Any advice for an up and coming fire fighter?

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Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on December 22, 2008 at 7:35am

1st....Congratulations....its great to see a new future Brother enter the Fire Service....My favorite advice is the three ups rule...That would be.....Show up.....Keep up....and last but far from least ....Shut up.....Learn where everthing and I do mean everything is on every truck...AND HOW TO USE IT...and don't be scarce when there is work to be done around the firehouse......and grow a thick skin.....My first Chief told me not to take anything personal...."They only pick on you if they like you" (Boy, was I ever liked) LOL...Stay safe and remember to always keep the faith......Paul

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Permalink Reply by Oldman on December 22, 2008 at 7:52am

Congratulations Curtis

Paul's advice is is about as good as it gets, esp the shut up part. Far too many come out of the academy with the "I know it all" syndrome. What is studied in the academy mainly comes out of a book, and the fire or a patient never read the book.

Don't "tell" me what you can do, "show" me. It will take a little time for your crew members to develop confidence in your abilities. Whether it is mopping the floor, or fighting fire, your actions (or lack of) will speak volumes. Don't be afraid to make a mistake, because you will. When you do, admit it and learn from it.

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Permalink Reply by Dennis Brown on December 22, 2008 at 8:11am

Congrats just do the job to the best of your abilitie and learn all that you can good luck and be safe

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Permalink Reply by T.J. on December 22, 2008 at 9:50am

Congrats:)
Listen to others and Don't be a know it all, and respect all the other's.

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Permalink Reply by Jay Nicholson on December 22, 2008 at 10:14am

My fav advice. 2 ears 2 eyes 1 mouth. You need to look and listen 4 times more than you talk. Don't ever be afraid to ask questions though.

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Permalink Reply by FIRE BEAR on December 22, 2008 at 12:24pm

CONGRATE ON YOUR JOB JUST PAY ATTETION TO ALL THE FF THAT WAS THERE BEFORE YOU. I AGREE LEARN WHERE EVRYTHING IS ON THE TRUCKS
. I HATE BEING AT A SCENE AND SENDING A NEW GUY TO THE TRUCK AND HE LOOKS AT ME AND GOES WHERES IT AT BUT MOST OF KEEP QUIET YOULL LEARN ALOT MORE PAYING ATTENTION GOOD LUCK STAY SAFE AND WELCOME TO A NEW BRO

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Permalink Reply by Gordon "Gopher" Runer on December 22, 2008 at 1:07pm

I know that I'm not a veteran by any means and am "just a volunteer" but the biggest thing that i have learned is to not be afraid to ask questions. Most guys are more than happy to teach as long as you show them that you are willing to learn. Congratulations and best of luck.

Gopher

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Permalink Reply by CHRIS on December 22, 2008 at 1:56pm

you are not "just a volunteer" anyone who says that ought to get kicked in the arse. We are all Firefighters We are all Equals

we all do the same job wether we get paid or not

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Permalink Reply by Steve on December 22, 2008 at 1:42pm

Learn from your brothers who have been doing this a long time. Also never lose your respect for those who have come before you.

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Permalink Reply by CHRIS on December 22, 2008 at 1:54pm

Listen to everything everyone is saying, dont go around thinking you know everything cuase you dont, no one does, there is always something to be learned, always.

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Permalink Reply by Engineco913 on December 22, 2008 at 1:58pm

Eyes open and mouth shut, Best advise I can give you

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Permalink Reply by leigh anderson on December 22, 2008 at 2:06pm

i am new too, and everything that is has been mentioned is true! haha! I would add "smiling" to that- keeping a happy attitude, and the upbeat work ethic, this has been passed on to me. it's like being adopted into a new family. and learn yer truck, territories and 'what they do.' the rest comes will fall into place. be confident in yer actions-when you make a desicion, try and stick to it; but pay attention too, take other's that "have been there" advice before your own, if offered. Congratulation fer makin it!

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