Kind of Odd to Congratulate Self...but...

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around a participant, Janet, sharing her recent promotion to Lieutenant in her Fire Department. She expresses both pride and apprehension about her new role, particularly regarding the challenges faced by women in a traditionally male-dominated field. Other participants respond with congratulations and share their support for her achievement.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • Janet shares her experience of being promoted to Lieutenant after eight years, highlighting the challenges of working in a male-dominated environment.
  • Several participants express their congratulations and pride in Janet's accomplishment.
  • One participant mentions the difficulty volunteer fire departments face in recruiting and retaining members, linking it to economic factors.
  • Another participant relates to Janet's experience as a woman in a supervisory role, emphasizing the significance of her promotion.
  • Some participants share personal anecdotes about their connections to firefighting and the importance of volunteer services in their communities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

General agreement exists among participants in celebrating Janet's achievement, with no clear disagreement noted in the responses.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences and sentiments related to leadership roles in volunteer fire departments, particularly from the perspective of women in these positions.

Who May Find This Useful

Participants within the consultant community who may relate to experiences of leadership, gender dynamics in professional settings, or the challenges of volunteer service may find this discussion relevant.

janetupnorth
janetupnorth
Gold Member
Messages
14,814
So, it's kind of odd to start this myself, but unless I tell you guys, you wouldn't know. :)

I told a few this was in the works, but anyway...

I made Lieutenant on our Fire Department - official as of Chief's announcement last night.

Only took me 8 years! (Of course, I will always have to prove myself...many Fire Departments are and will for a long time continue to be a boy's club). I am a little proud of it due to that since it is a hard thing to do, and a little apprehensive in the same sense because I get scrutinized more than the "average member". I also sometimes get to less firefighting calls because DH is a Lieutenant already and figures he HAS to be there so he takes off and I have to stay with the kids.

Anyway, I am Health and Safety Lieutenant meaning other than Firefighting and EMS, my main role as Lieutenant is the Health and Safety of our members and public education. Volunteer Departments always struggle with recruitment, retention and keeping members fit. It is a tough role because there are things we HAVE to do by law, things we SHOULD do to stay healthy and fit, but good luck getting VOLUNTEERS motivated to do that. :rolleyes:

So, wish me luck...I'll need it!
 
That's awesome, Janet!! Congratulations!!!! That sounds like an amazing accomplishment.:)
 
Congrats and good luck Janet that is awsome.
 
janetupnorth said:
So, it's kind of odd to start this myself, but unless I tell you guys, you wouldn't know. :)

I told a few this was in the works, but anyway...

I made Lieutenant on our Fire Department - official as of Chief's announcement last night.

Only took me 8 years! (Of course, I will always have to prove myself...many Fire Departments are and will for a long time continue to be a boy's club). I am a little proud of it due to that since it is a hard thing to do, and a little apprehensive in the same sense because I get scrutinized more than the "average member". I also sometimes get to less firefighting calls because DH is a Lieutenant already and figures he HAS to be there so he takes off and I have to stay with the kids.

Anyway, I am Health and Safety Lieutenant meaning other than Firefighting and EMS, my main role as Lieutenant is the Health and Safety of our members and public education. Volunteer Departments always struggle with recruitment, retention and keeping members fit. It is a tough role because there are things we HAVE to do by law, things we SHOULD do to stay healthy and fit, but good luck getting VOLUNTEERS motivated to do that. :rolleyes:

So, wish me luck...I'll need it!
Click to expand...


How did your first day go Lieut.?
 
Congratulations Janet! What an accomplishment! Good luck to you :)
 
Congrats !!!! Janet that is awesome and it isn't odd you starting your own thread cause like you said we wouldn't know unless you tell us about your wonderful success :):)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
Kitchen Diva said:
How did your first day go Lieut.?
Click to expand...

