Photo by Steve Baer | FireDog Photos
*Bill Heffernan is a retired West Haven Fire Department lieutenant, longtime department historian, former technical adviser and consulting producer for *the hit comedy *Tacoma FD, and cousin of Tacoma FD actor Kevin Heffernan. He now serves as a Connecticut state representative. His blend of frontline experience, historical insight, and behind‑the‑scenes perspective fuels *Off the Record with Cousin Bill Heffernan, where he answers your questions biweekly.
Q: Humor is a huge coping mechanism in the fire service. Where is the line between using humor to build morale and letting it become a distraction or offensive?
A: Firefighters are a cruel bunch. Humor is a finely tuned weapon in the firehouse. Newer generations seem to be more sensitive these days. There is obviously a line you can’t cross, and most people know where that is. Right and wrong are not hard to figure out. That being said, you do need a thick skin in the fire service.
You also have to be able to read the room. “If they aren’t making fun of you, they don’t like you” is very true. You need to be able to give as well as you get.
There is a fine line between making fun and being inappropriate. If I am giving my crewmate of 20 years the business, that is much different than the rookie doing the same thing. I might be able to cross a line or two because of our history. It doesn’t make it right, but it could be tolerated only because of our history.
Again, it’s cultural in the fire service. Read the room …
