In the fire service, we train for what we hope never happens. But sometimes, the best lessons come when you don’t even realize you’re being tested.

One evening during a monthly meeting at our volunteer fire station, we were discussing upcoming events with our chief when all of a sudden, someone noticed smoke rising outside the back window. Without hesitation, I jumped into one of the firetrucks and sat in the passenger seat, adrenaline rushing, waiting for someone to drive.

But no one came.

I sat there, ready to respond, while the rest of the crew stayed back and observed the flames. What I didn’t know was that our fire chief had orchestrated a training scenario. He asked a volunteer to start a controlled burn and told the crew to respond as if it were real. So while I sat in the truck, my team was evaluating the fire. 

Eventually, someone joined me in the truck, and we rolled around the building and began our response. Once we were on the scene, our previous training kicked in and we handled it smoothly. But the moment stuck with me.

I realized then that being ready isn’t just about acting fast. It’s about knowing when and how to act. That lesson has followed me far beyond the fire station.

In FFA, we’re often put in situations where we’re eager to lead, whether it’s jumping into a new role, joining a contest or taking charge during a project. But sometimes, leadership means slowing down, reading the room and trusting the process.

Our leadership roles, SAEs, CDEs and even the unexpected moments, they’re all part of our training. They prepare us not just to react, but to respond with intention.

In life and in leadership, the most meaningful growth doesn’t always come during the fire, it comes in the moments right before it.