Thoughts From the Tailboard

A short time ago, I heard a speaker talk about are you prepared and are you ready? At first I didn’t think a lot about that and figured aren’t  they the same. Being prepared and being ready? Then I put it in the firefighter’s context. 

Prepared. What does that mean? It could mean I have the training to do the “job.” Our department has the equipment to do the “job.” The equipment is prepared to do the ”job.” We have the necessary resources coming to do the “job.” These all seem to be tangible things. Relatively easy to quantify. Generally something you can touch or see. If I answered yes to these then there is nothing to stop me from doing the “job.”  

Ready. Could mean something entirely different. I have the training but am I ready mentally to do the “job.” Is my mind set ready to do the “job”? Is my body ready to do the “job”? If the incident involves children, elderly, or people in the community I know, am I ready to deal with that? Am I controlling what is happening? Am I ready to drive on a public road where you have no idea if that other driver is ready? If I’m not ready, then should I even go to the “job”? Being ready can be totally subjective. 

I don’t know where I’m going with this, but to have a successful outcome in the “job,” there seems to be two parts. Our equipment and myself. If one or the other is not prepared or ready, then maybe we shouldn’t go on the “job.”

I saw on Facebook a number of South Dakota fire departments that observed September 11. Some were full out with ladder trucks and others a dignified showing of your engine. It’s not what you did, but it is important that you took the time to reflect on the terrible loss of life to everyone, fire, law, ems, companies and mostly families. As you read this month’s article the South Dakota Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service will be held in Spearfish at the Fall Conference. Take the time to remember those fellow South Dakotans who also made the supreme sacrifice for their fellow neighbors. 

I now will stop and let you get to more important things. 

Thank you, stay safe.

Denny Gorton

SDFA Treasurer