Thanks for the tips! I was recently hired on as a full time firefighter. Our academy starts March 29th! I'm nervous but very excited for the opportunity. I've been working really hard on tip #1. This career has really motivated me to take my health seriously, and I've lost 65lbs so far. Ran a mile without stopping for the first time in my life, LOL. I've got a ways to go still, but I WILL reach my goals! Your videos have helped my through the entire process, and I appreciate your time making them.
@@jvionsmith3619 Hey, thanks for asking. Worked full-time for two months know as a driver for the "first 4010, our primary fire truck". Worked 24h shifts and it's going great!
I have worked in kitchens for 16 years, I am done with the restaurant industry. I have decided to try for firefighting, and your videos have been the biggest help. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us.
Make sure you're either okay with EMS, riding the Ambulance, or the departments you're looking at don't run EMS. These days most FDs are glorified EMTs. I did not know that and I hate it. There are also a lot of mind games and firehouses can be some of the most socially toxic workplaces.
I think this is spot on. My only addition would be that when it comes to fitness, that it is not the ONLY thing that you need to focus on. So often I see people who are a good shape, or average shape, fully capable to do the job, continue to work out at the expense of other skills. It is important to understand that all your skills are important. You need to be fit physically and mentally. Don't lift weights at the expense of lifting text books. Find time for both.
As a new fire academy member, I can appreciate everything you’re saying but the one thing that is not cool, is yelling at an adult as an adult. We are not you’re children and not are you our parent. I understand that in tense situations emotions may rise (worked Code Blue’s for an hospital for 10yrs) but how you handle yourself under pressure is your issue not any new FF. That’s just ridiculous and gives a license to any senior FF to say whatever they want. Not cool. But other than that, I appreciate your vids so please keep them coming!
I'm a Portuguese volunteer firefighter I just now won my contract I was the best I could all year they just told me I was going to start April first as a contracted pro I'm 40 so this wasn't easy being the new guy at 40... But guess what the spot is mine (I'm volunteer since 17, but just decided to take it serious last year and was out for 10 years )
I am a brand new full time firefighter and I am glad I stumbled upon this channel. Im going to do my best and just shut my mouth and and soak in as much information as possible. Thank you for the vid
Thank you for your advice and videos Mike! I got hired recently with Orange County fire rescue in Florida. I took some of the advice from your videos and I really believe it helped me with my hiring process and interview!
@@ianclarkkk I’m a volunteer firefighter as of right now and am actively applying to departments for full time. If you have any questions regarding the process let me know!
I love your channel and as an ex Soldier (20 years in the New Zealand Army), I see so much of your advise as relevant and applicable to someone wanting to join a military unit, especially working in a small team!! Out standing stuff!!!
I had a severe tank accident in the British Army, I’m now 42 but currently 25% through the selection process in the UK. I had been in bad shape after the accident but I’ve now lost 10 stone. I still need to get so much fitter and loose more weight, but the physical day is coming fast. Really hope I can get in good shape, then obviously keep working hard everyday until I’d start my training.
Mate this may seem stupid to you, but you've given me a lot of hope. Currently 35, spent 5 years out of the british army (ex RTR) and although I'm enjoying the perks of being a civvy, I'm absolutely hating life career wise. Being a firefighter seems to tick all of the boxes for what I want in a job and am currently keeping an eye on when they're recruiting next. Despite feeling this is the right job for mez I've still got that niggling feeling of if I'm gonna get overlooked because I might be deemed too old. You've really boosted my confidence of whether I'll get considered or not. I really hope you got through recruitment but if not, I hope you keep plugging away at it
Being the first one up after being up all night running medicals is difficult, esp when the senior man on the shift wakes up at 4am. I wake up at 4AM on the dot to this day.
thank you again man! your videos are so informative and also motivating. I just got my EMT cert, but i'm also turning 30 this year. I hope I didn't miss my chance to become a firefighter.
Thank you so much for making these videos, Mike! I'm new to the fire service (currently going through the application process for the first time with no prior experience) and these videos help TREMENDOUSLY. The more I learn, the more I know I was born for this job. I'm so grateful for you and your channel. I take my written exam on the 13th and I've used your videos to study. Thanks, again!
