University of the Kitchen Table
By Stephen Ruda, B/C, Batt 10-B
There are many fine educational institutions throughout our country. There are many schools of knowledge in and around our first-in districts. But the greatest learning location of all, especially within the Fire Service, is at the kitchen table.
When the paper towels come rolling out of the kitchen dispensers and a senior member of the crew grabs a pencil and a younger fighter, and says, “Sit down kid, let’s draw this out” - you have just entered the University of the Kitchen Table. And the best thing, there is no tuition, as long as you pay attention and you listen well.
Recently, retired Captain II Bill Finn, Fire Station 14, and I were talking and he told me of his invitation to be a keynote speaker/instructor at the recently named West Point Leadership class at Frank’s Place. The course is now called the Los Angeles Fire Department Leadership Academy. Captain Finn was concerned because he felt that he was not a public speaker. He wanted suggestions as to what approach he should take in a classroom setting. I told him he would do a great job. I suggested to him to get rid of the podium, gather all the students around him at a table and pretend he was at a morning line-up with his crew from 14’s. I said that he should freely talk. Read more…
Source: lafra.org
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