I finally get to move on to these videos! After 3 years of going fully in on getting on - 60+ applications and 11 Interviews later, I was offered a position with an amazing City near me. I studied your videos consistently throughout the years, appreciate all your words/advice. Don't give up!
It took u three years? Is that normal or were u young and couldn’t join until u were 18? I’m in the military currently and am going to start applying after my term in 3 years. Should I do it sooner like before I get out?
I’ve recently applied for my local volunteer firefighter service, and am training to be as physically ready as I can be. Thank you for your informative videos about the service! I don’t come from a firefighter family and don’t know many people in it yet. So these videos are very helpful!
First thing I ask any probationary firefighter that comes to my station as overtime or relieving, how’s your bookwork going and do you need any training to complete modules. There’s always something.
One thing I tell our new firefighters is when your on scene at a structure fire with crews working the interior and say you tag out to get a new bottle keep paying attention to your radio and listen to the crews that are still inside because things change fast you could be trying to regain control or be on a different floor altogether, always listen so you can go back in with less surprises. Great information and great videos!
One thing I agree with but, I’ll put together a very real scenario of how it can go sideways, is the last one. I decided after waiting about 20 months at the department and trying to get into pump ops classes to do (Tennessee) online line class on my dime. I felt like I was doing my department a solid because we have become a young department and we’re in need of RD’s. I finished up, got the state cert and got checked off to drive (expecting to be just my assigned quint for a couple months). Well a month later I got moved to a new station where I would have to drive on average 2/3 shifts if not more. We got a burner on my 1st or 2nd shift and I performed terribly on that new apparatus. I was in a bad mind state but, a couple months went by and then another big mistake: I had let someone else back the truck in, wheels were aligned differently and truck a little crooked and I clip the garage door track on the way out and do some minor damage/scuffing to the truck as well. All this said, not only was I thrown to the wolves, my officer did not seem overly impressed that I got an online (not in person) cert in this area. And at that point I was close to leaving the fire service altogether with shot confidence. Moral: you have to be careful to pursue responsibility that the department doesn’t have any stake in.
I’m currently running through the hiring process with my local city fire department. I’ve been volunteering for years and it’s been the best experience of my life so I figured it was time to make a career out of it. It’s been my dream since I was a kid, but I always had some excuse not to go for it every time there’s been a hiring. These videos have been very helpful!
I teach fire tech 101 at Santa Ana College in CA. I think this is a great video for my new students. Thanks for taking the time to make this video. I will show it this week.
8:10 My first House fire I was trying get my bunker pants on and I could not get my feet to go in then I realized I was putting them on backwards never made that mistake again.
I appreciate these videos. As a screenwriter I am studying to make my work more accurate. In the past I helped produce 52 hours of training films for the IAFF (EMT I). I worked with Raleigh NC fire and Wake EMS. I loved riding rescue and helping out where I could. If I had an extra life I would probably be a Paramedic. Back then I came up with an idea for a bumper sticker that would read: Whatever you’re paying your paramedics…it’s not enough. Seriously, is there a more important job?
I know im randomly asking but does anybody know of a trick to log back into an instagram account?? I was stupid forgot my account password. I love any tricks you can offer me.
@Brooks Rafael Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm trying it out atm. Takes a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
This is amazing advice. I've been with a large department for almost four years and I've made a lot of mistakes. Your video confirmed for me how I can and should be better. I put myself through medic school and actually have plans on leaving. I'm eager for a fresh start. I plan on living by these tips and watching your other videos for more advice. Thank you so much!
Love the comment to mastering and understanding a truck and a tool as a volunteer currently as someone who is working to being a professional full time. In our volunteer department becoming proficient in all pur tools is necessary due to the nature of smaller volunteer department but mastering a tool can be super helpful as it also allows you to handle maintenance and work with them. As well to the trucks knowing were things are is super important as a person who has most of our equipment memorized location allows me to find and often use those tools when necessary.
I might have already commented this on another video you made....but thank you sooo much you are amazing for helping people with this information. I am new...basically walked in right off the street...it already feels like home. I've had one lieutenant sign off on my application and over the next 30 days they will decide if they want to keep me or not. Im a newbie...and your videos are so explanatory you can't go wrong. You are also the only person I've found truly doing it like this and not doing it for the money...how it should be. The cool thing is even before I started watching you I was already doing many of the things you recommended...buuuttttt glad I'm watching your videos bc you mention things I wouldn't even think of. This all started last Wednesday...right spot right time type situation. Everything I'm doing now is coming from my heart. My life is dramatically changing as well as my family's. It's volunteer...it's not at all about the money....it's about truly being there for people when they need me...even if I'm not on duty. Im so grateful right now. Thank you for the ideas about getting certified in different areas like car seat placement....see that is something I would have never thought of on my own so thank you!
Career firefighter/(flight)paramedic of 3 years getting ready to start the hiring process for a much bigger department in a neighboring state in the coming months! Can’t wait to get back into the rookie game! Great channel, had to sub
Great video, I've been a firefighter for 20 years, only thing I'd add is be cautious when you get new certications or take classes, old firefighters, new officers, and even administration can become very abusive because they feel extremely threatened by people who have more knowledge and or experience than them. I work for a department full of such individuals. "They'll put your light out to prove that theirs shines brighter" So get some, education, experience, knowledge teach those who are willing to learn, safety in numbers both in fire and out. Just be sure you're on the same side. All followers are not friendly. " If you are a lion and have a pack of hyenas following your in trouble, build yourself a pride and run together and teach the young lions to ignore the hyenas"
couldn't agree more with #14 expanding knowledge and taking initiative would definitely make you stand out, and also it would just make you a better asset to your team/crew.
Thanks alot, I really want to be in the fire service but I still need to build up the courage and learn alot . I'll be watching all of your videos for tips and tricks going forward into this field or work.
curious if you have heard a term the "rookie slam" - when a new guy is going over the apparatus and can't find the item you asked for you hear a lot of doors slamming while they frantically search. asking for a "hose lengthener" is always fun. We have 2 engines one truck and a heavy rescue. It's a lot to learn for a new guy.
We had 1 yr. to memorize all 1238 streets- Where they started, ended if they had breaks in hundred blks and which were D/E's. Inventory of Front line Engine, Truck and Squad. All SOP's/SOG's, Operation of every power tool and extrication equipment. Setting up a Z-rig (over the side rescue), Wildland King Radio ops, in addition to the Departments daily training schedules.... You were LIVING the Fire Dept EVERYDAY for that first year.
One way of seeing what a probie must go through. How you learn to don your gear in lightning speed, how much knowledge you must learn, and how to keep the station spotless.
Lol the admin comment, so true every Xmas our station makes sure they get a gift from us, it has made our day to day tasks so much easier. All the other comments are all spot on. Be safe.
Doing a video about different types of certifications that you can get to help you get hired would be helpful. I have my ff1, ff2 and emt but didnt know that there was a child seat tech certification until I watched this video. Thanks
I got hired on back in April with DFD, and I can definitely attribute some of that to this channel. I was trying for the past 10 years. The first couple years were rejection cause I was just too small 🤣, but later because it’s just extremely competitive. Thanks for making these kind of videos cause sometimes you really do get thrown to the wolves and this channel gives you an idea of what to look forward too. Thanks for all this man.
@@yurpski2413 I’m 160 now. So you’re not far off. Honestly, upper body is necessary , but your lower body and back are essential! If you can focus on your legs and back. Your good. A lot of the work is stamina and lower body work
Do you have a video on cooking? Not necessarily verbatim recipes (though it may be helpful) but just what kinds or meals are good for the fire service. Nutrition, speed, ease, how well it keeps, etc, and maybe a few meals that fit the criteria that we can look up the recipes for
my dept offers a course catalogue at the local fire college. We are free to go through that and pick and choose what we want to do. It is department funded with a catch. You apply for the course, and write a check to the department. If you fail the course they deposit the check. If you pass they hand it back. It is a interesting way of doing things as your own money is tied up in the program so will be less likely to slack.
Awesome video! Im a newer full timer and part time Leiutenant who recently assumed the responsibility of orienting new members. Point being I got both valuable reminders and new ideas for both jobs respectively 👊👍
My dad is an ex firefighter, and he used to teach how to use the jaws of life, hell the reason i wanna be a firefighter is following in his footsteps lol
I want to thank you for sharing your knowledge, experience, and the interpretations on the videos. I've worked in healthcare for over 15 years (primarily admin) and despite my many interactions with FD and PD often lacked knowledge to have a moderately informed assessment. You are filling in so many gaps and now any future experiences I'll be someone on the midlines rather than on the sidelines. I really appreciate your taking the time to explain all these often complex and compounded issues. Thank you
In our dept in nyc they give us no training at all in regards to car seat installation. (Not that I need it I have 3 kids). Then the city tells people to go to a firehouse to install a child seat. I won't touch them. Give a few pointers maybe. God forbid its installed wrong and now its a liability liability issue.
I was so amped up on a call once that I forgot to put my suspenders on... lol. Thankfully the call wasn't much of anything because I went in the house with my pack on and a tool and the whole time my bunker pants were falling down. My LT was like "dude there is something wrong with your pants"... lol. I felt like an idiot.
First thing to remember that in most departments that are larger departments is you will have to go to training. I went to recruit school twice. Once with the first department I worked for and then again with the second department work for. First thing is that you need to clean the toilets. Where I work the lowest in seniority cleans the bathroom. Get to know your engine first. You are a firefighter first and foremost. Take a tool a week and get to know it. Give a class once a cycle on a tool. KNow your district. All departments are different. Know the basics on how to get around. Ask to drive the district and get out there on the engine. You need to know how the engine handles on the different roads. We have some roads that the engine can't get down easily. The senior guys will take care of you on your first fire. Don't be jerk. People will not help you if you are a jerk. Remember that where I work there are 20 stations on 3 shifts. There are actually 60 different departments when it comes to rookies. There are the basics you have to do and have to know. Some stations want more. Be aware of this.
#15: When you are a probie be the first in to work, and the last out! And dont be that person that needs alot of tours off that early. When I was a probie 7 years ago I was first in last out and never even had the nerve to think about leaving earlier or asking someone to work for me saturday night..... with so many new people now, I see these same rules I was held to, completely ignored... members with 1 month on needing to leave early or needing weekends off constantly.
I know that fire service and leo is it’s own breed but the clean boots thing everywhere else can be a sign of somebody who doesn’t work enough. Pressed pants and shirt, clean haircut, all that is a no brainer but I just never feel right about shining boots. It’s like erasing your hard work lol.
For wanting to go to our cities department the biggest fear I have is the cooking. Out of the 14, I hope I’ll be taught because I just eat fish and vegetables...
Some easy meals: Shepherds Pie, meatloaf (use turkey if you want a healthier version), Hawaiian Ham & Cheese sliders, Jambalaya, brats & tots. But a good salmon with roasted veggies is a great meal too. But practice at home. Invite a few friends over and ask how it was. That way you're not going in blind making it for the crew and not knowing how it will taste.
@robertwilliams5015 Brother I was responding to the original post. Not sure why it tagged your relevant comment. I am under the opinion that all rookies must learn to cook, starting with biscuits and gravy here in Kentucky. One year many years ago I put together a how to make biscuits and gravy powerpoint presentation for our recruit classes. That way their last day of recruit training they would cook the oncoming and outgoing shifts breakfast.
I love your tips and your inclusivity with males and females- I’m a female, 17 years old, beginning steps to go to college for my fire science, ff1, ff2, and EMT certs within the next year after I graduate. It really helps seeing these, especially with the simple fact you include mentioning females in your videos. A lot of people on this platform doesn’t and I really love it. I’ll be watching a buuunch of these in preparation. Thank you!!
People are going to say “ GUYS” THAT INCLUDES YOU you are one of the guys. Nobody in real life say guys and girls unless it’s HR or spokesperson .. firefighting dsnt change for you you need to change for the department
@@johnnymartinez478 can’t I just be glad for the address? No one else I’ve seen on this toxic app (you’re a prime example :) )ever takes the time to include an address for anyone other than males. And yes, “guys” is usually gender-neutral but saying “guys and girls” or whatever really makes us- or at least me- feel seen and make me feel like I can really connect to the content more. Sorry I burst your fragile masculine ego 😅
@Last Antari Well, Johnny wasn't being hurtful in that comment. If you want to be successful in this field, I suggest you stop getting all defensive over words. You'll likely be called things you won't like. Be a member of the crew, and focus on the stuff in the video and not on the stuff like that, that doesn't really matter in the end. Learn the job and show everyone you deserve to be there. And sadly, as a female, you have to work TWICE as hard to prove yourself because this is a physically demanding job, and the other crew members want to know you can do it. That's all that matters in the end.
Learn to cook. My signature dish is beef stroganoff w/ prime chuck & egg noodles, shallots, bell peppers, etc.....the hook, Boursin based sauce...chive and garlic. Puts the whole house in to a happy food coma. Thank heavens for the InstantPot.
Worked in station with two great cooks on the same shift. One did homestyle southern and our officer did old school Italian. Was hard not to gain weight.
You forgot about treating the Dog or the cat... You said so many important stuff the coffee is the same here in Portugal hehe we drink loads of coffee in a shift
In the mid to late 80s one of the chiefs got bit by one so after all the dogs got old and died that was it I thing engine 25 was the last dog to die about 96 or 98
"We've all gone down those UA-cam wormholes". I'm an process engineer and have nothing to do with being a firefighter and I'm going down the Firefighter training wormhole. LOL
the way they test us for streets is have a box with all the streets in the area.. they will pull one out at random and we have to tell them how to get there from the station. If you are engineer you have to know locations of hydrants and flow rates. same way we learned. Go and ride the district, interact with the community if possible.
Do you not have yearly qualifications for physical fitness. Our police dept. does and it is tough. If you fail you have 6 months to work it out or you are fired. I remember in police academy we were having a night bldg. search. I had my shiny new flashlight and dead batteries in it. I now live in a large inner city and one of the stations had a firefighter leave a pan on a burner and forgot to turn it off. The fire dept. will never live it down. I would never make it as I don't cook and the world thanks me for that.
60yrs old and my career was with a large gas utility. At the age of 26 or 27 I was offered utility job with 6 months trial period. About a month in I was offered civil service job after passing preemployment requirements. Could not stop gas company 6 month probation. I made a shit load of money with utility surpassing newspaper posting for firefighters and police including top ranks. I regret not taking civil service jobs. Many times we worked together on emergency calls so I met a lot of them including friends . I have stories of arriving at Xs and by the smiles and giggles ( NOT in view of public) I knew it was a strange call. Of course no personal injuries. The best one was a husband trying to rid yard of rats. He had a great idea. While wife was at kitchen sink he poured gasoline down rat holes in yard. Blew the back wall from house and neither wife or him got hurt. I arrived and wondered why this crazy lady was tearing this guy apart in front of everyone
Hey really appreciate all the advice and help with the videos. I have an interview on Monday and it is immediately after the agility test, any tips on how to appear more professional if I’m still wearing sweat pants and a T-shirt and still sweaty from the agility test?
As a Crew Chief, I keep telling people the difference between a good driver and a GREAT driver is how well do they know the district? Everyone sitting in that seat has taken the test and gotten the certification to be a driver/operator. So what sets you apart is do you know the district(s) well enough to almost point to it on the map without searching for it. Yes, I *still* verified on the map to *confirm* I knew the location, but I didn't spend 3-5 VALUABLE minutes looking for it. Your truck is worthless if you can't even get it to the scene to do the work. The only way to learn it is to drive it, and the person that spends time driving around off duty shows they have the drive to learn IMO. And yes, as the probie, be the first one up and the last to bed. Have the coffee ready when the crews get up and keep it coming. The meal thing helps not only at work, but also when you're dating someone. Having those few meals you know and can whip up and knock someone off their feet is always a good thing. And one thing I didn't see on this list that is probably the MOST important. If you see someone else working, you BETTER not be sitting on your ass watching. Ask if they want help. NEVER make your crew leader come looking for you because you're kicked back, relaxing like a senior driver/operator when there is still work to be done.
For larger departments, what are the chances of having multiple new people at a station? Or is it almost always just 1 new person per? I can imagine that 2 new people isn’t rare but also not too common. Thanks for all of your videos, and thank you for what you do!
That’s a good question, usually they’ll try to spread new people out evenly throughout the crews so there’s not an imbalance in experience. That said, my first fire job there were two of us new guys on the same shift
It depends on the department. Sometimes a Rookie class graduates and some will end up at the same station if the class is large. So you try to spread them out over shifts. If you are there together, help each other learn. Try not to let the other person fall behind, but also don't let them drag you down if they don't have the drive to be successful.
Great tips! I’ll be joining my local volunteer FD in a year and a half. Do you have any videos/are you going to be making any videos directed towards volunteer departments/rookies?
let me know what you're looking for or send me an email (check the about tab on the channel home page) and i'll see if i can point you in the right direction
Bro you are so helpful! I'm going to my emt academy at the moment and I'm almost halfway done and I'm already fire certified. I've just been stressing about the NREMT and actually getting hired and making a noticeable impression on the stations and you've helped me alot.
Go to your county website and print out the key maps in your district and glue stick those suckers together and drive your territory on your time off every now and then
Is it not mandatory in the states to get your hazmat, rope technician prior to hiring? Currently going through a Fire/PCP course here in Canada, I finish in June and can’t wait to get on with my city’s fire department! Very helpful video!!
In Ohio for your firefighter 2 you get hazmat, I"m not sure about the other states, but i would imagine they have something similar. As for the ropes, I dont' believe that is mandatory. You go over it in class, but I don't recall and specific certifications.
I'm hopefully getting on a department (my second I'll have been on) in about six weeks. Realizing how out of shape I've gotten was a mind fuck. I had to rewire my brain back to my army days and start physically training the same way. 1. I can't stress what this man said enough. Do PT! You should strive to be one of those high-speed low drag workout nuts at the station. It not only makes you look like a stud, but you will be pumped everytime there is a drill that you stand out on top of. Not to mention being reliable and people notice that shit. 2. Never pass on added training going on. If you are not tasked out, do what people are doing for side training. It might look like something routine but muscle memory is real, (smooth is fast, fast is slow). 3. Hustle, or run when called or there is a task to do. Be that guy people know will do tasks. Will you be taken advantage of? Sure, but you need to be johnny or Jane on the spot. When your probation period ends, don't be that lazy shit, (complacency kills) 4. Don't step on people, ever! If everyone is talking shit, do not feed in, stay neutral. This is hard to do, but you do not know the dynamic. (People do not trust) people who run their mouths are labeled shady and untrustworthy. 5. When in doubt ask, if you are on a good and non shit bag department, ask ask ask. Learn learn learn. A good firefighter is somebody who will pass on knowledge. Always listen to what people say at the department but take it with a grain of salt. Their way might not be your way, but there is a right in the wrong way to do stuff. Figure out what that gray line is that makes it comfortable for you, fulfills the standard, and adapts what you learn from others. If it's your first fire department, you are not a rock star, repeat that out loud, you are not a rock star. Some of these guys have 20 years experience and there is no way you can compare in that world to that. So always listen. I could go on all day. But this stuff is solid and this guy's got some good advice. Oh and about the coffee, make that s*** strong. Don't be that guy who puts one cup or two scoops or whatever the f*** in, you need to make that stuff wake people up and get them going.most firefighters like that s*** strong. Or as I've heard it called "the chiefs way". Good luck brothers and sisters it's a great gig if you can hack it.
Hey how does working out actually go when on shift. Like have any of you guys ever has a crazy workout at the station and then got a call near the end of your workout and you need to rollout to a potentially long, tough call and your gas tank is already almost empty. What if you have to pee on a call? Do you guys keep energy bars on the truck you can gulp down in a pinch on the way to the call? I have so many questions
@@mike_pertz your mechanical aptitude helped me a lot during this civil test i took. What held me back on the test was that i expected the questions to be trick questions and when they were more logical and simple. I joined this job program in California that took a quick turned and asked the center i was working on to serve as type 2 wildland firefighters. I might be crazy but i have enjoyed the physical work and its lifestyle.
That’s awesome! I’m glad you found it helpful. And good for you Cali, I’m glad you found something you like and enjoy in wildland firefighting. It’s a bad ass job and as long as you’re enjoying yourself keep doing what you’re doing!
What all is you guys' code for an on the job situation/emergency? Here on the railroad for us train operating crews, it's simply conveying, "Emergency! Emergency! Emergency!" Over the radio three times, before stating the issue at hand, but for you guys, is it really like I see often times on things like Chicago Fire with the military like, "Mayday!"?
Question for you. If you get hired on for an entry level FF position and have 10+ years of experience, with a bachelor's degree in fire and 20+ certs and previous position was a LT, I would assume you get your mind set as a probationary FF and learn everything that they want you to learn. You have any tips or advice for a person like this? Thank you.
