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and attended the very first class. The OFCA had designed the program for up-and-coming officers unable to attend the National Fire Academy’s EFO program. The Chief offered to pay for the class and suggested I attend. Wow! How could I have said no and how could I have imagined that this type of training would fall into my lap. I didn’t hesitate to jump at this opportunity. At the time, I was already enrolled in an associate degree program at a local com- munity college. What I did not consider was that I just signed up for this intense, 2-and-a-half-year training without even discussing this with my family. What kind of effect would this have on my family?
Fortunately, I completed both my degree and the OFE program with high honors. Next on the must complete
list was my bachelor’s degree. I decided to enroll in an on-line program. Completion was also very difficult but again, I earned high honors.
I now felt I was ready for the next promotional process, that of Deputy Chief. Application was made and an interview followed. I felt I nailed the interview and I was a shoe-in for the position. Not only did I think I was the next Deputy Chief, the crews were already calling me Chief. Boy, was I wrong!
I still remember that evening like it was yesterday. Both the Chief and the other Deputy Chief came to my station where I was the lieutenant on duty. They told me the decision was rendered at the trustees meeting earlier. No one could have prepared me for the words that came out of the Chief’s mouth, “We went in a different direction and promoted one of the other applicants”. Wow, what a crushing blow! The Chief explained the other guy was more “in line” for the position that was open.
Interestingly enough, the position was only listed as an opening for Deputy Chief, no bureau specified. So, how could he know which skill set was the best for this position? We were never advised it was the position of Deputy Chief for Community Risk Reduction.
Then they tell you good things come to those who wait and things happen for a reason. Boy, did that hurt. Next, Chief said, “I know you are upset”. I proceeded to tell him I was not upset,
I was p*****d and that both of them should leave my office before I said something that would ruin my career. They understood and departed. Now, how do you tell your peers? That was the hardest conversation I would have next to telling my family I didn’t get it.
Family was important when this happened. I received nothing but great support and comfort from them. They assured me that the next promotion would come my way. I would get the position and succeed at it. At the time, it was very hard to understand that things do come to those who wait. After all, things do happen for a reason. As time went on and the new Deputy Chief was in place, I struggled to understand why it was not me who got the promotion. Initially, I blamed everyone but myself for the position that slipped away. This was not fair to the new Deputy Chief
as he was truly the right person at the right time with the right skill set for the job. He was the perfect fit and remains the perfect fit today. My family support eventually righted me to see this was definitely not my time. I did not have the right skill set for this position. My family is always right when they look at the big picture and they always give great advice. We just need to take a minute, listen and take it all in. Family support can never be overstated.
So, preparation began to make sure I would be ready for the next opportunity. Basically, I had to put my tail between my legs and “suck it up” as is often said in the fire service. I congratulated the new Deputy Chief and shared I was willing to help him in any way I could. This was not easy but it was not his fault I was not chosen for the position. It was also very tough to explain to my peers that I was not chosen and I was okay with not getting the position. I
kept my head up and stayed focused
on the next opportunity, thanks largely to the support of my family and fellow firefighters I worked with every shift. Eventually, the fear of people not believ- ing in me went away. Also, the sleepless nights worrying that I let everybody down dissipated.
My next opportunity came a few short years later. After the hurt and pain of not being promoted earlier, I was determined I would never put the cart before the horse again. Things really do happen for a reason. Still, I was skeptical that good things come to those who wait. I felt I had waited and worked hard my whole career. I really needed this promotion to happen for my hopes and dreams to continue. Again, I interviewed along with some other strong candidates with similar skill sets. I promised myself I would not set myself up for a fall like
I had unknowingly done the first time. However, I did feel I was the right per- son for the position. I shared that feeling with only a few family members. I went into that interview with more confidence than I even had the first time, knowing what it felt like to be told that you did not get the promotion. I walked out of the interview and told myself that if
it did not happen, I did my best and it might just not be meant to be. Perhaps
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