002: Attitude

Attitude is contagious. It can be a cure or a cancer. When you walk through the doors of your firehouse, you need to be sure your mind is in the right place. It’s not always easy. There may be problems at home, a new baby, only one day off after a long overtime shift, or a number of other things. Whatever it might be, you check it at the door.

Every crew has different personalities. Leaders, senior guys, rookies, quiet ones, jokers, officers, chiefs, etc. Wherever you fall, don’t bring negativity to your crew. There is a time and place to bring up what’s on your mind and seek the counsel of your brothers and sisters, and there are times to vent or express frustrations, but never let it be constant.

Remember why you love this job. Why you love what you do. Work is stressful and work may be busy, but it’s also an outlet for us. Why? Because we love it, we breathe it, and we live it. It’s in our blood. It is who we are. It is our purpose.

Check your stuff at the door. Don’t let it bring you or your crew down. Because a distracted mind is not good for us, our brothers and sisters, or those we are called to serve. It may sound cliche, but take this to heart… when you’re in your firehouse, your attitude is all in. All in for this job, all in for your crew, all in on every call. Negative attitudes are contagious. Positive attitudes are contagious. Don’t be a cancer.

-ST