K-3

 

March 16, 2026 was the first one.  That was the day I had a total knee replacement on my left leg.  It was much anticipated as I was struggling with mobility, discomfort and doing the things I wanted to do.  I looked forward to surgery as it promised to be life changing, according to everyone I talked to that had a fresh knee.  Well, it was life changing but I couldn’t say for the better.  My recovery absolutely sucked and progress was slow.  

In early September, I recognized it wasn’t very likely that I would ever have what I had pre-surgery.  But, I acknowledged my aging, a “new normal” and moved on.  Over the next month and a half, I watched closely and recognized that the pain I was having wasn’t from my new left knee, but rather from the bad right one.  “Oh boy, now what do I do?” I thought.  Considering the sheer cost of the surgery and having met our “out of pocket max” for the year, it made sense financially just to get it done.  But, the emotional toll of the last surgery felt like a little more than I could take less than 8 months later.  

Last Wednesday, I went to see my doctor to get some advice.  Should I try to wait until medicare 20 months away?  Do I put it off because it’s not as bad as I make it out to be?  Should I adjust my activity, downgrade quality of life until it becomes more affordable?  Off to X-ray to get a better idea of what it looked like, to get more info for the doc.  The PAs first words were “there is nothing left in there” referring to the meniscus that separates the femur from the tibia.  She went on to say, “that looks really painful” validating some of what I was feeling.  The doc came in and had a look, saying, “it’s time.”  I felt relief to have someone else taking control, telling me what to do.  

We talked about scheduling as I wanted to take advantage of out of pocket being met for 2026 but here we are the end of October.  The scheduler said, “we have a slot next Wednesday.”  I wasn’t ready for that!  1 week to prepare.  “Ok, let’s do it!”  

Today is Sunday, 3 days prior to surgery.  This is where I am starting my journal, a couple days into the surgery.  I thought I would share my thoughts as I go into this.  I am not sure how long I will continue, but I feel like after the last one, I should share my experience so others have something to use if they are considering something similar.  

A few days ago, I started feeling a pretty severe pain under the knee cap of my good knee, the left.  It feels like I am. Kneeling on a pebble when I walk.  Over the 24 hours, with rest, it is improving but it definitely isn’t normal yet.  The effect of this is that it makes me question my decision to fix the right one.  But, I have to think long game, that in 10 months, both of them will be better than they are now.  Fingers crossed. 

Mentally, I feel pretty good.  Just going to take it one day at a time, one step (literally) at a time.  I’m going to try to stay positive, using my down time to work on some of my Redline stuff, to do some creative stuff and do some reading.

This writing is for me.  For my brain.  But if it does something for you, or someone you know, all the better.  Feel free to share or if you know someone that has questions, feel free to have them reach out directly.  -K

 Raindrops 

“I love rain drops. There really isn’t a better feeling. It’s cleansing, it’s cold, it’s refreshing, it’s fulfilling.”

     -Author known and loved. 

Rain.  

I recall a time late in the night, nearing midnight, when the rain fell heavily on the marina in Des Moines.  A friend and I decided that it was a good idea to run to the end of the fishing pier and back during the deluge.  I being a more conservative person at the time felt this was a crazy idea but decided to hop in.  On returning to the car, soaked to the skin from head to toe, I realized that the rain was not a big deal and in fact, it was quite exhilarating.  Just rain.  Made us wet is all.  But I didn’t know the rest of the story.

Recently, while driving in southern Colorado, the rain began to fall on the windshield. Each drop was noticeable and it really got me thinking.  Instead of focusing on my driving, I daydreamed of the rain.  So take a moment and follow this personal journey.  

Picture yourself laying on your back, looking to the clouds, only to see a single drop of rain falling.  It leaves its cloudy home, falling toward earth, unable to escape gravity.  That lonely drop finds itself at the mercy of the elements; wind and heat fighting to change it’s trajectory.  Perhaps the raindrop becomes snow, it’s final destiny to be a beautiful blanket across the landscape.  Or perhaps it’s verga; rain that evaporates before touching the ground only to start its journey anew.  

Eventually, that solitary drop finds its way to earth, landing at will wherever chance may take it.  Perhaps it drops into the ocean or maybe a puddle.  Perhaps it lands on your face as you gaze toward the heavens, running down your cheek and falling to the soil.   

Journey complete.

But is the journey complete?  As the raindrop completes its free fall from the heaven’s towards earth, the descent is only one part of the journey.  Once the drop hits the earth, the work really begins.  That rain drop, nothing but a bit of water falling thousands of feet become an essential element, nourishing the earth, bringing life and sometimes death to our planet.  If conditions are right, the drop bends rays of light into beautiful colors stretching across the sky.

On that day in southern Colorado, I thought about each raindrop and how they represent our lives.  We are all affected by the environment and elements, our destination is unclear and the journey doesn’t end when you make it to your first goal.  Often, where we think there is an end, there is only a beginning.  

