Mebane Leadership Style

In 1987 I started my quest in the fire service. As an egger, inquisitive, young 14 year old kid; I lived and breathed the fire service. I was at the station all the time. I rode the fire apparatus and was mesmerized at everything I saw. Being a second generation firefighter I basically grew up around fire stations; spending time between two departments Mebane and Burlington. Knowing at a young age the career choice for me was to follow in my father’s footsteps. I joined Mebane Fire Department as a volunteer in 1994, and then Burlington as a career firefighter in 1998. My father retired just before I was hired so when I received my father’s equipment number. The experience humbled and thrilled me all at the same time. With 19 plus years of service with Burlington Fire, I have set out on a new quest for a promotion to Assistant Chief of …show more content…
Some of those leaders were very remarkable in their leadership, gaining the respect of all under them. I also observed leaders that had horrendous leadership styles. These leaders had the respect of those under them; however it was only due to the rank they held. Deciding I never wanted to be the type of leader where the comments were made like; “I respect the rank not the person”. Learning from my previous observations as I made it to an officer’s rank, I set in my mind that I was going to be a Servant Leader and put the needs of my personnel at a high level. Understanding that as a captain and a battalion chief my primary goal was to lead my personnel with passion and respect. However as an officer you have the need to wear many different styles of leadership hats. I would place my hat on situational leadership. Knowing that in the fire service situational leadership style best fits the ever evolving atmosphere we work in. I have gained the respect of many of the subordinates that have worked under my leadership and those whom have not worked directly under