“We may be criticized if we overcommunicate, but we will be crucified if we under communicate.”

Asst. Chief Stephen Shaw, Fort Lauderdale Fire Department

Why did you initially become a firefighter?

“Because my father made me,” Chief Shaw cracked a smile. 

In 1995, Stephen Shaw was a very busy teenager.  He was heavily involved with boy scouts, soccer, and his job at his local supermarket.  All of this on top of his pursuit of good grades in school.  So, when his father asked him to join the volunteer fire academy, he was reluctant at first.

Needless to say, Chief Shaw is glad he heeded his father’s advice.

“I’m thankful that he pushed me.  After a while I realized, ‘Wow this is cool – this is what I want to do,’” Chief Shaw recalled.

Shaw began as a volunteer firefighter at Coral Springs Fire Department (FL), before earning his first paid job at Deerfield Beach Fire Rescue shortly thereafter.  In 1999, he earned a spot at the City of Fort Lauderdale Fire Department where he still serves today. 

Several promotions later, Shaw plays a critical role in the operations of the twelve-station fire department as the Assistant Fire Chief of Administrative Services.

How do you like to spend time on outside of work?

Family, beer, and soap.

When he’s not with his wife Paula and their two children, Ashton (8) and Rowen (4), Chief Shaw is likely brewing beer or crafting homemade soap in his sanctuary – a sleek, epoxy-floored garage.

Shaw had his first taste of alcohol at 28 years old.  His wife (girlfriend at the time) sold him by showing him how he could take food to the next level by pairing it with wine.

One of his prior colleagues taught Chief Shaw the ins and outs of brewing.  This hands-on education, paired with Chief Shaw’s B.A. in Chemistry from Florida Atlantic University, has allowed him to excel at his craft.

Right now, he’s brewing a winter porter – one of his favorites – to enjoy throughout the winter.

What advice do you have for other firefighters?

“It’s going to be hard, but it’s supposed to be hard,” Chief Shaw advised the rookies out there.

One of Chief Shaw’s areas of responsibility is Training. He recently had the opportunity to assist with a large cadet class. His constant words to them are, “Expect change. What we are doing today may be totally unrecognizable in 30 years, and that’s okay.”

Perspective is paramount for Chief Shaw.  One of his main focuses is to understand the whole situation and to put himself in the other person’s shoes.  This skill helped Chief Shaw promote and now it allows him to deliver the best outcomes for everyone involved.

What changes are coming in the fire service?

More integration on the medical side, expansion of all-hazards response, and a continually expanded scope of practice.

“Right now, we have Fire Prevention and Fire Protection.  Someday, there will be Medical Prevention in addition to Emergency Medical Services.” Chief Shaw pointed out that a trip to the hospital is not the best solution for every patient. 

The City of Fort Lauderdale is currently rolling out a mobile integrated healthcare program which seeks out individuals in need and provides preventative healthcare.

Everyone’s perspective of an “emergency” is different.  Fire departments have to respond to each individual’s emergency and provide the unique care to each patient. 

The fire rescue service is the Swiss Army Knife of emergency response.  If aliens land tomorrow, the local fire department will be the first ones on scene.

That’s just what firefighters do.  “We can take anything and figure it out,” Chief Shaw stated.

During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, government leadership called on firefighters to be the clearing house for anything and everything the public needed.  This is just one example of how firefighters are able to handle adversity and move forward with confidence.  Communities have faith in their firefighters and this level of trust is no small thing to Chief Shaw.

Chief Shaw’s parting words are jotted on the whiteboard in front of his desk: “We may be criticized if we overcommunicate, but we will be crucified if we under communicate.”

He wrote this to ensure that he always gives his crew members information about the whole picture.  In doing so, he allows his men and women to put together a well-informed perspective that helps everyone involved.