Mark Emery, battalion chief (ret), Woodinville Fire & LIfe Safety Dist., King County, Wash., is well known for his ability to break down large concepts like “leadership” and “command” into steps and levels that are easier for officers to digest. In this interview, FireRescue Editor-in-Chief Tim Sendelbach talks with Emery about his Fire-Rescue International seminars, “The Essentials of Fire Station Leadership” and “How to Nail Your First-Due Strategic Responsibility.” Emery explains the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic leadership and the importance of attitude in leading. He also explains that the fire service has a proud history of aggressive attack, but not aggressive strategy. “People aren’t getting killed from bad tactics; they’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, which has to do with strategy,” he says.
Listen to the interview:
