The fire service that we know today has changed in many ways from what it was decades prior. Many departments face an increased call volume, more responsibilities, dwindling budgets, and an ever-growing difficulty finding new and qualified candidates.
More and more departments are using a variation of the lateral, or transfer, process to find new members and staff their apparatus. As a firefighter who went through the transfer process myself, I found that it can be a lot more challenging than just changing the logo on your shirt.
How can you take full advantage of this new opportunity to better yourself and your new department?
The right perspective
Every one of us has our own reason to look for something new: to make more money, to relocate, for one’s own mental health, etc. That said, once you make the jump, you aren’t just entering a new department; you’re entering a completely new environment. There will be new personalities, new places and a new culture.
Treat this change as a fresh start for your career and for yourself. Remember all of the things that you wish that you knew when you came out of rookie school, all of the lessons that you were taught and, in particular, all of the mistakes that you wish that you didn’t make.
Be the new firefighter who you wish that you were when your career started. Something always can be improved to make ourselves a more well-rounded firefighter.
Be humble. Jump into the newbie role with both feet. Become involved. Volunteer for committees, join the local, attend department functions off duty, and get to know your new department and your new home.
We all know that every department has its own problems, but take this new chance to stay out of the firehouse drama. Keep your head down and remember your “why.” People constantly repeat the phrase, “The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.” Well, it can be, but it’s all about the effort that you’re willing to put in.
The right approach
What makes you a lateral transfer?
Some departments have different definitions, but for the most part, it’s your previous experience. Whether that came from time on the job, from certifications and education or from a mixture of both, use your experience to your advantage. Yes, it can serve you well at your new department, but it can cause unwanted problems if you aren’t careful. You might have spent years running countless calls and creating a stellar reputation, but remember, at this department, you’re new. Act new.
In most cases, the firefighters at your new department don’t know you nor your skill set. They probably don’t care about the number of calls that you ran nor your heroic deeds. They most likely don’t care about how things were done at your previous department nor how it operated.
Embrace the department’s culture and learn everything that you can. Ask questions, shadow senior members and be teachable. Show them that you know your job by doing well on calls and working hard around the firehouse. As always, if you don’t know something, ask someone. Absorb as much information as you can: Even if you did something a thousand times, do it a thousand and one.
The right results
The increase in lateral offerings gives more opportunity to firefighters than ever, providing members the ability to chase new prospects, explore new parts of the country and better themselves. It’s true that, instead of requiring completion of an entire academy, most departments require an abbreviated academy or even just a few days of department familiarization, and some offer pay incentives or ranking positions to new members. Nevertheless, understand that you are going into someone else’s home.
Appreciate your new department, your new opportunities, and your new brothers and sisters. Embrace this new situation and take full advantage of it. That said, don’t forget where you came from. Remember why you made the move. Remember the good, the bad and the ugly.
Take this fresh start and run with it, and, as always, work hard, be grateful and remember your why.
Kanen Blackwell
Kanen Blackwell started in the fire service as a junior firefighter. He has been a full-time firefighter for 10 years. Blackwell currently is a firefighter/AEMT with the Baton Rouge, LA, Fire Department (BRFD), assigned to Engine 1, having transferred to the BRFD from a small, neighboring department in 2021. He is a rope rescue instructor, grant writer, member of Louisiana Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 2 and Honor Guard member.
