I am constantly amazed at this person’s level of energy. As I follow this individual across Facebook and through the fire service, I am astounded at his participation level in fire training activities in northeastern Minnesota. And, in addition to his numerous training sessions, he still manages to run a fire department, which in many instances has “set the bar” for public safety organizations. I don’t know how Steve Flaherty does it, but he is like the famous Energizer Bunny, he keeps going and going and going.
As the Fire Program Manager with the Northeast Higher Education District and its new Advanced Project(customized training), you will find Steve Flaherty wearing a number of hats. He is scheduling classes, organizing classes and instructing classes. In addition, you will find him highly involved in various regional fire department undertakings from shared services studies to regional and statewide fire investigation programs. His hard work and dedication have moved the fire training program at Advanced to new and exciting levels. The program is providing the basics of firefighting, along with advanced courses and instruction. The entire region has gained through Steve’s leadership, along with his team of dedicated instructors and support staff at Advanced.
As the Fire Chief of the Grand Rapids Fire Department, Steve is involved in those countless management and operations decisions which come with running a progressive organization. On numerous occasions, I have had to rely on Steve for needed information related to policies and procedures. He is a wealth of knowledge, which he freely shares with fellow fire service professionals. The Grand Rapids Fire Department is one of those “shining star” departments in Minnesota. From fire prevention to fire suppression to Haz Mat, this department is really out front on the challenges facing our profession. It is not an easy task to always be on the forefront of something, but Steve Flaherty and his fellow fire department members seem to be there time after time.
There is no question that Steve Flaherty loves the fire service. His countless hours of instruction, leadership and “just being there” have made huge impacts in the region. He may not realize what he has done, but many of us do! Thank you, Steve for your work on behalf of our region’s fire service, Minnesota’s fire service, and for that matter, our nation’s fire service. It is a great honor to name you the May Firefighter of the Month.