309. "See Smoke?? Stretch..." - Bill Perritt

Deputy Chief Bill Perritt of the Hartsdale, NY Fire Department, shares his journey in the fire service, from growing up in the Bronx to joining the volunteer fire department in Pleasantville, NY. Chief Perritt discusses the value of the volunteer fire service and the passion for firefighting that drives many individuals to pursue a career in the field. He also highlights the need for continuous training and the importance of focusing on basic firefighting skills. Chief Perritt emphasizes the importance of fostering a positive and inclusive culture within the fire department and the benefits of collaboration and automatic aid among departments. He discusses the importance of leadership and resources in firefighting, emphasizing the need for strong leadership that recognizes the importance of providing adequate resources. He also highlights the value of joint training and automatic aid in improving coordination and effectiveness among different departments. Chief Perritt emphasizes the importance of training for operational reality and conducting realistic training approaches that reflect the actual staffing and conditions firefighters face. He also discusses the role of experience in leadership and decision-making, emphasizing the need for leaders to allocate resources effectively and make timely decisions. He concludes by discussing the impact of training on firefighters and the satisfaction of passing on knowledge to the next generation.