178. Be Proficient in Your Current Position Before Moving Up - Tyler Whitfield

The fire department has taught Tyler Whitfield so many things other than fighting fire. Laundry, cooking and making coffee are skills he did not possess prior to the fire service. With 9 years in the fire service, 6 with Clearwater, FL, Tyler had never had to do those things prior to living in the firehouse. You just don't know what you don't know. Whether it's hooking ceilings or making a fresh pot, the fire department offers an opportunity to learn all aspects of life. It requires patience and mentors. Becoming proficient in the current position before moving on is imperative to Tyler. Today, he finds himself in positions that often are filled by more senior firefighters. But as the job trends younger, these positions still need to be filled and so he has made it his mission to learn everything he can so that he is proficient before moving on. How can you be an engine boss if your own skills are lacking?? Supervising a crew while focusing on your job requires confidence and know how. It takes practice and it takes heart. Tyler has both. Outside of the firehouse, he is the President of the Cigar City FOOLS, works with the County Technical Rescue Team and works with new hires. With his relentless passion for everything fire, Tyler is in the perfect spot to effect change. Recognizing those coming into the job might have some know how and experience, Tyler believes we need to harness that instead of breaking the individual down. Capture their life skills and experience and make it work to the benefit of the department. If the Candidate knows how to flow water, then Tyler can at least teach them how to do their laundry, cook and make the best dam coffee on the job. All of it matters and Tyler believes in paying it forward and making the job (and its' people) better!! -- Continue the conversation with Tyler Whitfield at [email protected]