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 This article highlights how the fire service once promoted officers based on proven leadership and experience, but today often promotes firefighters first and teaches leadership afterward, creating a gap. With many departments rebuilding and younger leaders stepping in with less time on the job, the challenge is significant—but so is the opportunity. The solution lies in adopting a growth mindset, seeking mentorship, and studying leadership beyond the fire service to rise to the demands of command. 

This article explores how AI and automation are reshaping the workforce, pushing more people to seek meaningful, irreplaceable careers like the fire service. It calls for fire departments to rethink outdated recruitment models — lowering barriers, hiring for character, and investing in training “off the street” — to build a stronger, more diverse, and loyal workforce for the future.