Category: Chief’s Corner

Advancing the Fire Service Mission

Posted on by Chief Cunningham

The January/February edition of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Magazine is dedicated to discussing many of the emerging issues facing the Minnesota fire service specifically health, safety, wellness, and legislative advocacy.  There is no denying that the fire service we know today is very different then in years past.  While many of the challenges are not necessarily new, we have become more educated and aware of the significant issues that face our first responders.  As leaders, we are leveraging the use of data and best practices to implement sound policies to help keep our people safe.

NFPA 3000 is a comprehensive standard for responding to Active Shooter/Hostile Event incidents. For additional information, visit NFPA.

A retired fire chief recently stopped by my office and noticed the ballistic helmet and vest sitting on the counter.  When I started my career in 1998, ballistic gear was not part of the personal protective equipment (PPE) list for firefighters; to be frank it wasn’t even on my list of wildest possibilities.  Fast forward twenty-years and I am purchasing active shooter/hostile event equipment to ensure that our firefighters are properly equipped for responding to high-risk incidents.  Our firefighters are cross training with law-enforcement on how to jointly respond to active shooter, post-blast, and other hostile incidents.  Our mission of saving lives guides our decision to invest in the training and equipment to keep our people safe so that we can better respond to the myriad types of calls our firefighters are now facing.

Cancer, mental health, and cardiac disease have taken center stage on the growing list of issues facing the fire service.  Through evidence-based research and data, we are learning that the risks associated with our profession are far greater than what I was taught in my orientation program in the 1990’s.  Minnesota is not alone on sounding the alarm on recruitment and retention; a recent study in Pennsylvania calls it a “public safety crisis” and their state law makers are calling for action to address the findings of the study.

As we prepare for the upcoming legislative session, it is important that the Minnesota fire service actively works to educate our elected officials on the real issues and concerns we face on a daily basis.  I am excited to welcome our new government relations firm, Lockridge Grindal Nauen, to our team.

On a national level, I encourage every chief to review the final draft of OSHA standard 1910.156, “Emergency Responder Preparedness Program Standard.”  Formally the Fire brigades standard, the new language has sweeping changes to federal law that govern fire department operations.  It is critical that fire chiefs become familiar with the proposed changes and monitor the progress as the new language is ultimately adopted.

My best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year!

Note: this article appeared in the January/February issue of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association magazine. For other articles by leading fire service professionals, join the MSFCA today! Magazine memberships are available!

An important day in September

Posted on by Chief Cunningham

Discreetly tucked in along with conveyor belts, digital signage, and thousands of people traversing the baggage claim area hurrying to their final destination as loudspeakers screamed, “Mr. Smith, please report to Gate 22” at the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport was a statue of great significance and honor.  In 2011, a statewide initiative was launched to move the 19,000 pound monolith which measures 22’x28’.  The statue paying tribute to Minnesota fallen firefighters would find its new home on the sacred memorial grounds of the Capitol.

In front of thousands of family, friends, uniformed firefighters, dignitaries, and media, the 6,000+ square foot memorial was dedicated on September 30, 2012.  That day marked the beginning of an annual event dedicated to honoring the hundreds of Minnesota firefighters that have died in the line-of-duty (LODD).  The Governor, who attends each year, proclaims the day as Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day and orders all flags lowered to half-staff.

The 2018 Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, September 30.  The Minnesota Fire Service Foundation, the non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the memory of all of the Minnesota firefighters who have lost their lives in the line-of-duty, is well into the planning phases for this year’s event.

It is important that we, the Minnesota fire service, make this event a priority.  Firefighter attendance has been steadily dropping over the past few years.  What once was a sea of blue, white, and red uniforms standing at attention is now open green space.  Chairs are empty.  Many of the same familiar faces are regular attendees and are also working behind the scenes to make sure the ceremony is flawless.

Lieutenant Spencer.  Firefighter Brotherton.  Firefighter Jackson.  Firefighter Lucey.  Firefighter (Lieutenant) Lyons.  Firefighter McGuirk.  These are the names of the six Worcester firefighters that were killed at the December 3, 1999, Worcester Cold Storage and Warehouse Co. fire in Massachusetts.  At nineteen, this was the first LODD funeral I attended and it left a huge impact on my personal and professional life.  It defined the meaning of brotherhood and cemented my commitment to never forget.

