The “Brass Ring”
of the Long Beach Fire Department
How is value attached to an accomplishment? How is pride instilled in the accomplishment of a task? How are teams developed?
One of Long Beach Fire Department’s
long-standing traditions has been that of the “sprinkler award”. For many
years, outstanding individuals have been, and still are, recognized with the
“Recruit of the Class” sprinkler award.
Every member of the Long Beach Fire Department remembers the “sprinkler
winner” from his or her own recruit class.
In addition, it is imperative that each and every individual be recognized as an integral part of the Long Beach Fire Department Family. During Recruit Academy 2000A, Captain Dave Flores is credited with establishing the unique tradition we call “the brass ring”. It rewards successful performance and accomplishments of all recruits in their pursuit of the title of Firefighter for the Long Beach Fire Department.
The brass ring is a metaphor for achievement. Candidates for the position of firefighter receive a special “trophy” upon their appointment as Recruit Firefighters. In order to become a recruit for the Long Beach Fire Department, conditions have to be right. Most recruits take numerous tests and compete against thousands of others. They arrive at this point not by luck, but rather by hard-fought determination.
Those who remember the Pike may recall the merry-go-round within its Fun Zone. The merry-go-round had a device, low enough to be reached but high enough to be challenging, that dispensed “rings”. The rings were made of iron, but every once in a while a brass ring was dispensed.
In order to grab a ring, conditions had to be just right. The merry-go-round animal being ridden had to be at the top of its upward travel at the position of the dispenser. Only under these exacting conditions could the rider reach and grab a ring from the dispenser.
For the brass ring, something else was needed. Not only did conditions have to be right, but also they had to be right at the time the dispenser produced the brass ring. The brass ring was a special reward for perfect conditions. The person lucky enough to grab the brass ring then received a free ride on the merry-go-round.
Like the brass ring, the position of Firefighter for the City of Long Beach is not given away. In order to earn the title, conditions have to be right.
The following "offer of employment" letter sent to recruits in October of 1940 by Chief A. C. DuRee contains a description of professional behavior that is still true today:
"You have been selected from the eligible list for appointment to the position of firefighter on this department. The fact that you passed your examination and placed on the list shows you were anxious to secure this position. I want you to understand that it is up to you to make your position here secure. You will be furnished with the necessary knowledge and material required for the duties of firefighter, and it will be up to you to hold the job.
We have no room on this department for slackers…. Do what work you can see needs doing, don't talk too much, and you can make this your life's work.
The badges that were given you are more than mere number plates. Through them, your actions will be reflected on the entire department. Respect the uniform and badge you wear as something to be proud of, and don't try to chisel your way through life by their use."
On the first day of class, every recruit receives a brass ring. However, this is merely the first step toward earning the brass ring. Both training officers and recruits are aware of the sacrifices that will need to be made in order to be successful throughout the academy.
Upon graduating from the academy, a recruit is said to have “grabbed the brass ring”. At this point, the recruit has made the transition to Probationary Firefighter, and is now expected to hold the brass ring throughout probation. In order to do so, he or she will be required to demonstrate proficiency on a day-to-day basis, as well as master the Engine and Truck tests. Only by accomplishing these feats will the probationary firefighter have ultimately earned the brass ring, thus achieving the permanent status of Firefighter.