Episode 168: Episode 5-25 – Battalion Chief Jacob Johnson – “Mentoring” – Part 2

I am pleased to welcome back, Battalion Chief Jacob Johnson as we continue discuss his passion in the fire service: mentoring. Chief Johnson recently had an article on this topic published in FIREHOUSE® Magazine.

If you have not listened to Part 1 of our interview in Episode 5-20 of “5-Alarm Task Force,” Chief Johnson explained that even though he himself had been mentored at age 15, when he began his firefighting career as a 15-year-old in Katy TX, when he was promoted to Lieutenant in his current career department, he saw his failure to do the same for a young recruit that came to him for help. It was that self-admission that proved to be the “seed” that spurred the Chief to live and teach by his creed for every firefighter, “Do your damn job!” which he sees as mentoring.

Having been personally mentored when I joined my first volunteer department, I know the benefits it had for me; someone who had no experience or background in the fire service, other than strong admiration. However, as a live-long educator, I know exactly what Chief Johnson is talking about. It is indeed up to each of us, no matter how long we have been serving our departments, to help the newest members find their way to the path that will make them great firefighters! So, watch the video or tune-in to our audio podcast and listen to the Chief’s message.

And please remember, we need your help to allow us to assist our Brothers and Sisters in dire straits. Please visit our website, https://www.5-alarmtaskforcecorp.org, scroll down the Homepage and look for the photo of the “Q,” to make your donation.