Recently while thumbing through an issue of a fire service magazine, I came across an article that applies the cowboy ethics to teach fire fighters how to approach the profession of the modern day fire fighter. Adapted from the book Cowboy Ethics: What Wall Street Can Learn From the Code of the West, by James P. Owen, the iconic Cowboy represents the best of America. The book outlines ten basic principles that are timeless in their simplicity and important because they represent the core values of quality, integrity and service. These principles transcend many professions but seem to strike a chord with Homeland Security. They provide a solid framework to which you can live by. High ethical standards that will serve you well:

Live each day with Courage: This one seems to be a natural fit for the homeland security family. Each day professionals are facing terrorism and the vermin that fear mongering terrorists want to use to impose their views on others. Testament to courage in homeland security was proudly displayed on May 14, 2015 when the Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson awarded twelve recipients with the Department of Homeland Security Secretary’s Award of Valor. People like Lieutenant Heather Sylve selflessly place themselves in harms way to protect others. Lieutenant Sylve responded immediately to stop a person wielding a machete and carrying a backpack full of Molotov cocktails with intent of storming the checkpoint at Louis Armstrong International airport.

2. Take Pride in your Work: I remember being told that any job worth doing is worth doing right the first time. This is especially true in Homeland Security. Many times it’s a thankless task or a behind-the-scenes assignment but that shouldn’t keep you from completing your important work. Often times it’s the policy-maker or the foot patrol at 3am that gets the job done. Character is something that shows most when you think nobody is looking. If you want to be treated like a professional, act like one, look like one and most importantly believe in the work you do makes a difference…because it does!

3. Always Finish What You Start: Right now we are in the fourteenth year after the attacks of 9/11. You wouldn’t think of walking away from the important work to safeguard your family, friends and community, and we shouldn’t consider walking out on our other obligations either. Your reputation is important, and it means a lot in this line of work so don’t be regarded as a quitter or a slacker. When those interesting or challenging special projects come along, you won’t even be considered if you’re known for quitting halfway through projects. It’s ok to seek help, ask if you need more resources or assistance, but stick with it and see every task or project through completion. It’s that important.

4. Do What Has to be Done: No one really likes to work late, on the weekend or holidays, but it needs to be done. It’s a critical part of our job. Communicate with your family that your part of a bigger team and your input is important to success. Make time for them, but also complete the mission, project or mundane task assigned to you. Everyone needs to carry their own water on this mission. You know what your role is so fulfill it to the best of our ability.

5. Be Tough, but Fair: This is so important that it should be at the top of the list. We are a team, so it’s important we are all rowing in the same direction in our boat. Expect a lot of yourself, expect a lot of your coworkers and expect a lot of your supervisor. But be fair. Everyone operates in a little different way and that’s ok. What is important is to treat everyone with respect and dignity because everyone can contribute in a positive manner.

6. When you make a Promise, Keep it: Character and integrity are two very important virtues. Having someone put their life in your hands takes a great deal of trust. Nothing, nothing will destroy that trust faster than lying. Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Sometimes its ok to say, bad things are going to occur, but I (we) are doing everything we can to prevent those bad things. When things don’t go as planned, take responsibility for your actions or inactions. Apologize, move on and stay true to your word.

7. Ride for the Brand: Loyalty builds trust. You took an oath or made a commitment to safeguard our homeland in your own way. Stay true to your employer, your country and your values. Loyalty is not about following blindly and not questioning unsafe actions or policies. Loyalty is about showing respect for your organization and meaningfully trying to improve any shortcomings — we all have them, it’s part of being human.

8. Talk Less-Say More: We have all heard the phrase “actions speak louder than words” and this holds true for Homeland Security professionals. Don’t bother telling someone how important learning and education when you haven’t worked to improve either in months. The younger and less experienced seek mentors and teachers. Be that positive role model in your group and show them through actions, not words. When you back-up your words with deeds you send a powerful message!

9. Remember that some things are Not For Sale: One of the few things that can never be taken from you is your integrity. Strangely enough though, we often see people give it away. Strong ethics breed trust and integrity is yours alone to relinquish. Protect it at all costs.

10. Know Where to Draw the Line: We often establish benchmarks by which we judge others and ourselves. At some point in your career you will witness an unsafe act, an inappropriate behavior or a wanton disrespect for your beliefs and values. When do you say that’s not ok? If you’re in a position of leadership or authority it is your duty do the right thing at the right time and for the right reason. Each inappropriate action that goes unchallenged becomes the new acceptable standard. Don’t risk your reputation, your job or your professional standards for the actions of others. Step in, effect change in behavior and be the professional. Maintain your high standards and be the professional. When someone steps over the line, hold him or her to our high professional standards too.