This is a listing of YLD scholarship recipients for the years 2000-2007, with their affiliation at the time of their award. Each awardee's philosophy of leadership is also included. For awards made in 1989-1999, click here.
Mr. David W. Broch: "As a leader I believe in 'Leading by Example,' guiding others, developing others through coaching and mentoring, as well as being a servant leader or supporting employees, citizens, and supervisors. Sometimes being a good leader means being a good follower. I also believe in challenging myself and others to do the best they can in every situation. By leading by example I would not expect anyone to do anything I wouldn't do. To show them an example of what I mean I work beside the crews in the trenches as a first-level manager and part of the crew. I am committed to performing any task competently, as all my subordinates have to be skilled at their respective tasks as a responsibility of their job. Leading by example also means acting the part, respecting all citizens and co-workers, while realizing, everyone is an individual."
Ms. Stacy Kundinger: "The consummate leader needs to know the ins and outs of each person's role in the department. They are the backbone and sounding board for each firefighter and paramedic on staff."
Mr. Andrew D. Thompson: "My philosophy of leadership is simply to lead by example. Provide shift personnel and students with the directions, critical thinking skills, parameters, and tools to complete the task with minimal interference. Be available as a resource, mentor, and coach for personnel that need assistance. Allow members to complete tasks and assignments, while interacting only to provide positive or corrective feedback. Many fire department managers do not allow personnel to complete the task or even fail without intervention and micromanaging."
Mr. Blakeslee Gale Davis:"I believe that leadership is best developed through hard work and selflessness. A good leader is someone who is always on the frontlines, but at the same time is behind the scenes making sure that day-to-day operations go off without an issue. It is not the company officer that deserves the credit when a job is done well, rather the men and women working under that leader. This shows subordinates that their leader is to be trusted, which makes the organization as a whole a more efficient machine."
Mr. Edward J. Klima: "While I believe my philosophy of leadership is evolving I would currently define it as facilitating change and maintaining existing practices through the development and fostering of relationships with integrity and honesty coupled with knowledge of subject matter."
Ms. Adria Paesani: "A leader is a person who has the resources and tools to move an organization in a positive, efficient, forward-moving direction. Positive leadership begins with people and the concept of teamwork. Giving people the tools and skill sets to succeed not only benefits the morale of the individual, but benefits the organization as a whole. Leadership does not mean having answers to all the questions, but knowing where to find them and how to access them. No one person leads an organization, but relies on a superior team of people to drive the organization in a positive and efficient direction. One cannot lead an organization without the approval and respect of others, whether under your command or in your peer group. Forging professional relationships is a chief component of effective leadership and can benefit an organization exponentially. Internal relationships and relationships with other city departments, county and state agencies are essential in our careers in the fire service and have a direct correlation to the success of the organization."
Mr. Patrick J. Wineman: "Leadership isn't a tangible item to hold, rather, it is an attitude and a way of living your life. Leaders are dependent on two sources to help them make sound decisions in the station and on the fire ground - EXPERIENCE and TRAINING. In today's world, we are seeing fewer and fewer fires, and experiencing unacceptable levels of poor judgment, injuries and line-of-duty deaths. In the absence of EXPERIENCE, when it comes time to make decisions, many times all we have to fall back on is TRAINING."
LeRon T. Lewis: "It takes a person of strong character and rich in integrity to be a leader. Everyone does not have these leadership characteristics; it takes a person of valor, honor, and courage to carry out the duties of a leader. A leader has to be strong in endurance, and has to keep going, even when they feel like quitting. Leaders have to be humble, not pompous or arrogant. Leadership is a heavy word that carries a lot of meaning. A leader is an educator, he is fair and honest. Leadership is a role not to be taken lightly."
Mr. Richard "Bernie" Sebold II: "My philosophy of leadership is lead by example from the top down. I believe that all organizations should always strive to improve themselves and not be satisfied with status quo. In the fire service it is easy to sit back and go with tradition because it is comfortable, but I believe we need to be breaking new ground to meet the public's continuously changing needs. We need to remember that it is the public we serve. It is up to the officers of the organization to remind the personnel that we are in the customer service business."
