April 2013

I was a new Probationary Fire Fighter for the City of Prichard. I was excited, anxious, and had a overwhelming since of ambition for my new job. One of my superior officers, District Chief Doss left a permanent imprint on my life. At our initial brief starting with the city, he started it off with saying. “AMA men, does anyone know what that means?” Of course no one did. “It means Adjust, Modify, and Adapt.” At that moment I didn’t realize how important those words would be and how crucial that technique would be for my tenure at the City. Most know the name of Prichard, it has various stigmas and reputations. Few actually know the city as we did. We seen the best and worst of humanity as first responders in this City. From acts of heroism and absolute love for one another from our citizens to nationally recognized brutal crimes. Honestly, when I started I didn’t know anything about Prichard, and had no opinion on it. I spent three years with the city and it changed my life on many fronts forever.

For about the first week, I was on days and not on shift yet. Cheif Doss was my first line leadership at the time. Every morning he would see me he would ask, “A.M.A son? What does it mean to you? “

Needless to say, our department was plagued with lack of funding, broken down trucks, major loss of manpower, broken crucial equipment, and the list goes on. In the academy we learned how to do things with ideal staffing and equipment. In less than 3 months after the academy as I was Acting Captain for my Station. This position was not because I was the best person for the job and well qualified, it was because there was no one to do it. Our leadership (district chiefs) did an incredible job orchestrating and accomplishing so much successfully with a green group of acting captains and skeleton crew on a regular basis. Adjusting, modifying, and adapting to our situation was paramount in these conditions. There was times I was out in situations that I had to really think outside the box to save lives and property. Being able to operate with a clear head, slow down, and make concise decisions proved to be a virtue. Not to be dramatic, but in this line of work when you inherit the worst of the worst situations, seconds matter. As a call comes through our radio, you never have a clear picture of what you are stepping off that truck into, until you are there. Prior to your arrival you have an idea of what you are hoping to expect. Many times you have to adjust that thought to a new plan. As the scene progresses, you will find yourself constantly modifying your tactics to get the job done. Finally, adapting, adapting to the idea that nothing is as it seems and staying fluid with your thoughts and approach.

I have taken this approach, and use it for all aspects of business.

Construction, concrete work in particular, can be very stressful. This requires you to make decisions quickly. In the summer, things happen fast; all the while dealing with extreme heat. With the many variables from the ready mix company to site and weather conditions. You can do everything right, and still find yourself in a difficult position. Stress and difficult choices effects everyone, it’s how you deal with these that make you a great leader. Be like a duck, stay calm on top, and paddle like hell.

And remember Chief Doss, AMA.

-Blake Henning