The last Sunday in September is dedicated to honoring the sacrifice and paying tribute to our comrades that have died.  It is about supporting the families of those that have lost a loved one and grieve each and every day.  Sadly, two names will be added this year: Captain Jeff Vollmer (Mayer Fire Department) and Firefighter Timothy Royce (Mapleton Community Fire Department).

The Minnesota fire service is over 21,000 strong.  I urge each and every one of us to attend this year’s Memorial Service to show the entire state that we have not forgotten.  Add it to your calendars. Get involved.  For more information, please visit www.mnfireservicefoundation.org.

Note: this article appeared in the July/August issue of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association magazine. For other articles by leading fire service professionals, join the MSFCA today! Magazine memberships are available!

Seniority is much more than just a number

Posted on by Chief Cunningham

Undoubtedly, the longest wait I ever experienced was for my 18th birthday.  The months, days, and even hours leading up to this moment was excruciating; I wished time would speed-up.  This date was far more important than getting my driver’s license or being able to legally purchase alcohol a few years later.  It was the first right-of-passage to become a volunteer firefighter.

Apparently, the fast-forward button was pressed that day.  Two-decades later, I am finding myself looking back and wondering where the time has gone, not to mention most of my hair.  As I began preparing for our region’s Fire Academy graduation, I found myself reflecting on a profession that has been the better part of my life.

My first few years as a volunteer firefighter was spent learning as much as I could about the profession.  My parents would not be shocked to learn that I spent much more time reading the Essentials of Firefighting than I did all of my school textbooks combined.  The classroom and practical learning opportunities gave me a great foundation.  I also watched and listened to my elders as they passed down their knowledge.  Story telling was much more than just passing time.  My brain was being filled with valuable lessons-learned from the past.  The firehouse kitchen or the first-floor day room became a second home.  There could never be enough training opportunities.  The pager sounding meant another opportunity to learn something new.

Great leadership early in my career instilled into me a strong sense of duty, pride, and honor in everything we do as a firefighter. Taking pride in our equipment ensured we were always ready to respond. We are proud of what we do. What a better way to showcase what we do and how we do it then to put everything on display in front of the firehouse for everyone to see.

The 20+ year veterans of the fire service when I became a volunteer firefighter were some of the most influential mentors I have had in my career.  Experience developed confidence and one’s ability to conquer the most challenging of situations with skill.  The best mentors knew when to lead from the front and when to step back to be the coach.  The fire department became a large part of my family.  My mom’s name might just as well have been on the roster; she cared so much about the fire department as they did about her.

As we welcome the next generation of firefighters into our departments, we – the “veterans” of the fire service – have an obligation to pass down our knowledge.  The evolving nature of our profession also demands that we are constantly refreshed on new strategies and tactics to do our job safer and more effectively.  Seniority is not a hall pass to slide into retirement.

In twenty years, who will today’s recruits remember as being their best mentors?  It all starts with us.

Note: this article appeared in the May/June issue of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association magazine. For other articles by leading fire service professionals, join the MSFCA today! Magazine memberships are available!

MSFCA Fire Officers Schools help build your professional networks

Posted on by Chief Cunningham

I had the great opportunity to be a guest instructor at this year’s MSFCA Fire Officers School in Alexandria and the first annual Fire Officers and Instructors School in Duluth. It is fitting that our organization’s primary mission reflects my passion in developing current and future leaders.

I commend everyone that made this year’s programs a success. Both schools had great attendance; registrations for Duluth neared the 300 mark. Our committee members and staff deserve special recognition and appreciation for their work leading up to and behind the scenes in coordinating instructors, networking events, and focusing on every last detail with precision. Thanks to our vendors for supporting our educational programs and showcasing the newest and best products on the market. Alexandria and Duluth were incredible host cities and I look forward to visiting both again soon.

