After a meeting between the Old Forge, Greenwood and Avoca Fire Departments a discussion came up on our command system. There are several other departments who can't understand how chiefs from the respective departments three towns can run each others calls. There has been several incidents when, for example, Chief 98 has been in command in the 93 coverage area, or the 93 Chief has assumed command in the 71 coverage area and so on.

For all of this to work, first and foremost, you need good chief officers. We have been very fortunate to have three men who have the knowledge, friendship and willingness to adapt with each other needs for  each other's towns. The second ingredient needed to make this work is good company officers. This happens when stability within each company is instilled on it's officers.

For example, in Company 93, the Captain have been running their respective companies for ten years. This has help in adapting different policies through the years. Don't get me wrong. We haven't always agreed with all company procedures but we did always worked together in achieving our goal.... protecting lives and putting out the fire. Las but not least, firefighters follow orders and trust the chain of command that has been put in place.
 

It doesn't matter who leads if you have good command structure established. If all first alarm companies worked basically the same way, it just makes the system work smoothly.  If something goes wrong, which happens from time to time, everyone needs to leave their pride at the door and resolve issues that keep the wheels turning. Maybe this is why it works for us. The main job is keeping everyone safe. We have tried very hard to insure everyone knows this is a priority.

In a movie a comment was once made which is very fitting to all of this..... "Don't lose sight of the ball..." It is so hard for some companies to realize that they can't do it by themselves. With limited manpower, this is not realistic. Many departments don't want you to "play with their toys..." if you know what I mean.

So it's time to open up your eyes and realize we didn't invent this. We copied most of it. We fine tuned it and most of all we adapted it with not being afraid of change when someone showed us how it can work better. So don't be afraid to admit.... IT DOES WORK...  Good luck and be safe.