In addition to traditional roles as fire-fighting professionals, the modern fire service is now much more than simply responding to fires. Firefighters now aid in managing more complex emergencies, including medical responses, rescue operations, as well as Community Risk Reduction, as stated by Ted Tenaglia, a firefighter and emergency medical technician based outside of Florida. His experience with the City of Gainesville is indicative of the shifting expectations put on fire departments today, which require firefighters to possess the ability to adapt to changing circumstances; and continue developing their cross-functional skills to meet public safety expectations.
The way in which Ted Tenaglia views these changes is derived from a combination of practical service and formal education. He completed the Firefighter I & II certifications, Emergency Medical Technician certification at the Florida State Fire College followed by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Fire and Emergency Services from the University of Florida, graduating Cum Laude. In conjunction with being an employed firefighter, Mr. Tenaglia also attended and successfully completed college and studied hard while working. This combination of serving as both a firefighter and student allowed Mr. Tenaglia to gain first-hand experience of the reality associated with long shifts of work, being under constant high call volume and having to maintain one’s personal readiness to respond to emergency calls. Mr. Tenaglia recognizes how these conditions make it essential for firefighters to engage in on-going training to develop their professional abilities and maintain discipline and teamwork.
He sharedhis experiences with the mediaas a firefighter; Tenaglia believes that today’s firefighters need to be ready to respond quickly to emergencies and provide an effective service while adhering to safety procedures and protocols. Strong organizational support, clear communication, and good leadership are critical to maintaininghigh levels of performance and a firefighter’s well-being. Through his reflections, Tenaglia helps others understand how the fire service continues adapting to the changing expectations of its community and how it is meeting the challenges of the emergency response arena. As he provides a balanced picture of the changes in the fire service profession, Tenaglia’s contributions will enhance the understanding of the profession’s future and the demands placed upon firefighters.