Mr. Christopher A. Vecchi: "I feel the key to leadership is not power, but influence. Many individuals seem to be under the impression that to be influential they must be in a position of leadership or power. I feel that to make a real impact on the organization, I must be influential in whatever position I am placed. By establishing good habits and displaying motivation, initiative, and self-discipline I feel that I set an example for my coworkers. I take pride in mentoring new firefighters, sharing my experiences and setbacks all along my career. Through this behavior I feel that I am able to give back to my organization and my occupation as a whole, just as they gave to me when I first set foot within a firehouse."
Ms. Genevieve Whitcraft: "Being a Lieutenant I have found that leadership is a very complex subject. Almost everyone has a different view or opinion when it comes to leadership and how one should execute their responsibilities. I believe that no matter what level of authority the individual holds, their job is extremely important. To make a good, effective leader the individual has to realize the importance of their role, and the obligation to better the fire department and its members. Some might say that to be the boss and a friend is impossible.I agree that it is a very fine line but it can be accomplished and is being accomplished. Our fire department is very family oriented, everyone feels like part of the group. That is the key to leadership. No matter how small the task assigned, or who the individual is completing the task, make them feel like part of the team and that what they are executing is bettering the department and themselves. After all, without the firefighters there is no fire department, so treat them with the utmost respect and appreciation."
Mark Cleck: "I believe that the ability of an individual to lead develops through their experiences and interactions with other individuals. With education, the abilities of a leader can be greatly enhanced."
Ms. Christine M. Fowler: "I believe the process of training "managers" varies greatly from training "leaders." Management practices the act of controlling situations or systems. Leadership is demonstrated by someone who inspires his/her team to complete the tasks or projects presented. It is my strong desire to be a leader with strong management skills. This will develop within me as I continue to pursue additional responsibilities, education and experience. As long as I marry the above qualities with such as humility, compassion and loyalty, the opportunities to enhance the emergency service organization or any other may be limitless."
Mr. Peter C. Webb: "Leadership through followership. Before one can lead they need to learn how to follow. Leaders must set the examples and subordinates should follow, but subordinates learn their leadership skills at this level. They learn to listen, communicate and make decisions. They strive to be like their leaders. Leaders must know their job, be able to make decisions, care for their people, go against what is popular, understand the organization's mission, and communicate effectively. These skills are not learned overnight nor are they learned by just attending schools; they are learned through following leaders. They must be learned and then practiced. Through following one can learn from their own mistakes and can be mentored by their leaders."
Ms. Judy Yannayon: "My philosophy of leadership involves being smart, able to make decisions quickly and for the good of the people. The leader must be willing to listen to others and get along with his/her organization. Leadership involves always trying to do things better and for the good of the department."
Mr. Kenneth R. Watkins: "Coming up through the ranks I am a big proponent of participative management and leading by example. I try to stay involved with all members of the organization through frequent communications, either electronically or face to face. Our members know that I have a very open door policy and they can come to me anytime. I try to also spend time in the stations by just stopping by for a cup of coffee or by working a shift. These are great opportunities for communication and to get a real feel for the "pulse" of the organization."
Mr. Shawn Murray: "My philosophy is similar to the various leadership styles. I believe that no one person remains with any one leadership philosophy or style for long periods of time. The dynamic fire service environment and shifting of paradigms within organizations mandates today's fire service leaders to adopt a wide range of philosophies and styles."
Ms. Jennifer L. Barocsi: "I feel that I will be a valuable leader, and an asset to my Department because I truly believe that I can accomplish anything... It's simply a matter of finding the time to learn how. I am fortunate enough now to have the time and I will make the most of it."
Mr. Charles W. Scholl:(not available)
Ms. Kathy Bennett: "Leadership is all about getting involved, starting something new, and getting others involved."