Ya for sure man, that’s a tough position because you have so much experience. Stay humble like you were when you first started and you’ll be good to go brother!
I think another thing is don't be talking about what your favorite station is. It's not going to be received well no matter how you slice it. If your favorite station is a busy station, they will interpret your reason as someone who loves getting run because it allows less time of doing chores at the station, training, and you're basically saying that the kitchen table banter makes you uncomfortable. If your favorite station is a slow station, they will interpret that as you hate going on calls but love getting paid and they will have every reason to believe you will be lazy the moment you're off probation. If your favorite station is because it's closest to your house, that will be interpreted as it's not a big deal to you if you're a minute man. If your favorite station is in the richest part of the city or district, that will be interpreted as you only love working in rich areas or worse that you have racist tendencies
Like the living in the same house for 14 to 20hrs for Volunteer depts we dont sleep at the station like the other depts. Do I've been a probie for about a month now and have been studying alot but haven't studied any of the trucks we have should that be a thing to focus a little more on than the book also sorry for late reply been busy?
I finally get to move on to these videos! After 3 years of going fully in on getting on - 60+ applications and 11 Interviews later, I was offered a position with an amazing City near me. I studied your videos consistently throughout the years, appreciate all your words/advice. Don't give up!
Thats awesome, congratulations!
Congrats🎉
It took u three years? Is that normal or were u young and couldn’t join until u were 18? I’m in the military currently and am going to start applying after my term in 3 years. Should I do it sooner like before I get out?
@mattlawrence4253 perhaps you could join a volunteer dept first and gain experience, idk if that helps.
@@mattlawrence4253takes some people 3 years after getting your medic license in so cal where i live
When off duty and bored, I often just drive around town to kill time. In addition to studying maps, it really is a great way to learn the district.
These videos are great. You are the best resource for potential firefighters.
Thanks Marcus! That's my goal so I'm glad to hear you think that!
Great insight sir.
I’ve recently applied for my local volunteer firefighter service, and am training to be as physically ready as I can be. Thank you for your informative videos about the service! I don’t come from a firefighter family and don’t know many people in it yet. So these videos are very helpful!
As a retired officer. In anyone came to me and asked for more training I bent over backward to help them.
Hands down...the best type of officers
First thing I ask any probationary firefighter that comes to my station as overtime or relieving, how’s your bookwork going and do you need any training to complete modules. There’s always something.
One thing I tell our new firefighters is when your on scene at a structure fire with crews working the interior and say you tag out to get a new bottle keep paying attention to your radio and listen to the crews that are still inside because things change fast you could be trying to regain control or be on a different floor altogether, always listen so you can go back in with less surprises. Great information and great videos!
One thing I agree with but, I’ll put together a very real scenario of how it can go sideways, is the last one.
I decided after waiting about 20 months at the department and trying to get into pump ops classes to do (Tennessee) online line class on my dime. I felt like I was doing my department a solid because we have become a young department and we’re in need of RD’s. I finished up, got the state cert and got checked off to drive (expecting to be just my assigned quint for a couple months). Well a month later I got moved to a new station where I would have to drive on average 2/3 shifts if not more. We got a burner on my 1st or 2nd shift and I performed terribly on that new apparatus. I was in a bad mind state but, a couple months went by and then another big mistake: I had let someone else back the truck in, wheels were aligned differently and truck a little crooked and I clip the garage door track on the way out and do some minor damage/scuffing to the truck as well.
All this said, not only was I thrown to the wolves, my officer did not seem overly impressed that I got an online (not in person) cert in this area. And at that point I was close to leaving the fire service altogether with shot confidence.
Moral: you have to be careful to pursue responsibility that the department doesn’t have any stake in.
I just put in my application as a volunteer firefighter, these are gonna help me out a lot
I’m currently running through the hiring process with my local city fire department. I’ve been volunteering for years and it’s been the best experience of my life so I figured it was time to make a career out of it. It’s been my dream since I was a kid, but I always had some excuse not to go for it every time there’s been a hiring. These videos have been very helpful!
I teach fire tech 101 at Santa Ana College in CA. I think this is a great video for my new students. Thanks for taking the time to make this video. I will show it this week.
I graduated from the SAC 108th academy
8:10 My first House fire I was trying get my bunker pants on and I could not get my feet to go in then I realized I was putting them on backwards never made that mistake again.
Haha I know that feeling!
@@mike_pertz Lol
Thank you so much for sharing all this comprehensive, clear, practical wisdom! I appreciate what you do on this channel! 🙌🏾
I appreciate these videos. As a screenwriter I am studying to make my work more accurate. In the past I helped produce 52 hours of training films for the IAFF (EMT I). I worked with Raleigh NC fire and Wake EMS. I loved riding rescue and helping out where I could. If I had an extra life I would probably be a Paramedic. Back then I came up with an idea for a bumper sticker that would read: Whatever you’re paying your paramedics…it’s not enough. Seriously, is there a more important job?
Sanitation worker is just as important. Without emergency services and sanitation we wouldn’t have the communities and culture we do.
I’ve been on a volunteer department for 2 years and I’m applying for a full time department this week. Thanks for this video it’s super helpful
How did it turn out?
I have no plans to be a firefighter but like watching these videos to know what you guys have on your plate
I know im randomly asking but does anybody know of a trick to log back into an instagram account??
