Firefighting is one of the busiest professionals. It requires one to continually think about the risk mitigation strategies in case of catastrophic events. In most cases, the firefighters have no time to plan their future at the fire department. One needs to have professional and personal goals to enhance their life outcomes. Personal goals are rewarding to an individual, family, and the community. Professional goals enhance a person’s growth in their career. When establishing a balance between my professional and personal life, I will focus on career growth, continuing education, management position, family time, community projects, and retirement time.
Professional Areas
Promotion to Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief, Chief of a Department
In finding a balance in my professional life, I will focus on three areas of my career. One of my goals is to be promoted to a Lieutenant position, become the Deputy Chief, and finally the Chief of Department. The Lieutenant position is highly demanding since it entails an in-depth understanding of the administrative procedures and emergency management ( Stewart, n.d.) . Besides, there is a high competition for the job, and the department officials select candidates based on their performance on oral and written exams. I have developed a plan that will enhance my qualifications for the rank of Lieutenant. For example, I will join preparatory classes that focus on fire department operations and management. The next step entails seeking classes that provide practice exams to enhance the ability to discuss tactical scene events during oral interviews ( Stewart, n.d.) . Also, I will strengthen my candidacy by enrolling for advanced firefighter certifications. In most cases, it takes up to four years before one is promoted to a Lieutenant's position. After working as a Lieutenant, Captain, and Battalion Chief, I will apply for the Deputy Chief's job. The first step will be to complete the State Fire Marshall’s Fire Management series to enhance my candidacy. Working as a Deputy Chief will provide me with the managerial skills of Chief. In the next eight years, I will enroll in the National Fire Academy and apply for the Executive Fire Officer Certification program to learn about a Fire Chief's qualifications and responsibilities (Eastern Kentucky University, n.d.). I will demonstrate excellent leadership qualities by partaking in volunteering activities and drills and training to be selected for this position.
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Continue Education with the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland
My professional life's second focus will be to continue my education with the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Mainly, I will enroll in the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program that educates senior fire officers on the fire and emergency medical services aspects. This course will enhance my leadership skills since it will guide me to handle challenging problems in the community (US Fire Administration, n.d.). The EFO Program is competitive, and I will have to prepare my documents to meet the required standards. Before enrolling in this program, I will make sure that I have an impressive list of personal and professional accomplishment at my current organization (US Fire Administration, n.d.). This approach will prove my commitment to the organization. In the process, I will receive a letter of recommendation from the Chief of Department to enroll in the Executive Fire Officer Program. My goal is to improve the performance of my current organization. I will work closely with firefighters to learn about the latest trends in fire and emergency medical practices and procedures. I will also participate in community activities, such as educating people about the emergency protocols in fires. These strategies will earn me a positive recommendation from the Chief of Department. Then, I will enroll in the National Fire Academy online course to learn the basics of fire and emergency medical services. The EFO Program is a critical element of my career since it will enhance my research abilities and strategic management and leadership skills.
Management Position at the Massachusetts Fire Academy
My next focus will be attaining the management position at the Massachusetts Fire Academy. I will enroll in the Managing Officer Program to learn about interpersonal communication skills, cultural sensitivity, results-based performance, and professional ethics. Upon completing this program, I will have built an extensive network of fire service professionals, understand and appreciate the significance of continuing education and professional development, and embrace professional growth in my career. Before becoming a manager at the Massachusetts Fire Academy, one has to complete online courses that focus on administrative procedures, such as response to terrorism and protocols that operational first responders follow. I will prepare myself by enrolling in leadership and management courses. For example, I will apply for online Business Administration and strategic and organizational leadership courses. Besides, online courses take a short time; I will do while working at my current organization. In preparation for the Massachusetts Fire Academy's managerial role, I will participate in state symposiums, workshops, and conferences that educate members on leadership and management skills. Working as a manager is my professional goal since I will have the opportunity to create plans for fire operations, technical rescue, and emergency medical services. I will also be in charge of recruiting, selecting, and training the best firefighters to improve the fire department's response. Besides, I will learn how to serve firefighters and the community during difficult times, provide advice, and effective discipline.
Personal Areas
Provide Extra Time for My Family
Working at the fire department can be challenging since it can preoccupy one’s free time. Fire outbreaks and emergencies happen at the most unexpected times, and upon being summoned, firefighting employees have to respond. For this reason, most firefighters spend little time with their families. Quality family time is vital since it enhances one’s healthy development and can enhance the future decision-making process. Besides, it enhances the bond between parents and children and allows family members to express their thoughts and feelings. I have developed a plan to spend more time with my family—the first item on the list is having breakfast together. One of the best ways to interact with family members is by sharing meals. I will ensure that before my shift starts or after it ends, I have breakfast with my family to know about their plans for the day. If there will be enough time, I will drive my children to school and learn about their personal and academic lives. Apart from sharing breakfast, I will also encourage my family to cook meals together. Whenever I am free, I will go home early and join my family in preparing dinner. This approach will enable me to learn about my family members’ preferences, interests, and hobbies. During the days that I will be busy, I bring dinner. Before the children go to sleep, I will read them bedtime stories. Another way to connect with family members is by attending community events together. This approach will allow them to learn about my profession and the roles that I perform.
Continue More Community Support
One of my principles is generosity. I believe in providing vital resources to people from low-income backgrounds. Currently, my family offers coats to the less fortunate city dwellers. Although this initiative brings joy to these families, I believe that my family can provide additional assistance. One of the initiatives will involve participating in the annual blood drive. In my profession, it is common to encounter events that result in severe injuries. In the case of destructive events like hurricanes, my family members will donate blood to the victims. My family will also join the races and walk-a-thon that benefits patients with Multiple Sclerosis. It will be an opportunity to support the patients and instilling the values of compassion and care into my family. During Thanksgiving, my family will join the local private and non-profit organizations at a soup kitchen to provide dinner to the homeless people. These community projects will positively impact the local community, enhance the sense of personal accomplishment, and create a network of people with similar interests.
Retirement
I will split my retirement time between Maine and Florida. One of the reasons for choosing to live in Maine when I retire is the affordable cost of living. In Maine, the cost of groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities are low. Besides, Maine is far from major cities and has a serene environment, making it suitable for a person who enjoys nature and peace. Maine is covered in oak and maple trees, which enhance the quality of air and optimize the temperature. It has an adequate food supply, impressive coastlines, and friendly neighbors. I will prefer to spend most of my retirement time in Maine. Whenever I need a change of environment, I will move to Florida to enjoy the sun, outdoor walks, and delicious foods. Florida has extensive land that allows a person to practice small scale farming. I enjoy fresh and local foods, which are plenty in Florida. Besides, Florida is affordable compared to other states; it has no state income tax. It is the best place to live since I would not be spending much of my savings. I plan to build my dream retirement home in Florida
Overall, this plan provides an insight into my future. I intend to achieve the goals I have set for my professional and personal life to attain a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. My primary focus is to be promoted and impact my knowledge, skills, and experience in my current organization. At home, I intend to be close to my family, serve the community, and have a retirement plan.
References
Eastern Kentucky University. (n.d.). Firefighting requirements and tips to becoming a Fire Chief . https://safetymanagement.eku.edu/blog/firefighting-requirements-and-tips-to-becoming-a-fire-chief/
Stewart, A. (n.d.). How to become a firefighter Lieutenant . Chron. https://work.chron.com/become-firefighter-lieutenant-20185.html
US Fire Administration. (n.d.). Executive Fire Officer Program . https://www.usfa.fema.gov/training/nfa/programs/efop.html