Mr. Richard M. Carani: "My leadership philosophy is simple. As a leader I need to be an agent of change. I need to lead when leadership is needed and follow when following is needed. I feel that a good leader also needs to be a good follower. I feel a leader needs to have drive, a leader must have the desire and motivation to lead, a leader must have integrity, a leader must be self-confident, and finally a leader must have great knowledge of his or her profession. I also feel that as a leader you need to reward good behavior and correct bad behavior through guidance or coaching."
Ms. Laurie Lee Mooney: "My personal philosophy of leadership is great leaders do not command subordinates to follow; instead, great leaders instill in subordinates an intrinsic desire and drive to move forward to accomplish and conquer personal and organizational objectives. Great leaders live what they preach, lead by example, and do not expect others to do things the leaders would not do themselves."
Mr. Paul R. Martin:"If one were to look in a dictionary under the word "lead" it would most likely define it as guiding, showing the way, influencing, directing along a certain path or direction, and controlling. Obviously, throughout history, individuals who were considered leaders certainly exhibited these qualities and attributes. In my opinion, being a leader encompasses the "dictionary" definition and much more. Leaders must accomplish their objectives with professionalism and class, they must be approachable and open to the opinions and suggestions of others. A leader should set an example and encourage everyone's evolution and professional development. A leader creates an environment that attracts the best, brightest, most creative, and energetic. They should be consistent in their actions and aligned with the goals they seek to implement or accomplish."
Ms. Amy Beth Quigley: "A friend often recites a quote about leadership (attributed to Loa-Tzu) that I find to be quite remarkable: a leader is best when people barely know that he exists, not so good when people obey and acclaim him; worse when they despise him. Fail to honor people, they fail to honor you; but of a good leader, who talks little, when his work is done, his aims fulfilled they will all say, "We did this ourselves." To me this quote says a great deal. A leader is not one that boasts about his or her leadership abilities, but one who is a leader when it is deemed necessary. A leader knows better than to work alone, but recognizes that working in teams is far more efficient than turning your back on the help of others."
Mr. Adam Thiel: "My philosophy of leadership is certainly nothing new and can be summed p with the phrase, "lead by example." As difficult as this can be at times, the rewards are immeasurable. Like it or not, as leaders we are role models. Many in the fire service talk about "empowering" their employees, but are unwilling to give them the latitude to make decisions and learn from their mistakes."
Mr. Thomas R. Wood: "I lead by example. I routinely attend training classes and keep abreast of all new equipment and procedures. At least once a month I ride on an Engine or Rescue for 4 hours and eat dinner with the station crew. I keep in touch with all our personnel to see first hand what they are dealing with and how best to improve the situation. I echo Vince Lombardi in terms of philosophy: 'The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen endeavor."
Mr. Stephen J. Elliott: "My philosophy of leadership is based on respect and leading by example. I believe you must respect the other members of your team. A leader must recognize that each individual brings his or her own special skills and abilities to an organization. A leader must provide the atmosphere for individuals to apply their talents toward accomplishing the goals of an organization. When a leader respects the individuals under his or her command, the leader will gain respect in return. This atmosphere of mutual respect will allow the team to function at its highest potential. I also try to lead by example."
Mr. Ronald D. Lopez: "My leadership philosophy is a complex interplay of the traits and characteristics of individuals who have inspired me throughout my life. The main parts of my philosophy involve: a) humble and full assumption of responsibility for decisions and activities; b) gaining and keeping trust and respect of others; c) honesty with self as a prerequisite for expecting it from others; d) understanding the nature of change, and therefore its impediments; and e) belief that, when it is truly happening, leadership motivates and empowers others to maximum achievement."
Ms. Deborah J. Weymouth: "My philosophy of leadership is to truly care and respect other people. As a leader in an occupation such as firefighting, true concern for others is mandatory. I treat people the way I like to be treated, and this philosophy gains respect from others."
West End Fire and Rescue Company: "Jim Yvorra became an active and prominent member of our department in the mid-1970's. Jim helped promote active volunteerism in our community and spent many nights as duty officer with our bunkroom crew. Jim would have been one of the first people to get behind and promote a project like our Child's Dream Weekend."
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yld@chesapeake.net
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