I was stupid forgot my account password. I love any tricks you can offer me.
@@haydenmaximiliano7713 I killed all my social media accounts and happier for it
@Hayden Maximiliano instablaster =)
@Brooks Rafael Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm trying it out atm.
Takes a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Brooks Rafael It did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy!
Thanks so much, you really help me out!
This is amazing advice. I've been with a large department for almost four years and I've made a lot of mistakes. Your video confirmed for me how I can and should be better. I put myself through medic school and actually have plans on leaving. I'm eager for a fresh start. I plan on living by these tips and watching your other videos for more advice. Thank you so much!
If you have your paramedic you shouldn’t have a problem finding a job, firefighter paramedics are in demand
Love the comment to mastering and understanding a truck and a tool as a volunteer currently as someone who is working to being a professional full time. In our volunteer department becoming proficient in all pur tools is necessary due to the nature of smaller volunteer department but mastering a tool can be super helpful as it also allows you to handle maintenance and work with them. As well to the trucks knowing were things are is super important as a person who has most of our equipment memorized location allows me to find and often use those tools when necessary.
Thanks!
Thank you!
I might have already commented this on another video you made....but thank you sooo much you are amazing for helping people with this information. I am new...basically walked in right off the street...it already feels like home. I've had one lieutenant sign off on my application and over the next 30 days they will decide if they want to keep me or not. Im a newbie...and your videos are so explanatory you can't go wrong. You are also the only person I've found truly doing it like this and not doing it for the money...how it should be. The cool thing is even before I started watching you I was already doing many of the things you recommended...buuuttttt glad I'm watching your videos bc you mention things I wouldn't even think of. This all started last Wednesday...right spot right time type situation. Everything I'm doing now is coming from my heart. My life is dramatically changing as well as my family's. It's volunteer...it's not at all about the money....it's about truly being there for people when they need me...even if I'm not on duty. Im so grateful right now. Thank you for the ideas about getting certified in different areas like car seat placement....see that is something I would have never thought of on my own so thank you!
Career firefighter/(flight)paramedic of 3 years getting ready to start the hiring process for a much bigger department in a neighboring state in the coming months! Can’t wait to get back into the rookie game! Great channel, had to sub
Thank you! and good luck!
How did it go?
Great video, I've been a firefighter for 20 years, only thing I'd add is be cautious when you get new certications or take classes, old firefighters, new officers, and even administration can become very abusive because they feel extremely threatened by people who have more knowledge and or experience than them. I work for a department full of such individuals. "They'll put your light out to prove that theirs shines brighter" So get some, education, experience, knowledge teach those who are willing to learn, safety in numbers both in fire and out. Just be sure you're on the same side. All followers are not friendly.
" If you are a lion and have a pack of hyenas following your in trouble, build yourself a pride and run together and teach the young lions to ignore the hyenas"
couldn't agree more with #14 expanding knowledge and taking initiative would definitely make you stand out, and also it would just make you a better asset to your team/crew.
Thanks alot, I really want to be in the fire service but I still need to build up the courage and learn alot . I'll be watching all of your videos for tips and tricks going forward into this field or work.
Hope you’re still working on it Jamal! Never give up!
curious if you have heard a term the "rookie slam" - when a new guy is going over the apparatus and can't find the item you asked for you hear a lot of doors slamming while they frantically search. asking for a "hose lengthener" is always fun. We have 2 engines one truck and a heavy rescue. It's a lot to learn for a new guy.
Starting my academy tomorrow, your videos have been such a great resource !
We had 1 yr. to memorize all 1238 streets- Where they started, ended if they had breaks in hundred blks and which were D/E's. Inventory of Front line Engine, Truck and Squad. All SOP's/SOG's, Operation of every power tool and extrication equipment. Setting up a Z-rig (over the side rescue), Wildland King Radio ops, in addition to the Departments daily training schedules.... You were LIVING the Fire Dept EVERYDAY for that first year.
One way of seeing what a probie must go through. How you learn to don your gear in lightning speed, how much knowledge you must learn, and how to keep the station spotless.
Lol the admin comment, so true every Xmas our station makes sure they get a gift from us, it has made our day to day tasks so much easier. All the other comments are all spot on. Be safe.
I was pretty lucky growing up on a farm knowing how to work hard with hand tools and small engines and not afraid of running the pump.
thanks for making a point to include us sisters! its the little things! stay safe brother!!!
Always!
Doing a video about different types of certifications that you can get to help you get hired would be helpful. I have my ff1, ff2 and emt but didnt know that there was a child seat tech certification until I watched this video. Thanks
That’s a great idea, glad you took something from the video. Thanks!
I got hired on back in April with DFD, and I can definitely attribute some of that to this channel. I was trying for the past 10 years. The first couple years were rejection cause I was just too small 🤣, but later because it’s just extremely competitive.
Thanks for making these kind of videos cause sometimes you really do get thrown to the wolves and this channel gives you an idea of what to look forward too.
Thanks for all this man.
That's awesome Ruben! Congratulations to you for putting in the work man, good luck and I hope it is going well for you now that you're on probation!
How small were you?
