it only takes one [hose]monkey
In the fire service, I constantly felt the pull to rebel against the bureaucracy. Don’t get me wrong, I understood why we had SOPs, but the rigid, paramilitary structure suffocated the hell out of my naturally curious, "think outside the box" personality.
Here’s something most people don’t know about me: I’m an anthropologist by education. I studied at the University of Toronto, diving deep into the mechanics of evolution—genetic mutations, behavioral shifts, and cultural transformations.
Choosing anthropology was my first act of rebellion. My parents insisted I get a "real" science degree, so I picked the one that spoke to who I really am: an innovator. A disruptor. I don’t just see problems—I see opportunities to blow things up and rebuild them better. But in a traditional, old-school profession like firefighting? It can APPEAR tough to make waves.
Especially when you’re working under a chain of command that holds more power and influence than you do.
But here’s the kicker: when it comes to shifting the norm, it only takes one monkey.
Look at intelligent animal groups—whether primates or crows. It only takes one individual to come up with a game-changing solution, and before you know it, the whole group is shoving sticks into termite mounds or smashing nuts open with rocks. Why? Because that idea works. It helps them get food, survive, and thrive. It makes life easier.
“If the fool would persist in his folly he would become wise.” – William Blake
The truth I’m here to hammer home: rank doesn’t matter. You can make change from anywhere in the system. Don’t be afraid to be the weirdo, the one who pushes the boundaries, or the boldly clever one. Good ideas are contagious in groups. The people who make real change aren’t the yes-men or the rule-followers…they’re the ones who had the cajones big enough to demonstrate something new and keep demonstrating its effectiveness. The cheese stands alone.
You’ll be the one with the last laugh when your idea sticks and the fire service is better off for it. And trust me, the fire service could use some new tricks, especially when it comes to behavioral health.