In the fire service, every one of us has earned a few bruises along the way—some tactical, some interpersonal, some rooted in judgment. The point isn’t the mistake itself; it’s the lesson that stuck and how it made you a better officer, firefighter, or teammate. To spark the conversation share: - What happened? - What did you learn from it? - How has it changed the way you lead, communicate, or make decisions on calls or in the firehouse? - What advice would you give a new or aspiring officer facing a similar situation? This is a place for honesty, humility, and growth. The next generation of fire officers will learn from your experience just like you learned from someone else’s. Looking forward to the wisdom this group brings.

Most departments focus their members and their organization of a Mission and Values statement. For example, the mission statement for my department was: To prevent harm through professional, compasionate service. This is an important document that guides and focuses the department. Do you have a mission statement that defines you and your career focus? Here is an example: My mission is to serve with integrity, stay disciplined in my craft, and grow into a fire officer who leads by example. I am committed to protecting my community, supporting my crew, and continuously improving my skills, character, and leadership. Take some time and write out your mission statement. Have a awesome day! Roger

Welcome to the Firefighter Leadership Community Firefighter Leadership Academy: Career Growth • Promotion Prep • Officer Development The Firefighter Leadership Community is a professional development group built for firefighters who want more than just a job — they want a career, a promotion pathway, and the leadership mindset of a future fire officer. This community is led by Roger Waters, a 32-year fire service veteran, Chief Officer, mentor, instructor, and career strategist who has spent decades hiring, promoting, training, and developing the next generation of fire service leaders. You’re not learning theory, you're learning directly from someone who has lived it. From firefighter to Chief. Who This Community Is For? This is for firefighters who are: - Serious about long-term career growth - Preparing for promotion (Engineer, Lieutenant, Captain, BC) - Looking for guidance, mentorship, and leadership development - Wanting to understand fire service culture at a deeper level - Tired of guessing their next step - Ready to invest in becoming a respected, confident fire service leader If you’re ambitious, motivated, and committed to becoming your best — this is where you belong. Our 3-Tier Growth System We are the only firefighter leadership community offering a structured development path from firefighter → officer → leader. Tier 1: Fire Service Foundations (Community Access) Tier 1 is currently free! We are looking to build a strong core group to support and grow this community. This tier gives you the foundation to become a high-value firefighter through: - Community access - Weekly leadership prompts - Basic training lessons - Monthly live Q&A - Firehouse professionalism, communication, and culture lessons Tier 2: Career Mapping & Promotion Preparation Level up to Tier 2 for $29.00 This is where your Fire Service future takes shape. Includes: - Full Career Mapping System - 1-, 3-, and 5-year career planning - Promotion readiness checklist - Rank-specific preparation modules - Resume templates & guidance - Interview prep - Leadership foundations - 1 on 1 call with me to discuss your career plan. -

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Roger