I’m more scared about the interview then the academy. But I’m in a small town in AZ so hopefully they go easy on me 🙏🏻 also you have to be clean shaven??? 👶
I'm a retired volunteer firefighter of 22+ years and served with multiple departments with moving around. Each and every department has done things totally different than the last. My first few departments were in the same county and at that time, I only had a handful of certifications. I moved closer to a city and joined one that did a lot MA calls into the city. There they had training packets for members to complete and also apparatus test to ride on that piece. They had a utility truck and SAR trailer with a gator, engine, tanker, engine/rescue and a duty vehicle. The first year, you're a probie and get limited duties on the fire ground. I kept quiet but asked questions along the way during the time of being a member. I was always wanting to learn more for engine, rescue and tanker ops. In years 2&3, I got everything that I needed in the packets and actually became a secondary training officer as I had more ambition to learn the ways of the department and learning how training was to be done to remain an interior firefighter. I always said before any training night commencement that if you or myself don't know something, ask for help. A lost track of thought can inhibit the outcome of the evolution. This is where we need to make the mistakes so that we can work them out and fix them. The fire ground is not a place to make any mistakes. The phrase practice makes perfect, I don't agree with because you could be practicing it wrong and in turns makes it perfectly wrong. Perfect practice makes perfect so practice perfect every time so that it becomes second nature.
I'm sure many on here have agreed, but I will double down on being the fittest, fastest, and most learned (not most knowledgeable, that will come with experience) person on shift and at your station. This is your job, this is your life for at least the first year. So many new-hires assume everything stops once you get picked up by a department and it's all lifted trucks, selfies, and social media posts in gear. Nothing decreases the day you're hired, it all amplifies. You are nobody when you walk through that door and every decision you make becomes your reputation.
Good luck my freind! I just got back from living in Brazil for three months, shout out to the bombeiros over there getting it done. I interview at my first department tomorrow. Much love from FL 💪
Who else keeps getting these videos in their recommended after watching Fire Department Chronicles' videos? It's like going from a stand up comedy act to a timeshare seminar lol. Good videos, just not even remotely similar lol
I was told I’m socially awkward cause I’m too quiet lol and I don’t know how to continue the conversation unless it’s about learning something on the job 😂
I’m a mail man and my trainer all tells me hey btw make sure my mails on time lol when I leave the station I tell them I don’t want to go but I need to deliver Toms mail tomorrow so blame Tom!
So I'm a 51 year old Volunteer FF in Canada, that has been applying to career departments. Many have told me not to worry about my age . Always looking for opinions. Tony
So thankful for your guidance through these videos! I am in the process of getting hired at my local city department. Id love the opportunity to message/email you directly about a topic you've not covered. Thanks!
So sorry if I’m talking out of my ass. I would imagine that in a firehouse it’s really important for everyone to do certain tasks the same way. A seasoned firefighter doesn’t want to get to a major emergency and find out that things aren’t on the truck the same way they have been all along and they now have to figure it out when seconds count in a very big way. If you’re not doing the job their way and they have to keep track of you and make sure you’re safe it’s taking away from their ability to do their jobs the most efficiently they can.
How much of a disadvantage are you in for trying to get hired when your not a military veteran? Seems very difficult to get in without being a vet, especially here in the northeast
In my experience the reason why people fresh out of fire school don’t like to be wrong because they think their work in class was useless and goes unnoticed by others so they over correct and try to always be right and prove themselves rather than learning
Awesome video Mike, thanks for all your help. Binging your videos as we speak. Out of curiosity, have you ever dealt with an "oral resume" interview? Have an interview coming up in which we're given 5 minutes to present an "oral resume" utilizing a whiteboard/flipchart if we desire. Not sure entirely how to approach that one. Thanks again!
Hey mate, love the channel, I’m an aspiring firefighter over in Australia, two fun little questions. What are your thoughts on the European style firefighting helmets compared to the US? And your thoughts on the Scania trucks compared to US style trucks? Any thoughts or opinions? Anyway thanks again, the channel is a great resource.
Most American firefighters I know DESPISE Euro helmets. My Captain once seen us from the watch office trying on a demo MSA Euro Style helmet and he yelled on the intercom for us to "take that sh*t off in my station"....
@@dylanstewart2964 I always hear that but I've yet to see any data or studies that prove they are safer. But I also haven't went out and researched it to verify that claim. But quite frankly that's because me and my guys would never be caught dead wearing one. The ones we have work and look good while representing the tradition of the US fire service. What's killing US firefighters is cancer, suicides and heart attacks. I'll worry about how unsafe my helmet is when a majority of line of duty deaths are caused by head injuries. To me it just seems like a solution looking for a problem. But anyways, cheers mate. Keep up the good work trying to become an Aussie FF, these videos are a great place to start!