As an instructor, I am always learning from the attendees in my each of my classes and enjoy the interaction we have on discussing issues impacting the fire service. As you may recall, my last article talked about the value of understanding the unique personality profiles of the members of your team and how you, as a leader, can use this information to build a successful team. To start of the class, we used the PACE® Palette to understand our individual personality types and everyone else in the class. With this information handy, we were able to apply our filters to better understand some of the simple and complex issues we face as organizational leaders. As the class progressed, we dove a little deeper into discussing the modern-era challenges we face in our organizations and collectively as a fire service. To be honest, I wish we had more time as we only scratched the surface.

We all acknowledge that some of the problems we encounter are easily solved whereas others are more complex. In some cases, we are faced with an ethical dilemma in which there is truly no easy “right” or correct answer and we are perplexed as to what to do next. In these cases, don’t be afraid or hesitant to reach out to a colleague for advice. The fire officers and instructor schools are excellent opportunities to network; add as many names and numbers to your phone to build upon your professional network.

I look forward to seeing you at the fall conference in St. Paul and at other MSFCA sponsored events over the next year.

Note: this article appeared in the April digital issue of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association magazine. For other articles by leading fire service professionals, join the MSFCA today! Magazine memberships are available!

The Firefighter Swiss Army Knife

Posted on by Chief Cunningham

When I was younger, my father accepted a job as a senior executive at the Forschner Group, more commonly known as Victorinox, the manufacturer of the popular Swiss Army knife.  When Christmas came around, I was beyond ecstatic when I unwrapped a brand-new SwissCamp, a multi-function tool that could solve any problem that presented itself.  It had two knives, scissors, pliers, a file, wood saw, magnifying glass, and an assortment of other attachments.  With its distinguished fire engine red color, Victorinox knives gained incredible brand recognition and market value.  It was also “cool” to have one; mine even came engraved with my name.  My multi-function compact toolbox never left my side.

America’s fire service is commonly referred to as the Swiss Army knife of public safety.  Whatever the problem, firefighters have the ability to overcome just about anything.  This skill is refined by training and experience but I also believe it is the unique characteristics of our people that make us incredibly passionate, caring, and talented at what we do.  Firefighters come from diverse backgrounds and often have other full-time or part-time jobs that blend perfectly into the collective knowledge of our departments.  When Mrs. Smith calls, we can solve anything from a leaking pipe, a chirping alarm, or pushing through a smoke filled hallway to find the seat of a fire.

Strong leaders recognize that the most valuable asset of their organization is its people.  Authentic leaders are self-aware, genuine, and lead with their heart, not just their minds.  Successful leaders are able to use the strengths of each member of their team to accomplish their organization’s mission; they coach, mentor, and train the next generation of leaders to lead the organization into the future.

Various temperament and personality tests have shown that people fit into dominant categories.  Some people look for the adrenaline rush in life and seek out extreme activities such as skydiving and rock climbing, and are naturally competitive and extroverts.  Others put great value on authority and rules, traditions, and authority (if the party invitation says 5 p.m., you better not show up late).  Other people are primarily relationship-driven and absolutely despise conflict or hurtful bantering.  I am sure we all know of someone that loves solving technical problems and aren’t afraid to break open (or may have even written) the manual.

I encourage leaders to learn more about their personality profiles and that of the members of their team.  Throughout life, everyone begins to develop their own filter on how they view themselves, their friends/colleagues, and the world.  Firefighters bring a wide variety of skillsets to the “job,” one of the most valuable being their unique approach to solving problems and being part of the team.  By fully understanding our profiles, we can become better communicators and strengthen our team.

For the record, my dominant PACE® Pallet color is blue.

Note: this article appeared in the March/April issue of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association magazine. For other articles by leading fire service professionals, join the MSFCA today! Magazine memberships are available!

New Year’s Resolutions for the Minnesota Fire Service

Posted on by Chief Cunningham

It’s that time of year again: we wake-up on January 1st excited to start a new year full of self-created promises. The gyms are full, healthy food is flying off the shelves, and people are committing to doing a better job at maintaining a manageable work/life balance. The miraculous ringing-in of the New Year signals a new beginning – an opportunity to charge forward on making progress on the things we just couldn’t get to the day before.

