Thank You, for all of your videos. Your videos are helping me prepare to become a firefighter. I am trying to get on the department in my home town as a Volunteer and your advice has helped me be better prepared for my Oral exam and mentally what is needed to do this job. I really appreciate you taking the time to make these videos and encourage all who watch to be the best we can be.
Hi Jason, you are welcome and thank you for the nice words. That means a lot. Good luck on becoming a volunteer and please keep me posted on your progress. Talk soon, Dean
What if I want to move from state to state? Is it going to be impossible to learn 900 street names every time? Do ffs learn street names nowadays or do they rely on the GPS in order to not have to memorize street names by heart
I know this video was made a while ago, but it is really helpful. I'm not yet old enough to be a firefighter , but I'm working on the physical aspects of the job. I have wanted to be a firefighter ever since I was little, but I was told that only men can be firefighters, I now know that that is not true, but I also know that I will have to work really hard. I want to be better than five year old me though I could ever be. It will take alot of work, but I will push myself to be the best I can possibly be. If you have any advice for teenage girls that want to be firefighters, it would be greatly appreciated.
When you are 16, sign up for a fire explorer program near you. They will teach you about the fire service and it's a great way to get started. Also, keep you background clean and do not get into any trouble with the law, drugs, traffic tickets or anything that could cause you to fail the background. Learn to make good decisions using good judgement and you will do well. Thank you, Dean
I'm 18, thinking about my options for my future. On one hand, I want to go to art school for animation, on the other, firefighting is always something I've admired and I'd like to be able to help people. In the past few years I've been doing a bunch of research on it. Problem is, I haven't ever been in any emergency situations to know how my body will respond to the stress and trauma, so I'm not sure if I'm cut out for it. It's a lot of hard work physically and mentally, and you mentioned memorizing street names, which would probably be really hard for me since bad memory runs in my family genetically. I'm kind of at a loss-should I wait a few more years until I feel more mature? Or perhaps go after a different career and revisit firefighting when I feel ready?
Testing candidates to name 500 streets in a city is a good way to get lots of autistic firefighters. Not sure that sort of memorization is the most important thing a recruit should be focused on IMO.
Chief I started my career in the Fire Service this year after serving some time in the US Marines, and serving in Law Enforcement for nearly 10 years. I got into the private sector for 16 years and I finally decided that it was time for me to become a Firefighter. I am in South Carolina and I have my Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician certification. My problem is that I am 47 years old. I think that this may be detrimental to me due to my age and all of the problems that may arise from being in my late 40's and starting a career. I am permanent part time right now at my local Fire Department and they sent me to Firefighter School, so I have all of my SC Firefighter certifications required to be hired anywhere in SC. Do you think that my age would make the Command Staff at any Fire Department take preference over a younger candidate? Another concern of mine is my lack of experience, since I only started in April of this year. Do you have any recommendations Chief?
The question is, are there departments you're testing with that have an age limit? If not, then go for it. We hired a guy who was 51 years old and a Vietnam Vet and in construction for 30 years and decided he wanted to become a firefighter. He is one of the best people I've ever met and a huge asset to the fire department. So, unless there is an upper age limit, go for it. Dean
You probably won''t have an issue if it's controlled completely by medication. However, if you've had an asthma attack in the last 5 years, it could affect you. You will have to contact the HR department with the fire departments you want to apply for and and ask them directly. Thanks for the question. Dean
@@sugadee42 You're welcome. If you can, start doing the stairmaster occasionally too. Be sure to use your albuterol before doing cardio. It should help you.
hi Gooch. long way from St. 2 Sunnymead. Part of mental toughness in the FS career field is "do you really enjoy helping people?" Think about it. You will be doing this for the next 20-35 years or more. That mentality, along with working with great people/crews as the chief mentioned is what gets you through the tough calls/days and to the end of a long rewarding career.
Hey David! I hope all is well! You definitely have to want to help others and make a difference in their lives, otherwise this is not the job to seek. Building mental toughness is different for everyone, because you have to be mentally tough while being empathetic and compassionate at the same time. Having great people to work with and having a great crew definitely helps! Glad to hear from you! Dean
Question. I herniated a disc in my back while I was in the Marines. I served three more years in the infantry pushing through it. I am out now and want to become a firefighter. The injury still bothers me sometimes and the va has offered me surgery. Should I get this taken care of before I jump in or should I start the process of becoming a firefighter and take care of the injury later if it gets worse? I’m afraid that if I get the surgery now, (which is pretty minor actually) it will disqualify me. Aside from this injury I am in great shape. What are your thoughts? Great content, thank you for your time.