I will be a Firefighter / EMT, and I'd like to think I'm fairly fit I run 6 min miles, 12-16 wide pull ups, 20-30 push-ups BUT I have 15 tattoos (full sleeve + hand and fingers) What are the chances I will be put aside for my ink? CA area. Thanks in advance
4 years after retirement…… what I miss the most The guys at the kitchen table The advice I would always give new guys…. “Never overlook the opportunity to keep your mouth shut”
I do not know where to ask this question though this may be slightly off topic. We have several individuals that would like to be fire auxiliary, that is they have no wish to be firemen, we are a volunteer department, yet they wish to help the fire department. What are things these folks could do to be helpful/useful/involved without having to be full fledge members?
Question, and I mean this in the most humble way possible I’m just anxious for my interview. If I have a 4 year degree and played division one baseball as well as 911 dispatch experience will that raise my stock in the eyes of the guys interviewing me?
IMO the dispatch experience is a little bit of a leg up but I think personality and following instructions goes a lot further. I’m interested in the outcome of the interview.
Love the channel man, what about tattoos? Cover them up obviously but as health care workers like nurses can now have tattoos. Is that the same with Fire?
In varies from dept to dept. in my department you are allowed to have tattoos showing (having provided that they are not offensive) I know other departments that do a swim test just so they can see your tattoos. The majority of the departments now just require you to cover them at work but tattoos are starting to be more acceptable in the fire service. At least from what I see.
Agreed. The most useful trait is the ability to learn and be humble enough to know that there are veterans who have been there and done that. Just shut up and listen to to them, it might just save your ass one day or someone else's.
I am taking my degree in fire science I'm 31 about to be 32 I was young and dumb and thought it was party time didnt care about work and school up till a year or two ago will that stop me from joining the fire service?
Once you’ve paid your dues, and someday when you’re in charge, you can make changes and do it your way. Till then, sit down, listen, study and speak when spoken to. If you’re not a yes man, then you’re probably not a good fit.
Hiiii, my name is Elie, I'm 16 and I would like to be a Firefighter later on. I have a question. If you wanna be a Firefighter, but you do not have any personal life experience that actually aspire you to be a Firefighter. Will that have a negative effect on you during the interview?
Thank you for so much great contact. I have a question - I would really like to become a firefighter but am at the age of 50. Is this too old to get started in the process to become a firefighter in San Francisco? Or could I work at HQ? What advice could you give to point me in the right direction? Thank You
I would agree with everything except the lynchpin. It's not that your specific advice is bad, it isn't. But if you are an administrator of any level and there is someone on your team that is indispensible, you have a serious issue and need to fix it. That person deserves to be able to go on vacation, or they could find a new job, or they have a sick day... you need to make sure that things will function all the time, even when that person isn't there. Or... you need to be able to give a promotion to someone who deserves it. I see too often in business, there are people that are so important in their role that they can't be given a deserved promotion because you can't afford to lose them and their specialized knowledge. But... if you are the guy constantly improving things, providing what is needed and helping others get to where they can do it too... THAT is the guy I want and want to reward.
Good afternoon sir. I have found this information very informative and very spot on. I am going to challenge our Officers to adopt these basic principles on retention to help the new firefighters. Stay safe and feel free to reach out to me. 👍👍👍
Any age limits you will run into are usually Department based, not State based. I completed my fire 1 certification (Wisconsin) at 56, and had someone in the class that was 72, who did not finish due to injury.
I am retired after 38 years on the job and the best thing that any firefighter with at least two years or less on the job should do is keep their ears open and their mouths shut. Prove yourself by what you do not what you say. God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason. These cities do hire people for the wrong reasons though. That is damaging if/when they get to the companies.
Hey, I am a Freshman, about to turn 15 in October of this year. I am aspiring to becoming a fireman. Genuinely, and am unclear of the process of what I must take during highschool, and after highschool. My counselor been talking about signing a working paper of some sort for part time thing? Not sure what my counselor said but.. do you know what I should be doing at this current moment if I'm looking to become a fire fighter in the future? I also heard there's a one year gap between college and highschool so I was planning on maybe joining a fire academy for a couple months before college.
