Ending ‘us vs. them’ in the firehouse
Leaders, Leadership sets the tone for whether a department operates as a unified team or fractures into an “us vs. them” culture. When division takes root between line personnel and administration, between shifts or between ranks, it erodes trust, clouds decision-making and ultimately affects service delivery. Chiefs cannot afford to dismiss these dynamics as personality conflicts or generational differences. Addressing them head-on is a leadership responsibility. In this week’s featured article, Chief Brycen Garrison examines this issue — how internal divides develop and what leaders can do to break the cycle . I encourage you to read it with an eye toward your own culture and consider where proactive leadership can strengthen alignment and accountability. Also, take a moment to nominate a deserving leader for the IAFC’s Fire Chief of the Year Awards. The program recognizes chiefs who demonstrate outstanding leadership, integrity and service to the profession. If someone i...