Despite the best of intentions, only about 8%-10% of people actually achieve their New Year’s goals. The once long-sought after goals are either abandoned on the cutting room floor or saved for the following year (because we all know things will be <insert reason> next year).

Fire service professionals are skilled at emergency response tactical goal setting. We are trained and experienced at developing incident action plans (IAPs) on the fly, making split-second decisions that literally mean the difference between life and death, and bringing order to chaos. As a profession, we continually work to evolve our tactics based on proven strategies and data, sharing our successes and lessons learned with colleagues across the country.

As a profession, however, there are a rising number of issues and concerns – the elephants in the corner sort of speak – that we can’t keep punting for a future New Year’s resolution. A few include:

  • The health and wellness of our firefighters (specifically addressing cardiac, cancer, and PTSD);
  • Maintaining service levels for our customers (expecting to do more with less);
  • Recruitment and retention;
  • Funding (despite 21st in population, Minnesota ranks 45th in per-capita despite spending on the fire service);

The big issues many of us face in our organizations are most likely the same or similar across the state and country. Departments are facing an increasing demand for service, especially in EMS, but are often times struggling to maintain staffing levels (volunteer/on-call and career departments alike). Our mission to public service has remained steadfast but we find ourselves continually challenged to find solutions to significant challenges.

Research suggests that our New Year’s resolutions commonly fail because people set too many goals or the goals themselves are unattainable. As a profession, we need to continue to work together so that we have a strong, collective voice in advocating for the needs of the fire service.

As we look to the future and work at achieving our goals, I welcome your feedback and ideas on how we can continue to improve the service to our communities and taking better care of our people. As a member-driven organization, we have incredible resources and talent across the state.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year; and best of luck on tackling your New Year’s resolutions!

Note: this article appeared in the January/February issue of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association magazine. To get your copy, join the MSFCA today!

Thank you

Posted on by Chief Cunningham

I am extremely thankful and full of gratitude to have been elected to serve as the next President of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association (MSFCA).  I am very humbled for the outpouring of support I received during this election and I am thankful to have the opportunity to pay it forward as the incoming President.

As we approach the 16th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, I find myself reflecting on my journey in the fire service.  I remember every detail of that day: where I was, what I was doing, and the feeling of helplessness while listening to FDNY/NYPD radio transmissions crackle over my radio just over 50 miles away.  The beautiful skyline of New York City was forever changed as a large plume of thick, black smoke was visible from across the sound.

The loss of life, including that of our FDNY brothers, was staggering.  I never would have fathomed being witness to such a disaster.  Despite the tragedy of that day, stories of true bravery, heroism, and patriotism emerged.

A few days after the collapse, I found myself in NYC working alongside my best friend Dominick and a contingent of FDNY and Portland, OR firefighters.  The search and rescue mission was the priority.  We had become a team and, as the daylight faded and night fell, we became friends.

It was at that moment that I truly understood the brotherhood of the fire service.  It was the recognition that public servants are part of a fraternal family that puts service above self.

In January, 2011, three years after moving to Elk River from Connecticut, I had a chance to reconnect with many of the people I met that day in 2001.  The reunion was a visit to see William “Billy” Quick, a 23-year FDNY veteran that led our team.  He had developed lung disease as a result of working countless hours at Ground Zero and was confined to his house on oxygen, 24/7.

Time quickly passed as we shared stories, laughed, and, yes, cried.  Billy gave equal attention to each person and wanted to hear about every detail of our personal and professional lives.  We said our good-byes, each of us looking forward to the next time we would see each other again.  In typical Billy fashion, he left us with us with his iconic parting words of, “stay low and go!”

As I was getting ready to board my flight back to Minnesota, my phone rang.  Billy died.

Billy was a colleague, friend, and mentor.  He was a fireman’s fireman.  He truly cared about others and was proud to see people succeed.  I am forever grateful to the people like Billy in my life – family, friends, and colleagues alike – for their leadership, guidance, and wisdom.  I have been blessed to have been surrounded by incredible people that have inspired, motivated, and pushed me.