If you're serious about becoming a firefighter, start getting in shape now, the sooner the better. Get as fit as you can. After high school enroll in an emt program, pass, take the nremt, get certified. From there it can vary depending where you're looking to get hired but where I live they wanna see that you have emt experience and that you're doing productive things in your offtime when applying for fire. Some places like LA expect you to be full paramedic before they even consider hiring you. Some others prefer you be an emt first and then they send you to medic school later on. Not sure where you heard about a one year gap, you can take as many years as you want before college, or not go at all. In fact if you wanna be a firefighter as soon as possible don't go at all, or get something quick like a trade degree which can make you more hireable
Look into an Explorer (or possibly Junior FireFighter) program at your local Fire Department. It is a good way to get an idea of what the Fire Service entails without spending money to get certified first. Some High Schools partner with local departments or community colleges and allow Seniors to take EMT or FF certification classes while in High School, with the caveat that you can't become fully certified until after you turn 18 (this is State dependent).
Yes. It doesn’t matter I came to a new department with 20 years & the senior guys new me. I’m humble but new guy was told to zip it. I learned more about drafting cause u never did it a lot I did do it. . Just not a lot. I was 43 & got my academy class but had my fire 1/2 already with experience. So Ems was even more so. Maybe I was the wrong 1. But my Capt had multiple accidents & I had 3 decades so I let him talk. I did do my best but had my old calls. Lol. Experience. & I did talk zzz. Ptsd. Now noticed. But no one could step up when shit hit the fan. Line guy @ 54 I kept up w my 21 yrs old. I’m 170-180 in good shape. Decades of city Ems exp no one care @ new Dept. Sons a Usmc Officer & he said they’re fkd ! So take it from me. Give m take senior guys aren’t all bad. Be safe ! N go home 👨🏻🚒🇺🇸
I went through a 10 month academy at 50 years old. It was physically easy buy mentally not that easy. Thick skin is one thing but coming from a college background and running a big construction company it was a wake up call. Dealing with firefighters isn't easy. I'm in a big city and got assigned to a slow station. It's boring as hell. Yes I make a little money but I am bored as hell. They don't train or workout daily. Have any questions hit me up.
Community outreach: if your department serves a poor inner city demographic, try to get the youth to join the explorers program. Give the kids an option for their future.
Thanks for the tips! I was recently hired on as a full time firefighter. Our academy starts March 29th! I'm nervous but very excited for the opportunity. I've been working really hard on tip #1. This career has really motivated me to take my health seriously, and I've lost 65lbs so far. Ran a mile without stopping for the first time in my life, LOL. I've got a ways to go still, but I WILL reach my goals! Your videos have helped my through the entire process, and I appreciate your time making them.
Gratz man, I'm 22, finish the 2 year firefighter education in may and start working full time in june
@@neurflerat2693 how’s everything going now?
@@jvionsmith3619 Hey, thanks for asking. Worked full-time for two months know as a driver for the "first 4010, our primary fire truck". Worked 24h shifts and it's going great!
@@neurflerat2693 did you go through the cadet program? If so how would you describe it?
@@jvionsmith3619 Can't help you there as it's completely different here in Sweden.
I have worked in kitchens for 16 years, I am done with the restaurant industry. I have decided to try for firefighting, and your videos have been the biggest help. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us.
Make sure you're either okay with EMS, riding the Ambulance, or the departments you're looking at don't run EMS.
These days most FDs are glorified EMTs.
I did not know that and I hate it.
There are also a lot of mind games and firehouses can be some of the most socially toxic workplaces.
@@hansblitz7770 How you doing now Hans? Read your comments on here bud
I hope that your endeavors are going well and you're succeeding.
Im 23 I’m tired of the restaurant industry to gonna try and be a firefighter too!!!
How is it going man!
I think this is spot on. My only addition would be that when it comes to fitness, that it is not the ONLY thing that you need to focus on. So often I see people who are a good shape, or average shape, fully capable to do the job, continue to work out at the expense of other skills. It is important to understand that all your skills are important. You need to be fit physically and mentally. Don't lift weights at the expense of lifting text books. Find time for both.
As a new fire academy member, I can appreciate everything you’re saying but the one thing that is not cool, is yelling at an adult as an adult. We are not you’re children and not are you our parent. I understand that in tense situations emotions may rise (worked Code Blue’s for an hospital for 10yrs) but how you handle yourself under pressure is your issue not any new FF. That’s just ridiculous and gives a license to any senior FF to say whatever they want. Not cool. But other than that, I appreciate your vids so please keep them coming!
Appreciate the videos man! Got my CPAT coming up been training hard twice a day. These videos keep me motivated and hungry. I’m gonna go get this.
Go get it man u got this
how’d it go?
