The American career Fire Service has often used basic testing and an interview of two when seeking new hires. And that may have served the need, “back in the day.” However, now into the third decade of the 21st Century, we should and need to create a new construct. Moreover, if we wish to remember that retention of current members should come before recruitment, we need a new paradigm to succeed for tomorrow!

Our returning guest, Dr. Gamaliel Baer, who holds an Ed.D. from the University of Southern California in Organizational Change and Leadership, provides us with a better, more inclusive and “whole person” perspective on improving our efforts to both retain current members and be successful with recruitment as well. 

Dr. Baer explains that the concepts of DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) should be expanded to include the mind, body and soul. Determining whether or not a recruit is a “good fit” for the department simply based on a basic civil test and a clear police record does not provide that department with all the values that a recruit brings to the table. We should also look at the person’s mind, body and soul. 

Unlike the period from the early 1900’s through the late 1980’s, when the male children of firefighters often followed in their fathers’ line of work. (Except for many terrific children who lost family members in the tragedy of 9|11). Today, that is not as common and thus, we must make stronger efforts to bring in the men and women to join our ranks. And Dr. Baer posits that a better and more complete look at our recruits could very well brings us excellent candidates who “hear the calling” and want to serve their communities. 

To read Dr. Baer’s essay on this topic, please visit: https://drgamalielbaer.substack.com/p/dei-in-the-fire-service

Please help us to help our Brothers and Sisters in dire need! Over 90% of our disbursed funds have been donated to families of firefighters who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. Visit us at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org. Thank you! 

Photo (C) & Courtesy of Montgomery County Fire Rescue/Flickr