[This is Travis Dotson's “Ground Truths” column that appeared in the 2021 Spring Issue of Two More Chains.] By Travis Dotson Have you recently been part of a who’s gonna get that job discussion? It amazes me how much we love this particular prattle. We spend many minutes gaming out the probable outcome of various … Continue reading Dirt Currency
Ground Truths
Travis Dotson skillfully and repeatedly points out the “Elephant in the Room” (of our Fire Culture) consistently generating dialogue amongst firefighters in the Ground Truths section of the Two More Chains articles. Enjoy!
The Repeats
Please resist the urge to use Bad Math, which goes like this: “This one thing happened and then this other thing happened, so I will make a random correlation and spout some overused catchphrase (‘They lost SA’) as if it were an actual solution and expect people to listen because I have a belt buckle.”
Smug and Satisfied
We are not “a special breed” or uniquely tough or deserving of anything extra—especially not a cape. Falling down the hero hole will halt your growth.
The Problem with LCES
Here is the deal. You damn sure ought to use LCES for all of your operations. But under no circumstances should you use it as proof that you are safe. Nothing we do is safe.
Hot Water
[This is the "Ground Truths" from the Spring 2020 Issue of Two More Chains.] Hot Water By Travis Dotson Recently, I was prompted to ask myself “Who do I want to be during this pandemic?” I immediately recalled one of many staff ride integrations I have been so fortunate to experience. (If you have yet … Continue reading Hot Water
Moving the Needle
[This is the "Ground Truths" column from the Winter 2020 Issue of Two More Chains.] Moving the Needle By Travis Dotson When I introduce myself at meetings or training, I often say: “I’m just like everyone else here. My career path was Ops, Ops, Ops, Desk.” A few folks chuckle, others frown. Some of us … Continue reading Moving the Needle
Wear Your Helmet – The No Brainer
Wear your helmet - no brainer, but wear your chinstrap?
Don’t Clone
Wisdom has a wide ranging wardrobe, it often hides in plain sight. Be open to it. Don’t standardize your source.
All The Good
[Over the next several weeks we will feature content related to “Growth in the Wildland Fire Service.” The content published here will also be featured in the Spring 2019 Issue of Two More Chains.] By Travis Dotson Who has been to this operational briefing? “Alright, listen up folks. Over here is a bunch of open … Continue reading All The Good
Chasing Spots
By Travis Dotson Spot! We’ve all heard it. We’ve all yelled it. We can all feel the little push on our pulse and the tingle in our toes just hearing it in our head. It can be calm or it can be chaotic, but no matter how it’s called out—it’s time to get serious. Let’s … Continue reading Chasing Spots