You make it man?!
I'm a Portuguese volunteer firefighter I just now won my contract I was the best I could all year they just told me I was going to start April first as a contracted pro I'm 40 so this wasn't easy being the new guy at 40... But guess what the spot is mine (I'm volunteer since 17, but just decided to take it serious last year and was out for 10 years )
I just got hired full-time onto a department.
I'm the new guy at 57!
I am a brand new full time firefighter and I am glad I stumbled upon this channel. Im going to do my best and just shut my mouth and and soak in as much information as possible. Thank you for the vid
Thank you for your advice and videos Mike! I got hired recently with Orange County fire rescue in Florida. I took some of the advice from your videos and I really believe it helped me with my hiring process and interview!
Phenomenal tutorial of which I’m sharing with other fire departments. Thanks for your selfless sacrifices. We love you.
Thanks for this, awesome as always! Hello from Ontario, Canada. Stay safe.
Do you work for the city of Toronto? Because I’m actually going to Seneca for pre service fire fighter in September
Same here - are you volunteer?
@@ianclarkkk I’m a volunteer firefighter as of right now and am actively applying to departments for full time. If you have any questions regarding the process let me know!
@@pr0l397 Yes I’m a volunteer! Are you pursuing full time?
@@haileygreen2733 Yes, very aggressively. You?
I love your channel and as an ex Soldier (20 years in the New Zealand Army), I see so much of your advise as relevant and applicable to someone wanting to join a military unit, especially working in a small team!! Out standing stuff!!!
I had a severe tank accident in the British Army, I’m now 42 but currently 25% through the selection process in the UK. I had been in bad shape after the accident but I’ve now lost 10 stone. I still need to get so much fitter and loose more weight, but the physical day is coming fast. Really hope I can get in good shape, then obviously keep working hard everyday until I’d start my training.
Mate this may seem stupid to you, but you've given me a lot of hope. Currently 35, spent 5 years out of the british army (ex RTR) and although I'm enjoying the perks of being a civvy, I'm absolutely hating life career wise. Being a firefighter seems to tick all of the boxes for what I want in a job and am currently keeping an eye on when they're recruiting next. Despite feeling this is the right job for mez I've still got that niggling feeling of if I'm gonna get overlooked because I might be deemed too old. You've really boosted my confidence of whether I'll get considered or not. I really hope you got through recruitment but if not, I hope you keep plugging away at it
Being the first one up after being up all night running medicals is difficult, esp when the senior man on the shift wakes up at 4am.
I wake up at 4AM on the dot to this day.
thank you again man! your videos are so informative and also motivating. I just got my EMT cert, but i'm also turning 30 this year. I hope I didn't miss my chance to become a firefighter.
It’s not too late. There are plenty of firefighters who got hired in their 30s. Just don’t waste any more time.
Thank you so much for making these videos, Mike! I'm new to the fire service (currently going through the application process for the first time with no prior experience) and these videos help TREMENDOUSLY. The more I learn, the more I know I was born for this job. I'm so grateful for you and your channel. I take my written exam on the 13th and I've used your videos to study. Thanks, again!
Thank you so much you’ve helped me prepare for my interview tomorrow more than I ever thought I’d be prepared!
Good luck Samantha! Let me know how it goes!
I’m more scared about the interview then the academy. But I’m in a small town in AZ so hopefully they go easy on me 🙏🏻 also you have to be clean shaven??? 👶
I'm using this video for my High School ROP course. It's spot on.
Hope it’s not too late to enjoy this video! Loved it.
Im thinking of joining the fire brigade as a retainer in Scotland. Your videos have helped me more than you know. Thank you.
I'm a retired volunteer firefighter of 22+ years and served with multiple departments with moving around. Each and every department has done things totally different than the last. My first few departments were in the same county and at that time, I only had a handful of certifications. I moved closer to a city and joined one that did a lot MA calls into the city. There they had training packets for members to complete and also apparatus test to ride on that piece. They had a utility truck and SAR trailer with a gator, engine, tanker, engine/rescue and a duty vehicle. The first year, you're a probie and get limited duties on the fire ground. I kept quiet but asked questions along the way during the time of being a member. I was always wanting to learn more for engine, rescue and tanker ops. In years 2&3, I got everything that I needed in the packets and actually became a secondary training officer as I had more ambition to learn the ways of the department and learning how training was to be done to remain an interior firefighter. I always said before any training night commencement that if you or myself don't know something, ask for help. A lost track of thought can inhibit the outcome of the evolution. This is where we need to make the mistakes so that we can work them out and fix them. The fire ground is not a place to make any mistakes. The phrase practice makes perfect, I don't agree with because you could be practicing it wrong and in turns makes it perfectly wrong. Perfect practice makes perfect so practice perfect every time so that it becomes second nature.