Hi Bryan, I wish I could give you a clear answer, but each agency is different when it comes to the medical exam. If they ask if you have any issues with your back and you are not honest, you will probably not pass the medical because they will do an exam and find the herniated disc and you will be out. Your options are to take your chances and see if you'll pass the medical as is, or you can have surgery and see if that increases your ability to perform the job. That's the best I can do since I'm not a doctor and I'm not qualified to give any type of medical advice like this. I would consult your physician and see what the long term prognosis is and ask if you can perform the job after surgery and then go from there. Thanks for the question. Good luck to you. Dean
Tomorrow's Firefighter Dean, thanks for your time and the quick response. That’s great info for me to consider. One way or another I’ll find a way to achieve my goal of becoming a firefighter.
I know this is 5 months old bro but I had the same situation with a torn labrum. Pushed on and got the surgery after I got out, I'm full time in a career department now. Just disclose it from the beginning and it won't be a problem. Semper
Hi Dean, I am about a year away from obtaining by B.S in Kinesiology-Exercise Science. Recently a career as a firefighter/paramedic is something I can surely see myself doing for the rest of my life. I am starting to think my degree will mean absolutely nothing in the fire service. My question is, would it be a good idea to drop and enroll in a community college and use that year to get an A.S. in Fire Technology, EMT. Or stay in school and complete my degree and then get an A.S in Fire Technology and EMT? Would me degree in kinesiology just be a waste of time? Thanks
Your degree in Kinesiology is great. I've hired a number of guys with that degree. You can relate it to phyisical fitness and the physical aspects of the job. Plus, when you take EMT and later on paramedic school, having the anatomy and physiology will help you immensely in both of those courses. You will want to get your EMT as soon as you can, but finish your Bachelor's and stick with the kinesiology. Good luck and thanks for the question. Dean
Dean, there's one little detail you left out of the double shooter situation. Was the scene safe? Situational awareness is a part of mental toughness.I'm sure you left that out as a test for us to pick up on 😉 Awesome content as always.
ky ler_macIntire Scene safety is more of a size-up of the potential hazards on a call rather than the mental toughness he was referring to. I interpreted it as more about having thick skin when being critiqued on your performance and not to take things personally. Also, dealing with traumatic and stressful situations day in and day out can take a toll on someone emotionally, so prioritizing your mental health in this career is paramount 😊
I address situational awareness in my other videos like "The Dallas Shootings." In this video, I wanted to focus more on the mental aspects of the job, not tactics. I want people who are trying to become firefighters to understand that your mental toughness, while not losing your compassion, is one of the keys to your success as a firefighter. I hope you see where I'm coming from on this specific topic. Thanks, Dean
Wendy, you're absolutely right. Good assessment. This is a mentally stressing job, which is why many firefighters, unfortunately, turn to alcohol, drugs and even suicide to cope with what they deal with on a daily basis. I've seen it a hundred times and it's not good. The fire service is starting to do better by providing counseling programs and peer support programs to assist firefighters with mental difficulties. It's still in its infancy stage, but I believe the programs will get better and be more readily available over time. Thanks for the comment. Dean
Should I become a paramedic right away? All the fire departments hiring right now in my state (Oregon) are firefighter/paramedic positions, plus 3 out of the 5 departments that are hiring require all of their firefighters to be paramedics. One thing thats holding me back from becoming a firefighter is I don't know if I would be able to handle trauma, knowing that 90% of the job is medical.
Hey Dean, Handling the trauma, as a Paramedic, is totally in your hands. It's an incredibly responsible job coupled with the training and knowledge you need to not only have, but maintain, is really remarkable. You have to figure our for yourself if it's something you can do. You might ask your local fire department if you can ride along to see what the job is like and that will give you a measure as to how you might to in the job. To become a Paramedic, you need to have EMT as a prerequisite, then you will qualify for medic school. And you're right, many departments are hiring firefighter/paramedics, because it's so expensive to send their people through school now. It's not easy, but you can do it if that is what you really want to do. Good luck to you. Try to do a ride along to see if the job is for you. Thanks for the comment. Dean
I wouldn't postpone getting your medic license. Even if you decide that you don't want to do this job or can't handle it you will still have the valuable information you learned in class.
