Now Hiring: Bunkroom CEO
January 2012
Nick Bailey
FDLiveIn.com
If you are a leader in your departments live-in program, I really encourage you to treat it like you’re the CEO of a small company. Instead of selling a product, your company or bunkroom in this case provides a service and a professional one at that. We all take immense pride in providing that service when we are out on the street, but preparing the crew for that fire or cut job starts inside the firehouse on a day-to-day basis…[Read More!]
Measuring Success
November, 2011
By: Nick Bailey
FDLiveIn
We are more than halfway through the semester and by now your program should be working out all of the kinks you experienced in August with the addition of your new live-ins. The senior members of your bunkroom should be fitting into and thriving with their new responsibilities and leadership roles, while your newest live-ins should be comfortable with the day-to-day operations and show an ability to effectively manage their time between the firehouse and outside responsibilities…[Read More!]
It’s That Time of Year…Again!
September 6, 2011
By: Nick Bailey
FDLiveIn
It’s that time of the year for live-in programs across the country! Veteran students are gearing up for another semester while young, wide-eyed freshmen are enjoying brand new experiences every day. This is a time of the year for departments with live-in programs to seize the day and get new live-ins off on the right foot… Read More!
Managing a Bunkroom Part III: Promoting Success Through Training
June 15, 2011
FDLiveInRecruitment is up, morale is high, the calls are coming and everyone seems to be moving on the right track! What a perfect scenario but one that is not likely to last without constant manipulation and a keen eye. Some things are impossible to control. Everyone loves to run fires, rescues, and car accidents, this kind of work keeps us interested but everyone knows there exists dry spells and sometimes they can go months at a time, perhaps years for less busy departments. So what do you do? Read More!
Managing a Bunkroom Part II: The Mentor and the Individual
March 8, 2011
By: Matthew Leonard
FDLiveIn.com
It’s a month before the semester starts and you’ve got a batch of new live-ins moving in from all over the country. already know that their backgrounds are very different, some of them coming from the Northeast others from the West coast. Not only do you have to worry about their prior experience and knowledge, and how that is going to work into your operation, but you also have to think about the drastic lifestyle change that they are about to experience. You must remember that most of your new firefighters are coming out of high school, some may be transfers from two year programs but either way it is a whole new world. If your company is in any sort of metropolitan area you can expect a degree of shell shock. As much as you want to treat your rookies as such, you have to be welcoming or they are likely to leave that night… Read More!
Managing a Bunkroom: Part I – Identify Your Members
February 7, 2011
By Matthew Leonard
FDLiveIn.com
Like any organization from the smallest volunteer fire department to the FDNY, notably the largest fire department, personnel management is the backbone of moving toward success. If an organization can successfully manage its people, the people will undoubtedly contribute to the progress of the department. There are many arguable traits that describe a good manager or leader. Fairness, respect, and the ability to listen come to mind when thinking of a successful leader. When dealing with the college aged live in, leading by example and upholding rules are very important. Young firefighters will emulate their supervisors and senior firefighters. Walking the straight and narrow, following rules, and understanding your live-ins will help you lead them to success and will make them want to follow you… Read More!
