The Choctaw PLaindealer

Fighting fires, rushing to the scene of an accident and offering medical help is only part of a volunteer fire department's responsibilities.

Firefighters learned how to take a proactive approach to issues that allows fire departments to be more aggressive with day-to-day responsibilities in the course "And the Beat Goes On," taught by Chris Simpson, associate instructor with the Mississippi Fire Academy.

This course taught was taught at Weir Fire Academy, Oct. 27-30.

Simpson said the 10 firefighters in the class learned about fire service ethics, legal issues, customer service, leadership, diversity and community awareness.

"The goal is to look at where the fire department is and where they want to go. Like a business plan. They need to figure out the next step in the fire department to offer better service,' said Simpson.

He described the course as learning the "ins and outs" of a fire department that is designed for a fire department officer.

One night of the course was dedicated to the firefighter's learning about leadership in fire service.

Simpson asked what the responsibilities of a fire department officer are and the group answered supervision at a fire scene, doing paperwork and creating a training program for the department.

Simpson added keeping up morale and creating a vision for the fire department to the responsibilities.

He said creating a vision for the department is very important and it helps to set future goals.

"Part of the vision is knowing where are we going to be in one year?" said Simpson, asking the group.

Russ Ackers, French Camp fire chief, said in one year he would like to have six firefighters, four EMTs, an engine truck and more interdepartmental training.

Anthony McGee, Weir fire chief, said he would like his firefighters trained on the Jaws of Life and rope rescue and would like to have a brush/rescue truck. He added that in one year, he wanted Weir Fire Department to have 10-12 dedication firefighters.

Simpson listed some other responsibilities of an officer such as carry out assigned mission, link administration to firefighters, turn goals in to action, use resources the department has and to prioritize responsibilities allowing others to help.

Some of the services a fire department provides are fire suppression, rescue, fire prevention and maintenance.

Simpson said the community has more expectation of a fire department than firefighters realize and they depend on them to be there when needed.

The group in the class said a couple ways the community responds is supporting fundraises and helping others in need when a crisis happens.

One of the most important aspects of the fire department relationship is communication as Paul Newlin, WFD firefighter, stated.

"You have to be there all the time not some of the time. The fire department needs to be proactive not reactive," said Newlin.

Simpson said a fire department has a reactive job but firefighters need to be ready for anything.

"Train for it, get ready for it. You don't know what's going on the scene," said Simpson.

Having a vision for your fire department is very important according to Simpson.

He said a department either has a vision or not and the vision leads to communication inside and outside of the department.

"What needs to take pace to provide efficient services," asked Simpson.

He said the needs of a fire department as a group and as individuals need to be met.

Examples of individual needs are training aids, commitment to fire service, mentoring, safety, discipline and knowing that everyone can do something.

Group needs are team building, training, performance evaluation, expectations, code of ethics, work schedule, reward system, family and respect.

Simpson said it is vital for volunteer fire departments to create a vision for the department, identify and offer the needs of the firefighters and the group to offer quality customer service in their district.

Simpson said the firefighters in the class are an outstanding group full of dedication to helping others through fire service.

"This is an outstanding group. The county should be proud," said Simpson.

He said volunteer firefighters spend time away from their families to train and be ready to help others when the tone or page goes off and the community should be proud of the dedicated firefighters.