Nick Landry, Division Chief of Training and Education, Eagle Fire Department
by Pamela Kleibrink Thompson, photos by Lance Thompson
I lived in Idaho for a short time as a child and had always planned to move back if given the opportunity professionally,” says Nick Landry, who is thrilled his family gets to “experience living in such an amazing place.” Nick and his family have been Eagle residents since June 2016, when Nick became Division Chief of Training and Education, Eagle Fire Department. His wife and love of his life is Sarah, a speech and language pathologist. Their son Dane, age 7, is “an amazing and fun kid.” Nick enjoys “the community feel and how each citizen assumes responsibility in protecting the traditions of the city and in preserving our relationship with nature. I also appreciate greatly the relationships between citizens and their public servants.”
Nick first became involved in firefighting and emergency services at 14, when he participated in the Explorer Scouts through Boy Scouts of America, and began his career in 1999 in California.
Who or what encouraged you?
I have been passionate about training throughout my career and many of my colleagues and my family encouraged me to pursue a training position. I look for inspiration in many places—people like my wife, my son, and many of my co- workers. We all face challenges and I am often impressed by the ability we have to overcome obstacles and to rally around those that need help.
What is your training/background?
I have had the opportunity to teach nationally in truck company operations and tactics and was assigned a division- level training role for my previous organization. I was also fortunate to be a lead recruit academy instructor in ventilation, forcible entry, search and rescue tactics, firefighter rescue (RIT), structural fire suppression, as well as a myriad of other roles.
What do you want readers to know about you and the Eagle Fire Department?
I am proud to have the opportunity to work alongside the most committed and motivated group of firefighters I have met in my career. I want the community to know that your fire department works tirelessly to be the most prepared and equipped, and that we strive each day to represent our community and ourselves to the highest standard.
Please describe your approach to management.
I believe in approaching management from a human behavior approach focused on developing collective capability through team work and productivity.
What makes your approach different?
All that have assumed this position have faced daunting challenges. I come from an organization that had historically lacked in every way adequate training, and it took the efforts of dedicated men and women to be the impetus of measurable and relevant training that improved our capability and reduced our injuries to firefighters and civilians.
This experience has taught me many lessons, I have gained many perspectives, methodologies, and ideas as to the best way to deliver training. Many of these will serve me well as I move Eagle Fire into the future in training; however, I carry with me the fortitude that it takes to see a training plan through and to develop the next generation of training officers that will carry the torch when it is their turn to assume this role.
What is your philosophy?
I believe in people. Organizations change, directions change, lots of things change in an organization except, for the most part, the people. The men and women that are the moving parts of the organization are the lifeblood of what we are able to do for our public. I believe strongly that investment in developing each and every individual is paramount for a leader.
What do you like most about your line of work?
I enjoy most our ability to give families another Christmas, the ability we have to manage a crisis at any time, day or night, for the people of our community. We are so fortunate to have this special and unique opportunity. I am also sincerely honored to work alongside such dedicated and selfless individuals.
What is your biggest challenge?
I am a self-motivated person and I am very task focused. As I continue to mature in my new role I must learn to focus more exclusively on strategic level objectives and to delegate the tactical training operations to capable people within the organization.
What tips/advice would you give aspiring firefighters and emergency personnel?
Honesty, integrity, and a good work ethic go a long way with lots of mental fortitude and tenacity. Getting hired is the first in a long list of challenges for this rewarding career.
What can a citizen do to help the fire department?
Often citizens can do a great deal by remaining informed of fire hazards,flood and swift water warnings, fire clearance recommendations,and other public service announcements.
Plans for the future?
I see myself here in Eagle long into the future. I have the opportunity to work with an amazing group of professionals in an amazing community, and I look forward to raising my family here and being a long term leader here at Eagle Fire.
What else do you want readers of Eagle Magazine to know about you?
My office is always open to members of the community, and our staff is dedicated to serving you. My cell number is 208- 369-3732 if you have any questions or suggestions for training with our community members or if you would like to be involved.
For more information:
Eagle Fire
966 E. Iron Eagle Drive Eagle, Idaho 83616
(208) 939-6463
EagleFire.org