@@yurpski2413 115 lbs
@@rubenolguin727 okay I’m nervous cuz I’m pushing only 140 n that’s barely
@@yurpski2413 I’m 160 now. So you’re not far off. Honestly, upper body is necessary , but your lower body and back are essential! If you can focus on your legs and back. Your good. A lot of the work is stamina and lower body work
Do you have a video on cooking? Not necessarily verbatim recipes (though it may be helpful) but just what kinds or meals are good for the fire service. Nutrition, speed, ease, how well it keeps, etc, and maybe a few meals that fit the criteria that we can look up the recipes for
I do not, but that is a great idea though!
Hey man thanks I am getting in to volunteer firefighting and these are very good points
my dept offers a course catalogue at the local fire college. We are free to go through that and pick and choose what we want to do. It is department funded with a catch. You apply for the course, and write a check to the department. If you fail the course they deposit the check. If you pass they hand it back. It is a interesting way of doing things as your own money is tied up in the program so will be less likely to slack.
Awesome video! Im a newer full timer and part time Leiutenant who recently assumed the responsibility of orienting new members. Point being I got both valuable reminders and new ideas for both jobs respectively 👊👍
My dad is an ex firefighter, and he used to teach how to use the jaws of life, hell the reason i wanna be a firefighter is following in his footsteps lol
I want to thank you for sharing your knowledge, experience, and the interpretations on the videos. I've worked in healthcare for over 15 years (primarily admin) and despite my many interactions with FD and PD often lacked knowledge to have a moderately informed assessment. You are filling in so many gaps and now any future experiences I'll be someone on the midlines rather than on the sidelines. I really appreciate your taking the time to explain all these often complex and compounded issues. Thank you
I’m former Law Enforcement and I had absolutely no idea fire departments did car seat installations that’s great to know.
I'm not sure if all of them do, but I know of several that do as well!
In our dept in nyc they give us no training at all in regards to car seat installation. (Not that I need it I have 3 kids). Then the city tells people to go to a firehouse to install a child seat. I won't touch them. Give a few pointers maybe. God forbid its installed wrong and now its a liability liability issue.
@@bklynff55 😂
I honestly forgot they did until I read your comments 😂
I just got hired at 20! Thank you for the tips!
Congratulations man!
@@mike_pertz you’re the best sir! I’ve played soccer my whole life as well and destroyed my knee so now I’m here! Appreciate what you’re doing.
Thanks man! I know how you feel haha
This Was Very Helpful, Thank You 😊
Wow great video I’m 15 and really wanna become a fire fighter in Canada and ur videos really help me
I got on at 49 years old so I was stuck in my ways. This content is excellent for anyone wanting to become a firefighter 💪.
You got on at a professional department at 50?
@@gregorybentley5707 Yes sir. someone sued for age discrimination a few years back and they no longer have an age requirement. One guy got in at 60.
Thanks for your service recently certified as a FF II.
congratulations!
@@mike_pertz
I am at DOD fire academy Air Force. Now in aircraft rescue n' Firefighting and that will be it. Graduation day I can't wait mannn.
I was so amped up on a call once that I forgot to put my suspenders on... lol. Thankfully the call wasn't much of anything because I went in the house with my pack on and a tool and the whole time my bunker pants were falling down. My LT was like "dude there is something wrong with your pants"... lol. I felt like an idiot.
I'm not even anything of a firefighter, I'm just an ordinary person just interested in the information of what firemen goes through in training
First thing to remember that in most departments that are larger departments is you will have to go to training. I went to recruit school twice. Once with the first department I worked for and then again with the second department work for. First thing is that you need to clean the toilets. Where I work the lowest in seniority cleans the bathroom. Get to know your engine first. You are a firefighter first and foremost. Take a tool a week and get to know it. Give a class once a cycle on a tool. KNow your district. All departments are different. Know the basics on how to get around. Ask to drive the district and get out there on the engine. You need to know how the engine handles on the different roads. We have some roads that the engine can't get down easily. The senior guys will take care of you on your first fire. Don't be jerk. People will not help you if you are a jerk. Remember that where I work there are 20 stations on 3 shifts. There are actually 60 different departments when it comes to rookies. There are the basics you have to do and have to know. Some stations want more. Be aware of this.
all good advice!
Great video, brother. Shared with a good friend.
City of Vallejo FD has a 3 year apprenticeship. You are technically off probation at a year but they treat you like a probie for 3 years.
#15: When you are a probie be the first in to work, and the last out! And dont be that person that needs alot of tours off that early.
When I was a probie 7 years ago I was first in last out and never even had the nerve to think about leaving earlier or asking someone to work for me saturday night..... with so many new people now, I see these same rules I was held to, completely ignored... members with 1 month on needing to leave early or needing weekends off constantly.
Good video. The coffee part reminds me of my navy career haha
I know that fire service and leo is it’s own breed but the clean boots thing everywhere else can be a sign of somebody who doesn’t work enough. Pressed pants and shirt, clean haircut, all that is a no brainer but I just never feel right about shining boots. It’s like erasing your hard work lol.
For wanting to go to our cities department the biggest fear I have is the cooking. Out of the 14, I hope I’ll be taught because I just eat fish and vegetables...
Some easy meals: Shepherds Pie, meatloaf (use turkey if you want a healthier version), Hawaiian Ham & Cheese sliders, Jambalaya, brats & tots. But a good salmon with roasted veggies is a great meal too.
But practice at home. Invite a few friends over and ask how it was. That way you're not going in blind making it for the crew and not knowing how it will taste.
