Well like it says I have been very fortunate and have been hired by the local county government Fire and Rescue. I applied in 08 and didnt make the cut so I went to work with the county as a Corrections Officer but still wanted to go PD or FD. Well Fire called first, and my wife is so much happier PD didnt. Wow this has been a long stressfull process. Ok enough about that I need your help.

I am the only person out of 31 cantidates that has no experience. They told me the only reason I got hired was I am a former Marine (they have had people drop out after a day or two due to the intense training), I work for the county (I have only missed 1 sick day in a year and a half and my evaluations are outstanding) and last but not least I am in good shape (smoked the c-pat I know it is not anything close to what physicall challanges lie ahead).


So for all you career guys, volunteers and anyone with an opinion, thoughts, advice, dos or donts, feel free. I plan on doing this for 20-25 years, Im not a spring chicken anymore and at 34 both my family and I need this.

 

As long as you can play politics with everyone involved, you'll do fine. If you're not of the mindset to be involved in petty politics, the stress has just begun! Do your best to fit in, don't be confrontational or have an opinion about things, do the jobs that no one else wants to do and agree with everyone.

Oh, and congratulations!

 

^ That's good advice. As far as actual Firefighting goes, listen to the old guys and don't be afraid to ask questions. Get in as much training as you can and make sure you do what your assigned when on an actual fire, someones life depends on it. (probably not a whole lot different from what you're used to in the Marines). Congrats and Good Luck!

 

Congratulations!
I was not FD but do know about PD stuff (and some FD) and an unfortunate fact is that chaikwa is correct.
There is a lot of politics, at least with the dept's I was around. Just keep your mouth shut, dont get dragged into feuds and as he pointed out--dont have an opinion on anything.
It than makes it easier to follow MRFD715's advice.

 

Congrats. All of the above advise is good. Don't worry to much about not having experience. In some ways you'll better off than the guys that do. Be early, study hard, and remember the Chief is always right. good luck.

 

Pay attention, LISTEN, do as your told, don't offer a better way or idea of doing something & don't let your mouth get you in trouble! Don't try to impress the old hands.

 

I can't help with your question but I can say Congrats neighbor.

 

Don't sweat the non experience, they will train you in how they operate. Since you have military training their form of training will be a breeze. As previously stated, keep your mouth shut unless you are going to ask a question in regards to the task at hand, do not offer your opinion. Listen to the senior guys, but more over, watch what everyone is doing, take it in and learn from someone else's mistakes. Form your own opinions of people, don't just assume some one is bad or not good at the job because someone said they were.

As for the political spectrum of things, that is a fact of life in the public sector, however it is far less prevelant in larger departments. If the department is a busy department then there is little time to worry about politics.

Never leave your crew, 2 in 2 out. Stick to the walls and stay low, always have your tool.

If you are on a pump, protect the stairways and hallways, it is the most desirable means of egress for rescue. The truck companies will count on you for this, don't forget they are deep inside without the benefit of an attack line.

And lastly remember this,,,, Truckies rule. Can you tell what I do.


Good luck, it is the best job I have ever hated.

 

I was in Civil Defense until it was disbanded and often did work with the Fd's plus I ran the fire training at work. They will teach you what you need to know. I do have one piece of advice.

You are NOT there to fight fires. You are there to help people. Keep that in mind and you'll be a lot happier. Maybe today you'll go to a three alarm fire. Tomorrow an old lady doesn't feel well and you'll hold her hand while waiting for the ambulance and the day after that, nothing at all will happen.

 

I really envy you! I got hired with my city with 8 other great guys out of more than 100 others who tried out. I was 41 at the time (everyone else was in their early 20's). Unfortunately I blew my knee out three weeks before graduating and although I made it, I was on light duty for as long as I could milk it before having to give it up... only thing I ever was forced to quit in my life. I still would not trade the experience for anything-

I wish I could give you some seasoned advice as these guys can. The only two things I can tell you is to always ask for as much training from your crew as you can... they will respect you for wanting to learn and they know they can count on you when it's time. Also, you are a little older (funny I should say that) so you have to learn to be humble... you are going to be the "kitchen B--ch" for probably some time to all different ages!

I'm still jealous... good luck-

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I understand the game of office politics, they are everywhere to some degree. I am not one to voice my opinion in public, or question policies and proceedures. I am not one who knows it all (I hate those people). I enjoy learning, I love physicall challanges and activities no matter how hard. I am very excited. I also have some friends of the family in Fire and Rescue so I understand most calls are auto/medical problems/false alarms/ and occassionally a structure fire, and Im fine with that. Oh and as far as dont leave anyone behind not a problem Im a FORMER MARINE I dont know how to leave people behind . I am a little olderand I have more wear and tear than most so that is a concern of mine, at the same time I have worked out for 15 years and am in pretty good shape I jog 2-3 times a week and thats my only concern is the wheels breaking down. Anyway thanks again guys and I will keep you posted.

pcgym, Im sorry to hear about your situation sir I only hope you found something yu enjoy doing. I also would like to add atleast you can always say you gave it your best. I respect any man who goes down with a fight. Heck many people wouldnt have even tried. Good luck to you sir. Ryan.

 

holy cow, i couldnt of said it better!!!

 

Learn to read smoke. Thick black and billowing, I refuse to enter.

Being a volunteer, idk about full timers, I can refuse to enter a building if I believe my life is at risk.

Learn the trucks themselves. You don't want the Chief to ask for a spanner wrench and you have to look through every compartment to find one.

And lastly, look for the hose stretcher, it will help you tons!

 

everything is very good advise. here is a good web site for you to keep in mind http://www.firefighterclosecalls.com it was stated above 2in 2out, but also remember to never leave your crew (meaning never go off by your self) and NEVER leave a Brother behind!!!! also if your told to do something unsafe dont hesitate to say NO (but know what is unsafe and what is nerve wracking), i know you may be worried about you job, but your life is more inportant than your job.....

 

I have entered many apartments and house's with thick black smoke simply to find an empty pot on the stove melting off the teflon coating and nylon handle.

Food for thought?