If every order or directive was open for discussion, many emergency scenes quickly would deteriorate and become dramatically more dangerous for both the operating members and the civilians who await our immediate intervention in their emergency. Company officers-and to a greater extent, chief officers-need to expect that their troops will comply with emergency-scene directives immediately and without debate or discussion. These scenes are where the training, demeanor and experience of the IC need to be observed, obeyed and implemented. There is little if any room for discussion and debate at the scene of a working fire, building collapse or transportation accident. What activities require strict and consistent command rather than group participation? First and foremost is the emergency scene. Often, house duties and activities also are conducted with input and direction from personnel of various ranks, rather than as a command from a superior. Discussions or even actual training events often are conducted with input and agreement and even disagreement between the various participating personnel. There are many situations and activities that chiefs, company officers and firefighters participate in where command doesn’t apply or fit in necessarily. The word command is defined as “to direct with specific authority,” “to have or exercise authority or control over” or “to have authority over and responsibility for.” Each definition clearly points out that command is the activity of directing the activities and movements of the people who are being commanded. Let’s dissect the term and look at “command” as a standalone activity. Command and control is one of those things, because it provides a very effective on-scene atmosphere, where we do some of the most important work in our communities. But some other things that have been practiced for many years retain their value and should continue to be used by today’s chief officers and ICs. Often, changes work well and prove to be effective with the newer breed of firefighters. ![]() Some are configured more like a hotel than a firehouse, with individual bunk rooms and fewer group assembly areas. Training, for example, is conducted differently in some organizations, using more modern electronic software over shorter, more-focused time periods.įirehouse designs have evolved. More recently, the term is used less frequently, and the actual practice of commanding and controlling operations on the fireground is fading away in some departments.Īs years go by and new generations of firefighters enter and populate the fire service, some things change. I am humbled, excited, and motivated to serve the residents of Seven Hills and to lead their fire department into the future.The phrase “command and control” has been used for decades to describe vital skills and abilities that an incident commander (IC) needs to be effective on the fireground. If I am not coaching, then I can probably be found running on the towpath or working out at the gym. We love the outdoors and look forward to our annual vacation to Canada every summer. Much of my free time is spent coaching their various teams and taking them to Cedar Point as often as possible. Our son Jimmy is 9 years old, he is funny, smart, athletic, and his father’s partner in crime. Our daughter Sophia is 10 years old, she is intelligent, athletic, and the most caring kid I have ever met. I have been married to my wife Kelly for the past 11 years. I have also completed my Associate Degree in EMS Management. My other certifications include Fire Safety Inspector, BLS Instructor, Fire Instructor, Hazardous Materials Technician, Hazardous Materials Team Leader for the SERT HazMat Team, Fire and Life Safety Educator, Fire Officer III, and I am fully certified in the National Incident Management System. For the past 16 years I have also been a certified Paramedic. ![]() I have been a professional firefighter for the past 18 years with both the Valley View Fire Department, and the Brooklyn Heights Fire Department where I serve as a Lieutenant. My father retired as a Captain from the Valley View Fire Department, and my brother Sean is a Lieutenant for Valley View. Key Staff - Chief James Meklemburg Jr.įire Chief - James Meklemburg grew up in a firehouse. ![]() You are here: Home > City Officials > Key Staff > Chief James Meklemburg Jr.
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