U.S. Gold Star Families are wondering about this ! Retired NYC Firefighter Rudy Dent Tells the Truth about 9/11!! ua-cam.com/video/yiedW2xwud0/v-deo.html
I just graduated standards last week here in central florida and I am mainly just a little worried about trying to be the best rookie possible in my first year. Your videos have been super helpful so thank you. Do you have an advice for doing well in interviews?
My best advice is to be fully prepared for your interview. It usually takes a couple of months of preparation, reviewing your answers to the various questions and showing the panel why they should hire you and why you want to work for their department. Good luck and keep preparing and you'll do well. Dean
I am seriously considering joining the Houston Fire Department and all of your videos have been super informative. I am a married 24 year old college graduate, that is planning out a career change from my desk job. I have about a year before there is an opening for the Civil Service Exam and I am trying to absorb as much knowledge as possible before I start the process officially. Besides working on my physical fitness, what else do I need to be working on to be prepared?
Hey Ryan, It would be a good idea for you to enroll in an EMT class and get your license. Most departments won't allow you to apply without being an EMT first. Then look into where you can take the CPAT test (candidate physical ability test). I would go and practice several times before taking the CPAT, so you are sure you will pass and receive your card. The card is usually good for a year, then you have to retest. Departments also require the CPAT in order to apply. I hope this helps. Dean
Hi chief dean guccione your spot on in your videos I’ve been a volunteer firefighter for two years now and I’m thinking about furthering my career in the fire service can u give me some pointers on what I need to do
I have my interview in a week. I am always so grateful for UA-cam channels like this that give vital info for interviews. Thank you Chief!
How’d it go?
What are application?
So glad that you are posting videos I can actually learn from!
Thanks Jonathan! Much appreciated. Dean
Thank You, for all of your videos. Your videos are helping me prepare to become a firefighter. I am trying to get on the department in my home town as a Volunteer and your advice has helped me be better prepared for my Oral exam and mentally what is needed to do this job. I really appreciate you taking the time to make these videos and encourage all who watch to be the best we can be.
Hi Jason, you are welcome and thank you for the nice words. That means a lot. Good luck on becoming a volunteer and please keep me posted on your progress. Talk soon, Dean
What if I want to move from state to state? Is it going to be impossible to learn 900 street names every time? Do ffs learn street names nowadays or do they rely on the GPS in order to not have to memorize street names by heart
I know this video was made a while ago, but it is really helpful. I'm not yet old enough to be a firefighter , but I'm working on the physical aspects of the job. I have wanted to be a firefighter ever since I was little, but I was told that only men can be firefighters, I now know that that is not true, but I also know that I will have to work really hard. I want to be better than five year old me though I could ever be. It will take alot of work, but I will push myself to be the best I can possibly be. If you have any advice for teenage girls that want to be firefighters, it would be greatly appreciated.
When you are 16, sign up for a fire explorer program near you. They will teach you about the fire service and it's a great way to get started. Also, keep you background clean and do not get into any trouble with the law, drugs, traffic tickets or anything that could cause you to fail the background. Learn to make good decisions using good judgement and you will do well. Thank you, Dean
@@Tomorrowsfirefighter thanks for the tips
Michael.
I'm 18, thinking about my options for my future. On one hand, I want to go to art school for animation, on the other, firefighting is always something I've admired and I'd like to be able to help people. In the past few years I've been doing a bunch of research on it. Problem is, I haven't ever been in any emergency situations to know how my body will respond to the stress and trauma, so I'm not sure if I'm cut out for it. It's a lot of hard work physically and mentally, and you mentioned memorizing street names, which would probably be really hard for me since bad memory runs in my family genetically. I'm kind of at a loss-should I wait a few more years until I feel more mature? Or perhaps go after a different career and revisit firefighting when I feel ready?
go on a ridealong. great way to see if its something you would be interested in or not!
Testing candidates to name 500 streets in a city is a good way to get lots of autistic firefighters. Not sure that sort of memorization is the most important thing a recruit should be focused on IMO.
Chief I started my career in the Fire Service this year after serving some time in the US Marines, and serving in Law Enforcement for nearly 10 years. I got into the private sector for 16 years and I finally decided that it was time for me to become a Firefighter. I am in South Carolina and I have my Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician certification.