Well, I had to work my REAL job of course, but I did sneak in a few e-mails to plan some literature for recruiting at our FD picnic, a little reading of Comm30 on the annual Health and Safety requirements, plans for our necessary bi-annual safety meetings at least, request for the NFPA standards to catch up on more of that, and talked to our training officer about working with him on some things.

Good thing I type fast! ;) I did manage to cram a sandwich down in between that!
 
Janet...glad you made it public (well, public to everyone else on here!)

We are all proud of you!
 
(Good thing I type fast! I did manage to cram a sandwich down in between that!)

Hmmmm...not a good way to teach people about eating healthy!!:rolleyes: :D

BUT...CONGRATS!!! You'll be fine too bad DH might grovel(sp?) a bit...;)
 
Congrats!! Be proud of yourself!!!
Nicole
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
Ginger428 said:
(Good thing I type fast! I did manage to cram a sandwich down in between that!)

Hmmmm...not a good way to teach people about eating healthy!!:rolleyes: :D

BUT...CONGRATS!!! You'll be fine too bad DH might grovel(sp?) a bit...;)
Click to expand...

Don't worry, before I would accept it on my end, I wanted to make sure DH was fully supportive of me doing it, the time I need to spend on it and supportive of me in the position.

I wouldn't want it if my husband can't respect and support me in the role.

He said he would...so I took it!

We'll see how life goes!
 
Congrats Janet - obviously the roast paid off :) I know you will do a fabulous job - you will whip those boys (and ladies) into shape!
 
Congrats Janet, I'm so happy for you!!

I just saw a new article on how hard volunteer fire departments are having finding volunteers. They are claiming it's due to the economy.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #14
GourmetGirl said:
Congrats Janet - obviously the roast paid off :)

I know you will do a fabulous job - you will whip those boys (and ladies) into shape!
Click to expand...

No, that was a last-minute thing to fill in for who was scheduled to do it. This was already set. ;)

Of course, I got all good compliments on dinner and how good it was...and a few wondering why my DH doesn't weigh 300 lbs. right now. :D
 
  • Thread starter
  • #15
pampchefrhondab said:
Congrats Janet, I'm so happy for you!!

I just saw a new article on how hard volunteer fire departments are having finding volunteers. They are claiming it's due to the economy.
Click to expand...

Interesting...I think it is a common thing...always hard to get and retain in volunteer service...

If you find that or have a web-link, shoot it over to me, it'd be an interesting read.
 
Congratulations, Janet! That's an awesome accomplishment! Don't ever feel "funny" about telling us great things like this! We're your friends and we're proud of you!!
 
Congrats to you.
My DH was a firefighter for 8 years until he decided to do something else. But he still volunteers and he loves it. They are like his second family.
 
Congratulations on your promotion, Lieutenant Janet! :balloon:

Our fire department has a conbination of paid and volunteer officers. Thank God for them all!!
 
Congratulations, Janet! We are served by a volunteer fire department. We had a small chimney fire several years ago. We were glad to have those wonderful men and women available to help.Note to others: Check to see if there is a volunteer fire department near you. If so, they probably do fundraisers. Participate if you can. It's a great way to thank them and to help them continue to help the community.
 
Congratulations Janet!!! You should be very proud!
 
I'm going to post a thread on a revised EQ Survival tips I would love to know what you think. It's new to me as I have always known the opposite.
 
That is awesome Janet. Congratulations.
 
You go girl!! Congrats Janet :)

I was a supervisor for UPS. I can totally relate to the "boys club". I think it makes the promotion that much sweeter...you know how hard you worked for it. Savor the moment!
 
Mazel Tov!!!!!
 
Congrates Janet! Way to go!
 
Congratulations, Janet! Way to go!
 
Whoo hoo!!!!
Congrats Janet!!
You'll be the coolest Lieutenant ever!
If you are just half as helpful to them ,as you are to us, they are in great hands.
Best wishes on your new promotion.
 
That's awesome! Congrats!
God bless,
Amanda
 
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