Heredity versus environment; the debate has gone on for
years. Now why in the world would this
be of interest to the fire service?
Primarily because there are so many multi-generational members in the
“family” business. It is an easier
question to examine from the desk than from the jumpseat or chief’s car.
The premise is based on the theory (I don’t think it’s a
theory. I think its damn well a fact)
that only a limited number of people in the population possess the innate
ability to go into burning buildings.
Accepting that, why then, are so many of them from the same families?
Exposure to the business through visits to the fire station
as a kid can certainly enhance the interest level. That alone doesn’t provide the ability
necessary to make the push through the door.
I’ve seen many second or third generation firefighters—at
least they start out to be one—that were total disasters. So it isn’t something that is automatically
passed from generation to generation.
However, the number of times it does happen argues for more than
statistical anomaly.
One of the messages from this is that we should look not
just externally, but internally as well for recruiting. Having my son become a firefighter kept me
active many more years than I likely would have been otherwise, so it works for
retention as well.
So the answer to the original question of heredity versus
environment is…..don’t know—but it is fun to think about.
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