II. CONDUCT:

Long gone are the days when a Recruit Firefighter was a young man fresh out of the military. Today, the Recruit Academy is composed of men and women of various ages with different educational backgrounds, work experience, and physical abilities. No matter what your background is or has been, you are now in a position to learn. That means that even though you were a decision-maker in your former life, you are now relegated to following orders and obeying instructions from other people.

Because Long Beach Fire Department strives to treat all people with dignity, courtesy and respect shall be accorded all officers, co-workers, and citizens. Chief Officers, Captains, and staff are to be addressed by rank and last name or by rank only if last name is unknown. Civilians are to be addressed as "Ma' am" and "Sir".

Discipline and accountability are key parts of training. Due to the hazardous nature of the profession, lives may depend on the ability to respond immediately. All recruits shall respond to supervisors' orders. Violation of any written or verbal orders, issued by the Training Officers or found in Department publications, may result in penalties ranging from improvement points up to a recommendation for termination. Disrespect, insubordination, or any conduct unbecoming a member of the Long Beach Fire Department may also be considered grounds for immediate dismissal.

A. FRATERNIZATION:
To avoid the many distractions associated with the large amount of traffic at the Training Center, the following guidelines have been established. While at the Training Center, Recruits are not allowed to fraternize with members of the Department, except to politely acknowledge a greeting. Recruits are not allowed to visit stations during off-duty hours without prior authorization from the Training Staff. During the course of training, while in the drill yard, recruits will not engage in conversation with other members of the Department that might interfere with Recruit Training.

B. PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR:
The "offer of employment" letter sent to Recruits in October of 1940 by Chief A. C. Duree contains a description of professional behavior that rings 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.[Emphasis added]

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."

To emphasize the high degree of public trust placed upon the Department by the citizens of this community, the professional behavior of Recruits will be evaluated throughout Recruit Firefighter Training. Any evidence of lying, cheating or any type of dishonesty will result in appropriate discipline up to and including termination. Professional behavior will be evaluated in terms of, but not limited to, maturity, personal grooming, punctuality, respect for others and initiative. Any evidence of behavioral problems on the part of a recruit may result in a recommendation for termination.

The conduct of all firefighters shall be above reproach during the academy and throughout their careers. LBFD Policy 1.3.29.20 states, “Members shall be governed by the ordinary and reasonable rules of behavior observed by law-abiding and self-respecting citizens and shall commit no act tending to bring reproach or discredit upon the Department or its members.” This applies to your actions, on and off duty, for the rest of your career in the fire service.

Compliance to grooming standards is another measure of a Firefighters professional attitude. Recruits may be inspected daily. At morning line up, all personnel shall be attired in a clean work uniform in conformity with Long Beach Fire Department standards.

C. SAFETY:
The firefighter's job is one of the most hazardous of all occupations. Recruit firefighters are trained to function in a safe and proficient manner consistent with the aggressive fire fighting nature of the Department. Carelessness in any work routine, drill, or simulated emergency can result in serious injury or death. Therefore, up to five improvement points will be assessed for safety violation. Repeated failure to comply with Department safety policies, practices and procedures, and / or negligent acts will result in a recommendation for termination. In addition, a sole egregious safety violation may result in a recommendation for termination.

Safe practice is not solely represented by a particular program or a specific procedure. Safety is integrated within our organizational culture. You must be assertive and advocate for safe practices. If you believe something is wrong or you are uncomfortable, be prepared to speak up. Over confidence, resignation or impulsive behaviors are sure to cause task failure or harm.

In order to promote safety related habits and attitudes, helmets shall be worn any time activities are conducted in the drill yard beyond the drainage culverts (unless directed otherwise).

The Fire Department is no place for horseplay or practical jokes. Although the inspiration and intent may be harmless, horseplay and practical jokes have a way of getting out of hand to the point where someone may get hurt either physically or emotionally. Remain task focused while maintaining safety and situational awareness. Be safe!

D. TEAMWORK:
Safety means working together as a team. Teamwork creates a synergy where a company of firefighters working together can accomplish the tasks needed to mitigate an emergency in a safe manner. Safe fire ground operations demand company integrity and teamwork at all times. Companies should enter and leave a fire area together as a team.

During the academy, Recruit Firefighters are placed in four person companies that work together as a team. You will be evaluated as an individual, your task focus and your ability to operate effectively within a team. One important benefit of the team concept is that it permits a firefighter in trouble to be assisted to safety by other team members. You must develop the ability to monitor the progress of your assigned task within the context of the overall objectives of a particular mission. Although many fire fighting tasks are completed by an individual (e.g., using a Partner saw) they are usually done within a team assignment (forcible entry). The forcible entry team may need to delay their operation based on the availability of a hose line from another unit. Teamwork and cooperation determine the success or failure of any operation. As a means to develop this skill, the Recruit Company should stick together from morning details to afternoon cleanup.

A key element of an effective team member, as well as employment criteria, is the ability to communicate. This can take many forms including written, verbal and non-verbal means. Good communication is best represented as a loop in which the sender transfers information, the receiver acknowledges receipt and the sender then assures that the proper transfer has occurred. Be prepared to process complex situations and relay information as a clear concise package. As the receiver, be an active listener. Your understanding is often represented by your ability to paraphrase or add to the initial communication. The sender completes the process by confirming that the exchange is accurate and/or corrects any misunderstandings. Remember to think before you speak and listen.

Each member also has an obligation to the team to stay both mentally and physically prepared for maximum job performance. When climbing stairs in a multi-story building, the company is only as fast as the slowest member. The success of a vehicle extrication is predicated on each member’s understanding of the strength and weaknesses of vehicle construction. A firefighter who is a mental or physical “slacker” can slow down the entire company.

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