In the Academy now! Thanks for the tips
Graduating from the academy this month! Hows the firemen life 3 years later since you wrote this?
I'm trying really hard to get into wildland firefighting. Thank you so much for all your help and advice!
I'm sure many on here have agreed, but I will double down on being the fittest, fastest, and most learned (not most knowledgeable, that will come with experience) person on shift and at your station. This is your job, this is your life for at least the first year. So many new-hires assume everything stops once you get picked up by a department and it's all lifted trucks, selfies, and social media posts in gear. Nothing decreases the day you're hired, it all amplifies. You are nobody when you walk through that door and every decision you make becomes your reputation.
Videos very helpful. Tired of physical security and looking for something new
Sou do Brazil e em 26 de fevereiro começarei o curso de formação de soldado bombeiro. Teus vídeos são ótimos!
Good luck my freind! I just got back from living in Brazil for three months, shout out to the bombeiros over there getting it done. I interview at my first department tomorrow. Much love from FL 💪
@Van-nk4ee obrigado amigo! Tenho notícias: concluí o treinamento e agora sou soldado! Foi difícil, mas completei!
Who else keeps getting these videos in their recommended after watching Fire Department Chronicles' videos? It's like going from a stand up comedy act to a timeshare seminar lol. Good videos, just not even remotely similar lol
I was told I’m socially awkward cause I’m too quiet lol and I don’t know how to continue the conversation unless it’s about learning something on the job 😂
When's the video on B - jobs coming out?
I’m a mail man and my trainer all tells me hey btw make sure my mails on time lol when I leave the station I tell them I don’t want to go but I need to deliver Toms mail tomorrow so blame Tom!
Thanks for these videos, and keep 'em coming! They're really informative. I'm going to get EMT certified after I graduate this year, wish me luck! :)
You got this 👍
Good job, brother, from a retired fire chief
All great advice! I will be sharing this where needed. A phrase I always used was "Shut up and be teachable."
So I'm a 51 year old Volunteer FF in Canada, that has been applying to career departments. Many have told me not to worry about my age . Always looking for opinions. Tony
Ever get on a department full time?
Bamm! Thanks for sharing this golden nuggets!
Thank you sir ❤️🙏
So thankful for your guidance through these videos! I am in the process of getting hired at my local city department. Id love the opportunity to message/email you directly about a topic you've not covered. Thanks!
Thx for the info
Thanks for all these videos you take time to make 👍
So sorry if I’m talking out of my ass. I would imagine that in a firehouse it’s really important for everyone to do certain tasks the same way. A seasoned firefighter doesn’t want to get to a major emergency and find out that things aren’t on the truck the same way they have been all along and they now have to figure it out when seconds count in a very big way. If you’re not doing the job their way and they have to keep track of you and make sure you’re safe it’s taking away from their ability to do their jobs the most efficiently they can.
I'm starting as a junior in 11 days 😁
Thank you sir
How much of a disadvantage are you in for trying to get hired when your not a military veteran? Seems very difficult to get in without being a vet, especially here in the northeast
I'm a vet and they 100% don't give a shit if you served. Unless you're a medic with fire II, hazmat & afre you're fucked.
Well major cities u get 10 points and that makes a ton of a difference
@@JamesDBlanc Really? They didn't even put into account of your service in the selection process?
Each department is different. Some put more emphasis on hiring veterans than others.
There’s always Houston, TX.
Great video, very helpful...thanks...be safe!!
The modern warfare lobby’s have prepared me for this
Thank you, Sir!
You give great information 👍
In my experience the reason why people fresh out of fire school don’t like to be wrong because they think their work in class was useless and goes unnoticed by others so they over correct and try to always be right and prove themselves rather than learning
Thank you sir.
These lessons apply to all careers.
Awesome video Mike, thanks for all your help. Binging your videos as we speak. Out of curiosity, have you ever dealt with an "oral resume" interview? Have an interview coming up in which we're given 5 minutes to present an "oral resume" utilizing a whiteboard/flipchart if we desire. Not sure entirely how to approach that one. Thanks again!
Thank You
You have some good points but not everybody is doing this for paychecks, meaning their volunteers!
