| "The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men, the conviction and the will to carry on." - Walter Lippman
Each April we celebrate the "passing of the torch" or "the changing of the guard" amongst the Chief staff and we witness the birth of a new officer at the same time. As the current Chief steps aside to make way for our next leader, we rarely see them disappear. But more so then their physical presence, we must remember their legacy, their lessons taught, their lessons learned and the impact they have had upon us as individuals, as firefighters, as officers and their impact on this agency. Tradition and pride are ever so prevalent in the fire service and this agency is no exception. We have seen Chiefs pass through the ranks with vastly different leadership qualities and characteristics. Each one has been different in their personality, but tradition has had it, that we have consistently placed an individual who has positively changed this agency, in the Chief's position. Under the direct leadership of all our Past Chiefs we have managed to maintain a progressive attitude towards fire fighting while maintaining an impeccable safety record. The accomplishments of our Past Chiefs are many and are ever so visible everywhere we look. And because of them we are a prideful bunch. None of these Chiefs however, would have been able to accomplish what they have, without the support and dedication of our Captains, Lieutenants, firemen, Commissioners, Women's Auxiliary, and the Chiefs' families. We are a group of significantly different individuals, with vastly different backgrounds, a variety of reasons for being here, but with a common goal, to make a difference. As individual members we can jump over many small hurdles, but as an army of determined firefighters we can clear mountains. So, as our first group task in the 2012 Engine Company year, let us stand together and give thanks and honor to Clint, our newest Past Chief and then let us turn to all the other Past Chiefs, in this room or not, and let us thank them all, for their commitment, dedication, wisdom, education and leadership. Let their legacies continue on through the current and future Chiefs of this department and let us continue the tradition of being prideful because of who we are, what we accomplish and because of our Past Chiefs and their influences on us, with the strongest of conviction and will, let us carry on.
"Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions."
- Harold S. Geneen
Composed by Jason Swart |
