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!

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 16^th 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.