During a conversation this week about the work I do with first responder clients, a colleague asked me what value fire departments provide. Here’s how the conversation went:
Pat: They save lives, protect property and the environment, and foster economic growth.
Colleague: Wait – what? What do you mean they foster economic growth? How do they do that?
Pat: Fire inspectors play a critical role in a community’s safety and economic viability. They approve design plans for commercial buildings during the construction phase, they inspect buildings before businesses are allowed to open and then conduct regular follow-up inspections, and they must approve plans for large events. Without those approvals, businesses can’t operate. If the inspections are delayed for any reason, businesses cannot open in a timely manner, and events cannot proceed as planned. There’s a lot at stake here.
Colleague: I had no idea.
My colleague, a very smart New York entrepreneur, is widely known for her business expertise, and she is well connected politically. So why didn’t she know about the critical role the fire service plays in the economic viability of the communities they serve?
No one ever told her.
“Connect the Dots” tip: Don’t let the critical role that fire inspectors play in a community’s economic development be the best kept secret in town. When you talk with members of the public, and especially with those who make decisions about resource allocation, let them know that their fire department plays a major role in the economic well-being of the community.
How does your department educate your community about the vital work performed by your fire inspectors? Let us know so we can share your success1
© 2013 Pat Lynch. All rights reserved.
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