FHExpo: Harvey Eisner Remembered; Keynoter Stresses Accountability

BALTIMORE, MD. – There was a tremendous absence as Firehouse Expo opened here Thursday morning.

Just feet from where Firehouse Editor-in-Chief Harvey Eisner would take the stage to welcome firefighters to Baltimore, his portrait was displayed along with his turnout coat, a pair of boots and helmet.

Firehouse Expo was dedicated to Eisner, who died Oct. 23.

“Harvey Eisner to me would best be described as the quiet giant of the American Fire Service. Harvey’s actions and demeanor epitomized that of a quiet leader one whose success was not based on ego and professional status or physical force but rather on his words and actions,” said Tim Sendelbach, Firehouse Editor-in-Chief.

Sendelbach added that Eisner never sought limelight, and remained steadfast to his mission of bettering the fire service.

“Harvey’s passion for photos was like nothing I’d ever seen before. If there was ever a man who subscribed to the old adage, a picture is worth a 1,000 words, Harvey was definitely that man.”

He went on to say that it appears that New Yorkers have "an unmatched talent" to tell stories. And, Harvey was right up there with the best.

“Harvey took the time and energy to document these stories and share them with firefighters around the world in the pages of Firehouse Magazine and through his books, the most notable of which was WTC: In Their Own Words, which captured the tragic events of 9-11 like only Harvey Eisner could do…”

Sendelbach paused briefly:  “While I’m honored to have this opportunity, I can only wish we could’ve walked this path together…”

With that, he vowed the path of the future of Firehouse “will be pursued with constant memory of a friend, a colleague and a true fire service leader.”

He promised that Harvey won’t be forgotten.

“You truly are a quiet giant whose voice will forever be heard.”

Sendelbach presented Harvey’s brother, Carey, and his mother, Carol, with a firefighter bell and an American flag.

Carey thanked Firehouse for the tribute to his brother. “He truly loved the fire service, and he loved this Firehouse Expo…”

Keynote speaker USMC Col. Royal Mortenson (ret.) told the audience he has never been nor will ever be a firefighter, but does know what can make or break a good leader.

“I’m not going to recommend a book. I’m not going to give you a recipe,” he told them upfront, adding that he was proud to share his knowledge about being in command.  “It’s the whole person approach to leadership…”

He said it’s important to have things in your life whether it’s a hobby, sport, family, faith that make you whole.

“I am not an expert. I fail every day,” the director of Illinois Fire Service Institute admitted.

He encouraged the firefighters to be brave and never be afraid to take an ethical stand. “Take every opportunity to exhibit moral courage.”

Mortenson, a 30-year Marine, said they also must hold themselves accountable for their actions before they can pass judgement on others.

“Hold you men and women accountable to the profession and life.”

He said cheating, stealing and hazing have no place, and harm the reputation of the organization or command. They should never turn away when someone brings allegations of cruel treatment.

Moretenson said a good commander will know what’s going on with the their people. “Stress at home tears at the fiber of the unit.”

He encouraged them to reach out and offer assistance if detect someone is not completely in the game.

More from Firehouse Expo 2015:

• Picking The Right Fire Station Site Is Key
• Firefighters Hit the Street for Lesson
• Creating Green and Red Zones in Fire Stations
• Basement Fire Tactics Explained
• Sendelbach Asks 'Are You All In?'
• Harvey Eisner Remembered, Keynote Stresses Accountability
• FDNY’s Muschello Honored with Top Heroism Award at Firehouse Expo
• Photos: Firehouse Expo - Day 3