How to deal with a ‘beggars can’t be choosers’ mentality at the department

It’s hard to make change when everyone at the department has the same last name

September 15, 2022 02:52 PM •

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In this episode of “What’s YOUR Problem?” Chief Goldfeder answers this reader question:

Our small volunteer department has a “beggars can’t be choosers” mentality. This is allowing control, manipulation and complacency, and allowing unqualified people to operate unchecked. What can the few members who see these problems do?”

Do you have a question for Chief Goldfeder? Email editor@firerescue1.com or submit a question here.

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Billy Goldfeder

Chief Billy Goldfeder, EFO, a firefighter since 1973, serves as deputy fire chief of the Loveland-Symmes (Ohio) Fire Department. He also serves as Lexipol’s senior fire advisor and is a member of the Fire Chief/FireRescue1 Editorial Advisory Board. Goldfeder is a member of the Board of Directors for several organizations: the IAFC, the September 11th Families Association and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). He also provides expert review assistance to the CDC NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program. Goldfeder is the recipient of numerous operational and administrative awards, appointments and recognitions. He has served on several NFPA and IAFC committees, has authored numerous articles and books, and presented several sessions at industry events. Chief Goldfeder co-hosts the website www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com.