us hasn’t had an elected official stop in the office to discuss how he or she envisions handling department operations? In my community, elected officials have legislative powers, not operational authority. However, telling them you’re not going
to do what they ask can have long term ramifications. Working with them to devise a mutually acceptable plan will pay huge dividends in the end. Sadly, I have witnessed several chiefs fail in this arena. Ultimately, it cost them their jobs.
Also, how well do your people understand the process involved in their next and future promotions? Most, if not all of the time, there are multiple qualified candi- dates for each position. Sadly, that means many good people will be turned down. Understanding they will be disappointed, it is just as important that they are prepared for failure. Failure can be a source of motivation if channeled properly. Efforts should be made to guard against a disgruntled employee becoming a problem employee.
Lastly, I would like to thank the OFCA membership for your faith in me as YOUR president. It has truly been an honor to serve, a responsibility I have not taken lightly. I have enjoyed the privilege to work with you as colleagues, but more importantly as friends!
Stay safe, stay positive and keep moving the fire service forward!
4 InCommand JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 • www.ohiofirechiefs.org