My problem is that I am 47 years old.
I think that this may be detrimental to me due to my age and all of the problems that may arise from being in my late 40's and starting a career. I am permanent part time right now at my local Fire Department and they sent me to Firefighter School, so I have all of my SC Firefighter certifications required to be hired anywhere in SC.
Do you think that my age would make the Command Staff at any Fire Department take preference over a younger candidate?
Another concern of mine is my lack of experience, since I only started in April of this year.
Do you have any recommendations Chief?
The question is, are there departments you're testing with that have an age limit? If not, then go for it. We hired a guy who was 51 years old and a Vietnam Vet and in construction for 30 years and decided he wanted to become a firefighter. He is one of the best people I've ever met and a huge asset to the fire department. So, unless there is an upper age limit, go for it. Dean
My Problem is Im 55 and my back is better blown out on a rescue in mid west in 2005 EMT 1553 thank hurricane katrina 4 that one
How does asthma effect you candidacy
You probably won''t have an issue if it's controlled completely by medication. However, if you've had an asthma attack in the last 5 years, it could affect you. You will have to contact the HR department with the fire departments you want to apply for and and ask them directly. Thanks for the question. Dean
Tomorrow's Firefighter im getting it under control with cardio workouts thanks for the feedback dean.
@@sugadee42 You're welcome. If you can, start doing the stairmaster occasionally too. Be sure to use your albuterol before doing cardio. It should help you.
Tomorrow's Firefighter absolutely helps alot
Thank you Mr. Dean
You're welcome. I'm glad the info is helpful. Thanks again, Dean
hi Gooch. long way from St. 2 Sunnymead. Part of mental toughness in the FS career field is "do you really enjoy helping people?" Think about it. You will be doing this for the next 20-35 years or more. That mentality, along with working with great people/crews as the chief mentioned is what gets you through the tough calls/days and to the end of a long rewarding career.
Hey David! I hope all is well! You definitely have to want to help others and make a difference in their lives, otherwise this is not the job to seek. Building mental toughness is different for everyone, because you have to be mentally tough while being empathetic and compassionate at the same time. Having great people to work with and having a great crew definitely helps! Glad to hear from you! Dean
Question. I herniated a disc in my back while I was in the Marines. I served three more years in the infantry pushing through it. I am out now and want to become a firefighter. The injury still bothers me sometimes and the va has offered me surgery. Should I get this taken care of before I jump in or should I start the process of becoming a firefighter and take care of the injury later if it gets worse? I’m afraid that if I get the surgery now, (which is pretty minor actually) it will disqualify me. Aside from this injury I am in great shape. What are your thoughts? Great content, thank you for your time.
Hi Bryan, I wish I could give you a clear answer, but each agency is different when it comes to the medical exam. If they ask if you have any issues with your back and you are not honest, you will probably not pass the medical because they will do an exam and find the herniated disc and you will be out. Your options are to take your chances and see if you'll pass the medical as is, or you can have surgery and see if that increases your ability to perform the job. That's the best I can do since I'm not a doctor and I'm not qualified to give any type of medical advice like this. I would consult your physician and see what the long term prognosis is and ask if you can perform the job after surgery and then go from there. Thanks for the question. Good luck to you. Dean
Tomorrow's Firefighter Dean, thanks for your time and the quick response. That’s great info for me to consider. One way or another I’ll find a way to achieve my goal of becoming a firefighter.
I know this is 5 months old bro but I had the same situation with a torn labrum. Pushed on and got the surgery after I got out, I'm full time in a career department now. Just disclose it from the beginning and it won't be a problem. Semper
Hi Dean, I am about a year away from obtaining by B.S in Kinesiology-Exercise Science. Recently a career as a firefighter/paramedic is something I can surely see myself doing for the rest of my life. I am starting to think my degree will mean absolutely nothing in the fire service. My question is, would it be a good idea to drop and enroll in a community college and use that year to get an A.S. in Fire Technology, EMT. Or stay in school and complete my degree and then get an A.S in Fire Technology and EMT? Would me degree in kinesiology just be a waste of time?