The success of the MSFCA is entirely attributed to the collective efforts of the engaged, thoughtful, and spirited members of the Minnesota fire service.  Every firefighter – regardless of rank – is tasked with creating a stronger, more effective Minnesota fire service.  We can continue to accomplish great things by working together.  We must be committed to developing our future leaders and continuing to build on the solid foundation that was provided to us by those that have served before.

I wish to thank Chief Butler for his time and service as Vice President of the Association.  When we both spoke after receiving the election results, Chief Butler and I are equally committed to ensuring the long-term success of the association and its members.

I am eagerly looking forwarding to beginning a new chapter of the MSFCA with Vice President-elect Tom Miller, our board, agents, committee members, and our 2,000+ members.  Chief Miller and I talked at great length yesterday afternoon and are enthusiastic about working together.  We both look forward to hearing from members and welcome open discussion and feedback.  Congratulations, Chief Miller.

I owe a great deal of thanks and appreciation to Steve Koering, my Vice President running mate.  While Chief Koering and I had worked together on a few projects before, most noticeably the Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, we developed a great working relationship during the campaign and recognized that we both share the same servant-leadership philosophy.  I consider Steve a colleague and a great friend.  Thank you, Chief Koering, for your dedication and commitment to the Minnesota fire service.

In closing, I hope that we all can take a moment to reflect on the people that have made a difference in our lives.  Thank you to everyone that has supported me during this campaign and throughout my entire career, especially my fiancé, family, friends, and my Elk River Fire Department team.

I am forever grateful to the many friendships that have been forged and I am very happy to call Minnesota home.  The Minnesota fire service is my family.  Thank you.

Stay low and go.

Our Core Values

Posted on by Chief Cunningham

Integrity. Professionalism. Honor. Compassion. Dedication.

Those are the core values that are the foundation of our organization. The values are integrated into every strategic and operational decision we make; it is our culture. Every person, from the newest recruit to the fire chief, is expected to live up to these values. There are no exceptions. Period.

When the dispatcher asks, “what is your emergency?” it is just that – an emergency. The person at the other end of the phone is calling for help. It may be the worst day of their life.

When the pager goes off, the priority is that call. Someone needs our help. They expect perfection. We have to deliver. We only have one chance to get it right. There are no second chances. There isn’t a 911 for the 911. We are it.

When we arrive, we go to work. When we step-off the truck, the public is expecting the equivalent of a Superbowl championship. Although this isn’t a game. The stakes are much higher.

We are a team of professional firefighters. We rely on each other to make split-second decisions. There is no room for mediocrity. If we fall, we get up and we keep going. We don’t quit. We can’t quit.

We rely on our training, education, and experience to make quick, calculated decisions and to take action to save lives and to minimize loss. Our number one priority is life safety. Property can be replaced; lives can’t. We will do whatever we can to save a life.

Being a firefighter is not just a job. It’s not a hobby. It is a calling. The badge we wear is a privilege. It is an honor that comes with great responsibility. We are responsible to our community, our brother/sister firefighters, our families, our country, and, ourselves. The responsibility is with us 24/7; we are never really “off-duty.”

In order to be the best, WE, the firefighter, have to be the best. Our minds need to be sharp. Our bodies need to be in great condition. We need to care for ourselves as we would the rarest gemstone on this earth.

I am extremely thankful for the opportunities this profession has given me. As a fire chief with over 19 years of experience, both as a volunteer and now career, this profession is about service. It is about serving the community and those that need our assistance. As a leader, it is about working with and alongside my team to deliver the best possible service to anyone that calls. After the call has ended, I rest when I know my team is home safe.

Chief T. John Cunningham
[email protected]

Firefighter Cancer Registry Act

Posted on by Chief Cunningham

It was an honor to stand with Senator Amy Klobuchar this morning as she introduced the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act. The registry would improve collection capabilities and activities related to nationwide monitoring among all firefighters to determine if there is a link, and to develop better protective gear and prevention techniques.

Researchers are finding that more than two-thirds of firefighters (68%) develop cancer, compared to about 22% for the general population. This bill is extremely important for the 21,000+ firefighters in Minnesota and across the entire country. We need to take of our own!