Professional Development Ideas

 

Below are some ideas of things you can do to prep for promotional processes that I originally sent to several people working on a promotion into the Chief level ranks.  While this is really focused towards firefighters, a lot of it really applies across many industries.  

The following is some of the things that I did to grow myself for the position of Battalion Chief but it applies to going beyond.  While this list is decent, it is not complete!  You are never finished.  

Before I begin, let me first say this: 

“The time to start preparing for a promotion is not the day they announce the process!”  

If you do start your prep the day they announce the job opportunity, YOU. ARE. LATE!!  A Chief’s rank (or any rank for that matter) is a job that requires a great deal of prep and investment.  Ok, now let’s get going!

Three Legged Stool  

I believe strongly in 3 pillars that make you a well rounded leader; Training, Education and Experience (TEE).  Much like a 3 legged stool, one is no good without the other.  

Mission-Vision-Values

Mission-Vision-Values (MVV):  This one is for you and guides your path/actions for your team.  

-Be sure that you are looking at it squarely from the position you want to hold, not the position you currently hold.  Although, you should have a M-V-V statement for each of your positions.  

6 Months in Solitary

6 month plan:  Any job you step into, you should have a 6 month plan.  I can send you one of mine that I did for a BC process and then used once I got the job.  

-What does the first 6 months look like for your crew and for yourself.  It should lay out what you are going to do.  

-An example might be that you will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your team which you will use to develop a training plan.  Additionally, it might include things that the team is behind on.  I.E.  I will take the first 6 months to get everyone caught up on their certification based training such as National (or local) Registry EMS C.E. And Blue Card C.E.  

-It might include that you will complete performance evaluations for all your officers and have them complete them for their personnel.  Information from this is used to develop a development tool for their growth.

-Other ideas might include Expectations meetings, Observation period to identify gaps, etc.  

-Once you have the job, you can use it as a check list to hold yourself accountable.  

Potty Training

Training:

-Develop a training plan for your crew for the first year.  

-Base it off of organizational policies and industry standards (NFPA, Blue Card, etc.). Some of this you will automatically get from local or regional training division but they might not cover everything.  

-Develop a training plan for yourself for at least the first year.  Better would be a couple years.  

-Don’t forget a “re-evaluation” period to identify if you need to adjust your plan after a period. 

You’re Gonna be Late for School

Education plan:

-What will you do for your education?  

-Start or finish a degree

-Attend National Fire Academy classes on campus (YOU BETTER DO THIS...IT IS FUN AND VERY VALUABLE....AND FREE!!!)

Get Er Done!

Experience:

-What experiences do you want your crew to have?

-Develop a plan to mentor others.

-What expertises do you want to have?

-This might include a mentoring plan with mentors you have identified.

-Network development: Meet others that can help you get the experiences you need for your future positions.  

-Take non-traditional roles/assignments.  “You mean there is something besides being on shift!?”

Credit Card

Credentials:

-This is a big one that can set you aside from others.  But it takes a ton of work getting the training/education/experience necessary to qualify and then a bunch of work to do the application.  

-I would suggest starting your FIRE OFFICER (FO) application immediately.  It will help you identify gaps in your TEE that will help you develop a growth plan for yourself.  And maybe you have all the qualifications for the credential and can submit so you have a leg up on the others testing.  

-Follow this link to the application:  https://www.cpse.org/credentialing/how-to-get-credentialed/

-You “purchase” an application but it is really free.  It just looks like a purchase.  

-We can talk about this more.  And the people at the agency are awesome with their support.  I talked to them a lot. 

Hit the Books

Study:  

-Study the materials presented for your promotional process.  

-Hopefully, the people preparing the process hit the mark and had the exam process matched closely to the job.

-As you prepare for the process, you will also be studying for the job.  Here are some suggestions.

-Policies-Organizational, as well as local or regional policies that guide the organization. 

-Industry standards that specifically guide the org or it’s members. 

-KEY ISSUES: 

-Be familiar with key issues inside and outside the organization.  Here are a few ideas;

-Staffing issues:

-Rank and file

-Upper command.

-inconsistent application of policy

-morale issues

-Societal Issues:

-Equality-Race, gender, LGBTQ, etc.  ITS. A. BIG. DEAL. 

-This is a hard spot right now.  

-COVID.

From this list, you may feel overwhelmed.  Don’t.  It doesn’t happen in 3 months before a promotional exam.  It happens over years of growth and development.  You may feel like you are behind the curve in your development.  Don’t.  You have to start somewhere which is better than not starting at all.  Maybe you aren’t complete, but you never will be. If you are being encouraged to test, there is a reason.  Perhaps you have some innate leadership traits the organization (meaning members) needs.  

Take a look at this and if you like, we can visit if you like.  I just vomited a bunch of thoughts onto the page without organizing them much.  Some of that, you will have to do.  

Breathe.  You’re gonna be great!!