Thanks
Your degree in Kinesiology is great. I've hired a number of guys with that degree. You can relate it to phyisical fitness and the physical aspects of the job. Plus, when you take EMT and later on paramedic school, having the anatomy and physiology will help you immensely in both of those courses. You will want to get your EMT as soon as you can, but finish your Bachelor's and stick with the kinesiology. Good luck and thanks for the question. Dean
Dean, there's one little detail you left out of the double shooter situation. Was the scene safe? Situational awareness is a part of mental toughness.I'm sure you left that out as a test for us to pick up on 😉 Awesome content as always.
ky ler_macIntire Scene safety is more of a size-up of the potential hazards on a call rather than the mental toughness he was referring to. I interpreted it as more about having thick skin when being critiqued on your performance and not to take things personally. Also, dealing with traumatic and stressful situations day in and day out can take a toll on someone emotionally, so prioritizing your mental health in this career is paramount 😊
I address situational awareness in my other videos like "The Dallas Shootings." In this video, I wanted to focus more on the mental aspects of the job, not tactics. I want people who are trying to become firefighters to understand that your mental toughness, while not losing your compassion, is one of the keys to your success as a firefighter. I hope you see where I'm coming from on this specific topic. Thanks, Dean
Wendy, you're absolutely right. Good assessment. This is a mentally stressing job, which is why many firefighters, unfortunately, turn to alcohol, drugs and even suicide to cope with what they deal with on a daily basis. I've seen it a hundred times and it's not good. The fire service is starting to do better by providing counseling programs and peer support programs to assist firefighters with mental difficulties. It's still in its infancy stage, but I believe the programs will get better and be more readily available over time. Thanks for the comment. Dean
Whats the link do I click on again to sign up ?
Here you go Brent. Thanks for checking it out. Much appreciated! Dean tomorrowsfirefighter.com/joinnow
Were you scared when you were a rookie ?
Should I become a paramedic right away? All the fire departments hiring right now in my state (Oregon) are firefighter/paramedic positions, plus 3 out of the 5 departments that are hiring require all of their firefighters to be paramedics. One thing thats holding me back from becoming a firefighter is I don't know if I would be able to handle trauma, knowing that 90% of the job is medical.
Hey Dean, Handling the trauma, as a Paramedic, is totally in your hands. It's an incredibly responsible job coupled with the training and knowledge you need to not only have, but maintain, is really remarkable. You have to figure our for yourself if it's something you can do. You might ask your local fire department if you can ride along to see what the job is like and that will give you a measure as to how you might to in the job. To become a Paramedic, you need to have EMT as a prerequisite, then you will qualify for medic school. And you're right, many departments are hiring firefighter/paramedics, because it's so expensive to send their people through school now. It's not easy, but you can do it if that is what you really want to do. Good luck to you. Try to do a ride along to see if the job is for you. Thanks for the comment. Dean
I wouldn't postpone getting your medic license. Even if you decide that you don't want to do this job or can't handle it you will still have the valuable information you learned in class.
U.S. Gold Star Families are wondering about this !
Retired NYC Firefighter Rudy Dent Tells the Truth about 9/11!!
ua-cam.com/video/yiedW2xwud0/v-deo.html
I just graduated standards last week here in central florida and I am mainly just a little worried about trying to be the best rookie possible in my first year. Your videos have been super helpful so thank you. Do you have an advice for doing well in interviews?
My best advice is to be fully prepared for your interview. It usually takes a couple of months of preparation, reviewing your answers to the various questions and showing the panel why they should hire you and why you want to work for their department. Good luck and keep preparing and you'll do well. Dean
I am seriously considering joining the Houston Fire Department and all of your videos have been super informative. I am a married 24 year old college graduate, that is planning out a career change from my desk job. I have about a year before there is an opening for the Civil Service Exam and I am trying to absorb as much knowledge as possible before I start the process officially. Besides working on my physical fitness, what else do I need to be working on to be prepared?
Hey Ryan, It would be a good idea for you to enroll in an EMT class and get your license. Most departments won't allow you to apply without being an EMT first. Then look into where you can take the CPAT test (candidate physical ability test). I would go and practice several times before taking the CPAT, so you are sure you will pass and receive your card. The card is usually good for a year, then you have to retest. Departments also require the CPAT in order to apply. I hope this helps. Dean
Hi chief dean guccione your spot on in your videos I’ve been a volunteer firefighter for two years now and I’m thinking about furthering my career in the fire service can u give me some pointers on what I need to do
Hi Jordan, are you looking to promote to Lt. or Captain? Or Engineer? What is your immediate goal? Thanks, Dean