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One of my team members approached me yesterday. He told me
he had been considering leaving the team. He had been dreading the
weeks he had duty. But as he was praying about it, he said the Lord
pretty much spanked him and convicted him that it was an important job
that he needed to be doing.

I told him I appreciated him and that I had been through the same thing
starting the team. I felt many times I was beating my head against the
wall trying to get everything going. I wanted to quit more than once.

We've got 7 men that I truly believe have a heart for this service now, that can be counted on during an incident. I believe that God speaking to this man was also an affirmation that we are doing the right and good thing.

What was bothering him? Yes, it was the same 'routine' syndrome that cops get. Nothing had happened recently, so most everyone got complacent.

There are those who thought we aren't needed anymore. He was one of them…

But after God showed him he was needed, he has been a real fireball. He has found several needs that I had overlooked, which is great.

In law enforcement it generally is not when there is to much to do that a cop gets in trouble, it is generally when there is not enough to do. When a person is new to a field like this everything is new and a little exciting to them and that will keep their interest for awhile. There is a bit of a catch 22 to this field, we want people that would rather respond to a 911 call than make a 911 call, but we also want nothing to happen. Team members need to know that sometimes it is because they willingly spend the time to do the mundane things that nothing does happen.

It is a real balancing act for the team leader, he needs to have people willing and able to respond correctly, but on the other hand willing to stay alert and not let complacency and boredom win them over.

One way to help in this regard is to keep having training that is relevant and interesting. Letting team members plan and run training on some occasions sometimes changes their outlook and reminds them that they are a valuable member of the safety ministry. It is serious business even when it is boring, but we should not lose sight that keeping it enjoyable is okay as well. A thank you dinner on occasion, an award for time spent, etc. these little pats help to make it more personal.