It is hard to believe that six months ago I was offered and accepted promotion to the Rank of Deputy Director-- Fire Dispatch Operations FDNY. It has been an interesting road so far. I have to say most days it feels like I have not accomplished nearly as much as I set out to do. At times, the combination of bureaucracy; fear of change; and lack of trust is like some horrid too thick clam chowder that threatens to swallow whole every thing it comes into contact with.
I am certain all of my friends who have transitioned to ranks of leadership know this feeling. Its kind of like being in an airplane at 30,000 feet versus watching the airplane from below. The perception of movement is, indeed, very different.
I have to force myself to remember that progress has been made. We have or at least will have multiple certified supervisors and trainers in the coming months. The FDCAD Project is moving slowly to implementation. Applications for programs are being written and FDNY officially sent an attendee for an APCO National Conference and Regional Conference for, I believe, the first time ever. We have won awards from NENA and are planning the first Dispatcher Recognition Event for NPSTW in April 2014. Beyond that, many of our problems and issues have been identified, steps are being taken (even if slowly), and things are being done.
But there are lessons that remain to be learned and the experiences to go through on this path. From being patient, to under-promising and over delivering, to always making sure to keep focus on the people that really matter. There are so many lessons. I am, most of all, thankful for the opportunity. I know not where the future shall lead, but hopefully, with God's grace; the support of those in the FDNY Bureau of Communications; my fellow 9-1-1 Industry friends and colleagues; and a serious effort; I will leave my place (when that day comes) better than it found me.
To those I work with. Thank you for your support. I know that change can be so many different things, none of which are easy or welcomed. But we are an amazing group of people, talented beyond measure. FDNY deserves to have-- the citizens of NYC should have-- the best Dispatchers in the world. In many ways we are there, but there remains work to do. And I thank you for your help in both creating that vision and making it a reality.
The Journey Continues...
Observations, essays, ramblings, thoughts and more from a slightly reformed New Yorker who has returned home to Ohio. A spiritual person having a human experience, writer, photographer, and public safety professional.
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Welcome to my site and thank you for reading. After many times thinking, if only I had a blog, well-- here we are. This blog will feature writings on a variety of topics from roadside food, to leadership in the fire service; politics; culture- gay, straight, and indifferent, my experiences in Ohio, New York and beyond; and much much more. It's my hope that you will find it interesting and that it stirs at least some thought and discussion. I am certain you wont always agree, but that is what its all about right? Oh and one more thing:
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