Dave McGrail on the FDIC Experience

Conference Director Diane Feldman recently spoke with District Chief Dave McGrail, Denver (CO) Fire Department, who is keynoting during the FDIC General Session on “Don’t Give Up! You Are NOT Alone” about the whole FDIC “experience.”

Diane Feldman: What does speaking at FDIC mean to you? Why did you pick your topic?

Dave McGrail: Keynoting at FDIC is one of the greatest honors I have been given in my 27 years as a career firefighter. To be given the opportunity to address several thousand of the most dedicated firefighters in the industry at the largest and most prestigious fire service conference in the world is absolutely awesome. To stand on the same stage that so many fire service icons have stood on before me is an unbelievable opportunity and privilege. Most specifically, I recall when my friend and mentor Andy Fredericks [killed at the World Trade Center on 9/11/01] addressed FDIC firefighters at his keynote several years ago. I will be thinking of Andy when I’m on the stage, and I hope to make him proud. I chose my topic based on what I see as a common theme and struggle for most FDIC attendees--that is, our desire to make the fire service a better place by continually working to make our own organizations the very best they can be. However, during this arduous process, most FDIC attendees have their spirit broken on a regular basis. We all come to Indy every spring to recharge our batteries and rebuild our spirits so we can continue the good fight. I just want my Brother and Sister firefighters to remember that they are not alone and they must never give up. 

DF: How long have you been teaching the fire service? How did you get into instructing?

DM: I’ve been teaching in the fire service for more than 20 years. My teaching started with small classes and assisting great instructors who came before me. My father, who was and is the best firefighter I have even known, told me years ago that it is our responsibility as firefighters to become teachers and pass on our knowledge to those firefighters coming up behind us. As he said, “All firefighters must be teachers as well.”  My teaching has continued to evolve into what it is now, a commitment to preparing as many firefighters as possible for battle. The FDIC has been the hallmark of my fire service instructing career. My many FDIC mentors, from the late Andy Fredericks to the members of my Engine Company High-Rise/Standpipe Operations H.O.T. crew, have and continue to be my inspiration to achieve fire service excellence. 

DF: How many years have you been attending FDIC? What do you look forward to at FDIC each year?

DM: I’ve been attending FDIC for close to 20 years. The number one thing I look forward to is meeting up with my H.O.T. crew and getting my batteries recharged. Each year I learn something new from these great firefighters. As big as the fire service is, I am fortunate to have brothers and friends from all corners. It is great to see my many friends and brothers every year, learn from them, and have a few laughs. In addition, I meet new, like-minded firefighters from great fire departments all across the country and beyond. It is inspiring to see so many firefighters who are truly dedicated to our great profession and calling. Last but not least, I really enjoy a plate of fish and chips at the Irish pub. It is hard to believe that in the middle of the country, with no ocean or other large body of water, you will find the best fish and chips.       

DF: What message would you like to give to a first-time attendee, or to someone who has never been to FDIC?

DM: To the first-time attendee, I would say welcome, and get prepared for one of the best experiences of your fire service career. I will warn them that they will be a bit overwhelmed, as there is so much to do, see, and learn during this short week, but remember, whatever you miss this year, you can get in next year.      

DF: What do you think is the most pressing issue in the fire service, why, and what can be done about it?

DM: The most pressing issue revolves around my keynote theme. There are so many individuals in the fire service who have the potential to become great firefighters. Many who start out very motivated and with good intentions eventually give up and succumb to the constant barrage of cynicism and insults that break their spirit. Of most concern is that the broken spirit will lead to the deadly disease of complacency. As human beings, we are all susceptible to complacency, but as dedicated firefighters we must fight it at all costs. The best way to do battle against complacency is through a regular diet of quality training. Quite frankly, those who need to attend FDIC the most are the least likely to be there. Therefore, it is incumbent on us, the dedicated FDIC attendees, to capture as much information as possible, take it back home, as sell it to those who will listen. To those who won’t listen, try again later, and then again, and then again. Organizational complacency, company level complacency, and individual complacency are all part of the most deadly, dangerous, and contagious disease in the fire service. Oftentimes the root cause of complacency is the broken spirit. One need not look far to study a fire service line-of-duty death or injury report. Within the pages of that report, one will typically find that the underlying factor that led to tragedy was simple, preventable human complacency.