Dressed for success (and other reasons)
Hey all, Ryan here. The last thing I EVER want to do is feel disconnected from the field, but it happens. I could read policies all day and stay fresh, but the unwritten tricks of the trade that are learned over time and are necessary for success start to slip away as times change.
Life behind a desk is what it is.
Sometimes it feels like I’m looking out the window watching all my friends play and ride bikes while I’m stuck inside, grounded for not cleaning my room.
Occasionally, looking out that window puts things on my radar I didn’t expect, and my neurodivergent brain often makes a weird connection to health and wellness.
The first thing I notice is we look like a great group of firefighters. Physical fitness initiatives and an emphasis on diet and nutrition have you all looking pretty damn fit, and that’s critical. When you step out the apparatus no matter if it’s for a call for service or at the grocery store, like it or not, you are being judged on your appearance. Just like professional athletes, firefighters come in all different shapes and sizes which gives us all unique abilities. Just like professional athletes, when the game starts or the tone drops, we want to put the very best version of ourselves in the spotlight. Positive public perception is vital, but there are other reasons why paying attention to appearance is important.
One of the crucial observations in recognizing new onset depression or that other troubles might be brewing is a negative change in appearance. Neglected personal hygiene, unkempt uniform and disengaged or flat affect can carry significant meaning and just might be a subconscious cry for help. Even burnout can appear this way. Maybe we can make it easier on each to identify who actually needs help and who just ran out of commissary money and forgot to pay their SAWS bill. When your baseline appearance starts below the SAFD standard, this can make picking up a warning sign a bit more cloudy.
If you’ve ever reached out to someone based on their appearance, and they’ve said they’re doing quite well with no issues...they might be lying. If they seem to be doing well otherwise, you can subtly mention what you’re seeing and why it matters. If you’re uncomfortable with that, direct them here and I’ll be the bad guy.
When I see the SAFD patch, I feel a sense of honor and pride. In some ways the patch is like the American flag. Show it respect because it not only reflects the organization that you belong to and the sacrifices you’ve made, it reflects your attitude and attention to detail.
Think of the rest of your uniform as an extension of the patch. I know, I know, easy for me to say when I’m not the one sweating on 150-degree highways or making multiple runs in a row without making it back to the station. For some of those calls we’re literally in survival mode and we just do our best. However, in normal conditions bad appearance should be addressed, preferably in private. When you ask a question, you never know what answer you may get.
Example: At the last few health fairs, I’m always set up with peer support and I’ve seen a lot of crews come through. Something I noticed is that the crews I’ve always thought highly of are almost always in squared away uniforms looking the part. That doesn’t necessarily mean a steam-pressed creased up uniform, but it certainly means wearing what you’re wearing PROPERLY. The officer should set the standard for appearance but there should be accountability at every level. I cringe every time I see an untucked shirt, an unshaven face, boots that have never seen polish, and for the love of smooth bore nozzles please do not wear your hat backwards in public. To me, all those things are disrespectful to the patch, badge and those who came before us.
I know there’s plenty who may think “Ryan, none of that BS really affects my ability to do the job.” You’re probably right, but…when you look good you feel good. And when you feel good you perform good. More importantly, looking the part goes a long way in the image we portray to the people we serve. When you feel bad, sometimes you look bad.
Little things matter.
When the public sees a clean firetruck and a well-dressed firefighter, we display a higher level of professionalism. Let’s think about it for a minute. Say you go into a fancy restaurant for a first date, and you really want to make a good first impression. When your server comes to the table, what if it looks like they just rolled out of the gutter? Maybe the service is still decent, and the food is fine, but also GROSS. The first impression the server made on you and your date reflected poorly on themselves, the restaurant and YOU because you picked the dang place. This could’ve been a non-issue if the server cared a little bit more. If they were dressed and groomed properly, they’d probably get a bigger tip, you’d lock up that second date, and everyone goes home happy. Can you imagine if the server looked bad AND the service was bad? Even with great food you’d never go to that restaurant again, and rate them zero stars. We are all like servers in a giant Michelin Star rated restaurant called The SAFD.
Are we individuals who deserve our own self-expression? Absolutely. Are there ways to express ourselves while still doing the uniform justice? Hell yes.
To me, it comes down to pride and resilience. There are many retirees who would love to lace up the boots and wear that uniform one more time. And there are thousands on the outside looking in who would sacrifice their entire closet for a chance to wear our uniform. Sometimes to be successful, you must portray an image of success and that doesn’t happen when you show up looking like the server from the gutter.
Wellness and professionalism are all-encompassing, and books are judged by their cover. Be a pro, use your commissary money, and set a good example from wherever you’re seated on the rig.
The citizens are watching,
The probies are watching
The retirees are watching,
Remember, if you see someone out of code, check in with them. You might unearth a greater problem that you can act on.
Next time you’re at the Wellness Center, swing by to say hello. I’ve got drinks, snacks and a shoeshine kit you’re welcome to use.