Hey mate, love the channel, I’m an aspiring firefighter over in Australia, two fun little questions.
What are your thoughts on the European style firefighting helmets compared to the US?
And your thoughts on the Scania trucks compared to US style trucks? Any thoughts or opinions?
Anyway thanks again, the channel is a great resource.
Most American firefighters I know DESPISE Euro helmets. My Captain once seen us from the watch office trying on a demo MSA Euro Style helmet and he yelled on the intercom for us to "take that sh*t off in my station"....
@@caffeinecarcinogens313 they seem to have an obvious superiority in safety, I don’t understand the reluctance. Thanks for your insight
@@dylanstewart2964 I always hear that but I've yet to see any data or studies that prove they are safer. But I also haven't went out and researched it to verify that claim. But quite frankly that's because me and my guys would never be caught dead wearing one. The ones we have work and look good while representing the tradition of the US fire service. What's killing US firefighters is cancer, suicides and heart attacks. I'll worry about how unsafe my helmet is when a majority of line of duty deaths are caused by head injuries. To me it just seems like a solution looking for a problem. But anyways, cheers mate. Keep up the good work trying to become an Aussie FF, these videos are a great place to start!
Leather forever! coming from a OG. As someone else said I haven't seen anything about lids killing or injuring fireman any more or less here or there.
I will be a Firefighter / EMT, and I'd like to think I'm fairly fit I run 6 min miles, 12-16 wide pull ups, 20-30 push-ups BUT I have 15 tattoos (full sleeve + hand and fingers) What are the chances I will be put aside for my ink? CA area. Thanks in advance
It probably depends from department to department
4 years after retirement…… what I miss the most
The guys at the kitchen table
The advice I would always give new guys…. “Never overlook the opportunity to keep your mouth shut”
I do not know where to ask this question though this may be slightly off topic. We have several individuals that would like to be fire auxiliary, that is they have no wish to be firemen, we are a volunteer department, yet they wish to help the fire department. What are things these folks could do to be helpful/useful/involved without having to be full fledge members?
Question, and I mean this in the most humble way possible I’m just anxious for my interview.
If I have a 4 year degree and played division one baseball as well as 911 dispatch experience will that raise my stock in the eyes of the guys interviewing me?
Could you have gone pro in baseball?
IMO the dispatch experience is a little bit of a leg up but I think personality and following instructions goes a lot further.
I’m interested in the outcome of the interview.
Thanks you
Love the channel man, what about tattoos? Cover them up obviously but as health care workers like nurses can now have tattoos.
Is that the same with Fire?
In varies from dept to dept. in my department you are allowed to have tattoos showing (having provided that they are not offensive) I know other departments that do a swim test just so they can see your tattoos. The majority of the departments now just require you to cover them at work but tattoos are starting to be more acceptable in the fire service. At least from what I see.
Agreed. The most useful trait is the ability to learn and be humble enough to know that there are veterans who have been there and done that. Just shut up and listen to to them, it might just save your ass one day or someone else's.
I am taking my degree in fire science I'm 31 about to be 32 I was young and dumb and thought it was party time didnt care about work and school up till a year or two ago will that stop me from joining the fire service?
Depends in Philadelphia pa they have a test every 4 years and as long as u have a high school diploma and get a 100 then u may get on
Once you’ve paid your dues, and someday when you’re in charge, you can make changes and do it your way. Till then, sit down, listen, study and speak when spoken to. If you’re not a yes man, then you’re probably not a good fit.
Thank you for the awesome vids
Will you be posting? And you stopped sending emails too...
whats funny is I'll already know the people in my department because my dad works there
Awesome
For the first year, you are the hose stretcher.
Is 35 to late to start?
Nope!
I'm 52 is it to late to start firefighter career
Hiiii, my name is Elie, I'm 16 and I would like to be a Firefighter later on.
I have a question. If you wanna be a Firefighter, but you do not have any personal life experience that actually aspire you to be a Firefighter. Will that have a negative effect on you during the interview?
Nope not at all!
Thank you for so much great contact. I have a question - I would really like to become a firefighter but am at the age of 50. Is this too old to get started in the process to become a firefighter in San Francisco? Or could I work at HQ? What advice could you give to point me in the right direction? Thank You
I would agree with everything except the lynchpin. It's not that your specific advice is bad, it isn't. But if you are an administrator of any level and there is someone on your team that is indispensible, you have a serious issue and need to fix it. That person deserves to be able to go on vacation, or they could find a new job, or they have a sick day... you need to make sure that things will function all the time, even when that person isn't there. Or... you need to be able to give a promotion to someone who deserves it. I see too often in business, there are people that are so important in their role that they can't be given a deserved promotion because you can't afford to lose them and their specialized knowledge.
