Firefighting Culture

by Jessica Mico-Wentworth

After visiting and watching training at a local fire station in Cagli, I noted several commonalities between these firefighters and the firefighters I know in the U.S.  Both teams of firefighters have passion and drive to do whatever it takes to help others in need. I watched the Cagli firefighters train in the heat of the day and recognized how seriously they were preparing for emergencies.  I have witnessed this same passion and concern in trainings in the U.S.

This is an example of two different cultures becoming one culture through their work as firefighters form a community that transcends the cultural differences between countries.  Although Italian and American firefighters speak different languages and have different cultural values, through their work they demonstrate the same value system.  Even though both groups are faced with budget cuts, they pride themselves on doing whatever it takes to be ready for any type of emergency, getting the job done with what they have.  

This type of career takes dedication and hard physical labor with demanding hours.  It is comforting to realize that the firefighting work culture creates co-culture no matter what department, agency, or country they work in.  There may be different approaches and equipment used on a fire, but the individuals themselves share the same value system and goals.