CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS OF THE FIRE SERVICE IN
THE PHILIPPINES
Custom is an established usage, which include positive actions, things to do, and taboos to avoid doing.
Customs are traditions which live and endure in consistent to universally accepted and reasonable practices which makes life more orderly and pleasanter. These practices continued without interruption for a long period of time and they become compulsory part of daily life of in-service personnel. It tends to take on the force of law, as indeed this are the so-called “Common Law”.
Man has little fear of challenging the positive, like: it has been contrary for an officer to walk under an umbrella. It is one of the most universally observed customs in the uniformed service. There is no known reason for it, but it is a custom, and it is a taboo doing it.
Customs are long established practices or usages in the uniformed services that have been passed on to the new generation of uniform personnel by reasons of constant repeated observance, acquired character of unwritten norms of conduct. Most of the customs and traditions in the service are embodied in regulations while others are simply adopted to supplement the pleasantries of firefighter’s life. Despite the possible changes in customs to suit the needs of modern living, this established precedence remains as the minimum accepted practices in the service.
Relationship between Fire Commissioned Officer (FCO) and Fire Non Commission Officer (FNCO)
It is an officer’s concern to improve his organization. He must be able to exercise good leadership. The common familiar saying “familiarity breeds contempt” is particularly true in an FCO – FNCO relationship. Familiarity as referred to here may not be the same as in other countries, in some countries, non-commissioned officers (NCO) address their superiors by their first names or nicknames, but the manner of conversation is not that breeds familiarity or facile relations. In the Philippines, custom does not allow such.
“It is customary in the Philippines uniform service to address senior officer “sir” or “ma’am” and or “Madam” and render unfailing obedience to lawful orders”
The Privileges of an Officer: (over non-commissioned officer (NCO) and non-uniform personnel (NUP) of the Fire service in the Philippines)
1. Firefighters are required to extend unfailing obedience and loyalty to Senior Commissioned Officer (SCO) and Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). Obedience should be shown with respect and courtesy.
2. A SCO is normally addressed by the use of words “Sir” or “Ma’am” by FNCO’s and NUP’s. For example “ Sir, a messenger wants to see you.” Is an example of how to address a SCO.
“In continental Europe, the address by rank is the accepted practice. In France, Switzerland, Belgium and Spain for example, a senior officer is addressed “Mon Colonel”, “Mi Colonel”, “Mon Captain”, “Mi Captain” and or “Yes, my Colonel””. In the Philippines, customs does not allow such. In some countries, uniform personnel never use “sir” to address their superiors, like for example the Israel Defense Force, junior officers and enlisted men can address their superiors by their nicknames but always in a respectful manner.
3. A SCO is accorded as the place of honor. In walking or riding, a junior sits walks or rides at the left or behind the Senior Officer.
4. Courtesy demands that an Officer uses polite words in a well modulated tone. The use of phrases “I wish” or “I desire” partakes the full force of a direct order.
5. An Officer enjoys the reputation of being a good creditor. He is expected to settle accounts promptly.
Miscellaneous Customs:
1. The Officer’s uniform should reflect the dignity of his organization. Under no circumstance must his uniform be dishonored. A Firefighter in uniform should behave with the dignity expected of him.
2. Leaning or sitting on desk is taboo. It is always proper to stand erect and sit only when invited to do so.
Courtesy and Discipline:
Courtesy is the expression or manifestation of consideration of others. It is a virtue that is expected of all individual from all walks of life. In the uniformed service, courtesy is a great requirement because it is the bases upon which discipline stands. Without courtesy and respect among members of an organization, there would be no discipline; and when discipline disappears, the organization will lost its orderliness, and teamwork among members. It makes the organization dignified and ensures good relationships with the public.
SALUTE -s the most important form of courtesy. It is executed by raising the right hand smartly until the tip of the forefinger touches the right eye brim if the headgear when covered. Fingers are extended and joined, palm facing the left forearm inclined at an angle of about 45 degrees and the right upper arm horizontal. A person saluting looks at the person saluted. When the sauté is returned, he drops the right hand smartly to the side.
-Salute shall be rendered by firefighters as a sign of respect towards ranking officer, and during flag raising and flag retreat ceremonies.
Rules in Rendering the Hand Salute
1. The salute is required on and off installations.
2. Persons entitled to be saluted: All commissioned officers of the uniform service, both male and female.
3. The salute is rendered at a distance of about 6 paces from the person saluted or at a recognition distance, which are about 30 paces.
4. The salute must be returned by those entitled to it. It is not rendered when running but at a hat or walk. Never salute with a cigarette, cigar or pipe in the mouth. The salute should not be executed in haphazard or perfunctory manner. Salute is executed whether individual ate covered or uncovered.
5. The salute is rendered once if the senior remains in the immediate vicinity and no conversation takes place. If a conversation takes place, the junior again salutes the senior when they part from each other.
6. If making reports, the person reporting sautés first regardless of rank. An example of this case is when a unit commander is reporting to the adjutant during a ceremony.
The term “outdoor” is construed to include such building as drill halls, gymnasiums and other roofed enclosures used for drill or exercise of troops. Theater, covered walks, and other shelter open on the sides are also considered outdoors.
The term “indoors” includes offices, hallways, kitchen, orderly rooms, recreation halls, washrooms and quarters.
Acknowledgement to a Salute – It is required that all officers saluted must acknowledge appropriately.
Accompanying Greetings – In case of doubt, the salute likewise be rendered. It should be borne in mind that the salute is not a sign of servility that degrades oneself; rather it is a gesture of recognition of the rank and position of the person saluted. It is a time – honored practice of comradeship in greeting one another as it is naturally rendered.
Salute to the National Colors and Standards – Firefighters shall stands at attention and salute the National Colors or Standards not cased, and when the National Anthem is played. All other members and employees not in uniform shall render the colors/standards the honors and courtesies customarily accorded thereto while in civilian attire. During flag ceremony or when the national anthem is played, civilian shall stand at attention to respect the colors and or the National Anthem.
Manner of Saluting:
- When outdoors
- When reporting to senior officers
- When outdoor ceremonies
- When departing or leaving
- When receiving an awards
- During burial ceremony
- Awardees of medal of valor
- When future regulations prescribed
When Salute is not required:
- When driving
- When right arm is amputated or incapacitated
- During actual operations or when at work
- When both hands are occupied
- When indoors or social gatherings
- When not in prescribe uniform
- When future regulations prescribed