But... if you are the guy constantly improving things, providing what is needed and helping others get to where they can do it too... THAT is the guy I want and want to reward.
Good afternoon sir. I have found this information very informative and very spot on. I am going to challenge our Officers to adopt these basic principles on retention to help the new firefighters. Stay safe and feel free to reach out to me. 👍👍👍
Dinner time is the best
What are some tips you'd give women going into the fire service?
Hope you can clean and cook lol
@@dereckdintz7524 😂
Are there age limits for fire fighters? I am almost 46. How can I find out if my state has age limits?
Any age limits you will run into are usually Department based, not State based. I completed my fire 1 certification (Wisconsin) at 56, and had someone in the class that was 72, who did not finish due to injury.
Thank you!
I am retired after 38 years on the job and the best thing that any firefighter with at least two years or less on the job should do is keep their ears open and their mouths shut. Prove yourself by what you do not what you say. God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason. These cities do hire people for the wrong reasons though. That is damaging if/when they get to the companies.
It’s not even fun to be around a group of guys who don’t razz each other lol
Hey, I am a Freshman, about to turn 15 in October of this year. I am aspiring to becoming a fireman. Genuinely, and am unclear of the process of what I must take during highschool, and after highschool. My counselor been talking about signing a working paper of some sort for part time thing? Not sure what my counselor said but.. do you know what I should be doing at this current moment if I'm looking to become a fire fighter in the future? I also heard there's a one year gap between college and highschool so I was planning on maybe joining a fire academy for a couple months before college.
If you're serious about becoming a firefighter, start getting in shape now, the sooner the better. Get as fit as you can. After high school enroll in an emt program, pass, take the nremt, get certified. From there it can vary depending where you're looking to get hired but where I live they wanna see that you have emt experience and that you're doing productive things in your offtime when applying for fire. Some places like LA expect you to be full paramedic before they even consider hiring you. Some others prefer you be an emt first and then they send you to medic school later on.
Not sure where you heard about a one year gap, you can take as many years as you want before college, or not go at all. In fact if you wanna be a firefighter as soon as possible don't go at all, or get something quick like a trade degree which can make you more hireable
Look into an Explorer (or possibly Junior FireFighter) program at your local Fire Department. It is a good way to get an idea of what the Fire Service entails without spending money to get certified first. Some High Schools partner with local departments or community colleges and allow Seniors to take EMT or FF certification classes while in High School, with the caveat that you can't become fully certified until after you turn 18 (this is State dependent).
Yes. It doesn’t matter I came to a new department with 20 years & the senior guys new me. I’m humble but new guy was told to zip it. I learned more about drafting cause u never did it a lot I did do it. . Just not a lot. I was 43 & got my academy class but had my fire 1/2 already with experience. So Ems was even more so. Maybe I was the wrong 1. But my Capt had multiple accidents & I had 3 decades so I let him talk. I did do my best but had my old calls. Lol. Experience. & I did talk zzz. Ptsd. Now noticed. But no one could step up when shit hit the fan. Line guy @ 54 I kept up w my 21 yrs old. I’m 170-180 in good shape. Decades of city Ems exp no one care @ new Dept. Sons a Usmc Officer & he said they’re fkd ! So take it from me. Give m take senior guys aren’t all bad. Be safe ! N go home 👨🏻🚒🇺🇸
“I do not aim to offend, nor am I easily offended” Bruce Lee. I think lol
Cause they do...and they need to learn their not...
More like cluster b personality disorders
Whew, this one got me good lmao
Just be quiet and intake all the information.
I went through a 10 month academy at 50 years old. It was physically easy buy mentally not that easy. Thick skin is one thing but coming from a college background and running a big construction company it was a wake up call. Dealing with firefighters isn't easy. I'm in a big city and got assigned to a slow station. It's boring as hell. Yes I make a little money but I am bored as hell. They don't train or workout daily. Have any questions hit me up.
Why do you desecrate our flag? That’s a bad road to go down sir
Community outreach: if your department serves a poor inner city demographic, try to get the youth to join the explorers program. Give the kids an option for their future.
Couldn’t agree more. This goes for poor rural places too - show youth there are better options and opportunities!