Just don't cook. Easy solution.
@@robertwilliams5015 Not in the fire service are you!
@byronschroedel432
I absolutely am. One of the busiest in the country. 20 years and counting.
@robertwilliams5015 Brother I was responding to the original post. Not sure why it tagged your relevant comment. I am under the opinion that all rookies must learn to cook, starting with biscuits and gravy here in Kentucky. One year many years ago I put together a how to make biscuits and gravy powerpoint presentation for our recruit classes. That way their last day of recruit training they would cook the oncoming and outgoing shifts breakfast.
I love your tips and your inclusivity with males and females- I’m a female, 17 years old, beginning steps to go to college for my fire science, ff1, ff2, and EMT certs within the next year after I graduate. It really helps seeing these, especially with the simple fact you include mentioning females in your videos. A lot of people on this platform doesn’t and I really love it. I’ll be watching a buuunch of these in preparation. Thank you!!
Thank you for the kind words and for watching the videos! I'm glad you find them helpful!
People are going to say “ GUYS” THAT INCLUDES YOU you are one of the guys. Nobody in real life say guys and girls unless it’s HR or spokesperson .. firefighting dsnt change for you you need to change for the department
@@johnnymartinez478 Bruh what are you ON- hello?
@@johnnymartinez478 can’t I just be glad for the address? No one else I’ve seen on this toxic app (you’re a prime example :) )ever takes the time to include an address for anyone other than males. And yes, “guys” is usually gender-neutral but saying “guys and girls” or whatever really makes us- or at least me- feel seen and make me feel like I can really connect to the content more. Sorry I burst your fragile masculine ego 😅
@Last Antari Well, Johnny wasn't being hurtful in that comment. If you want to be successful in this field, I suggest you stop getting all defensive over words. You'll likely be called things you won't like. Be a member of the crew, and focus on the stuff in the video and not on the stuff like that, that doesn't really matter in the end. Learn the job and show everyone you deserve to be there. And sadly, as a female, you have to work TWICE as hard to prove yourself because this is a physically demanding job, and the other crew members want to know you can do it. That's all that matters in the end.
Learn to cook. My signature dish is beef stroganoff w/ prime chuck & egg noodles, shallots, bell peppers, etc.....the hook, Boursin based sauce...chive and garlic. Puts the whole house in to a happy food coma. Thank heavens for the InstantPot.
haha great advice! Everyone loves the cook
Worked in station with two great cooks on the same shift. One did homestyle southern and our officer did old school Italian. Was hard not to gain weight.
You forgot about treating the Dog or the cat... You said so many important stuff the coffee is the same here in Portugal hehe we drink loads of coffee in a shift
At leading in Philadelphia pa we can’t have dogs anymore
@@Ghettofireman80 why?
In the mid to late 80s one of the chiefs got bit by one so after all the dogs got old and died that was it I thing engine 25 was the last dog to die about 96 or 98
Thank you for the good advice!!!
Glad you found it helpful!
"We've all gone down those UA-cam wormholes". I'm an process engineer and have nothing to do with being a firefighter and I'm going down the Firefighter training wormhole. LOL
Haha thanks for watching!
the way they test us for streets is have a box with all the streets in the area.. they will pull one out at random and we have to tell them how to get there from the station. If you are engineer you have to know locations of hydrants and flow rates. same way we learned. Go and ride the district, interact with the community if possible.
Do you not have yearly qualifications for physical fitness. Our police dept. does and it is tough. If you fail you have 6 months to work it out or you are fired. I remember in police academy we were having a night bldg. search. I had my shiny new flashlight and dead batteries in it. I now live in a large inner city and one of the stations had a firefighter leave a pan on a burner and forgot to turn it off. The fire dept. will never live it down. I would never make it as I don't cook and the world thanks me for that.
60yrs old and my career was with a large gas utility. At the age of 26 or 27 I was offered utility job with 6 months trial period. About a month in I was offered civil service job after passing preemployment requirements. Could not stop gas company 6 month probation. I made a shit load of money with utility surpassing newspaper posting for firefighters and police including top ranks. I regret not taking civil service jobs. Many times we worked together on emergency calls so I met a lot of them including friends . I have stories of arriving at Xs and by the smiles and giggles ( NOT in view of public) I knew it was a strange call. Of course no personal injuries. The best one was a husband trying to rid yard of rats. He had a great idea. While wife was at kitchen sink he poured gasoline down rat holes in yard. Blew the back wall from house and neither wife or him got hurt. I arrived and wondered why this crazy lady was tearing this guy apart in front of everyone
Thanks for the info!
I’m starting fire academy in August. And there’s nothing else I wanna do. I hope I get in if I get picked. Made the cut. Thanks for your help sir
Outstanding advice!
Hey really appreciate all the advice and help with the videos. I have an interview on Monday and it is immediately after the agility test, any tips on how to appear more professional if I’m still wearing sweat pants and a T-shirt and still sweaty from the agility test?
Hey Thomas, can you bring a change of clothes? If not, I would expect them to know you will be dressed casually
As a Crew Chief, I keep telling people the difference between a good driver and a GREAT driver is how well do they know the district? Everyone sitting in that seat has taken the test and gotten the certification to be a driver/operator. So what sets you apart is do you know the district(s) well enough to almost point to it on the map without searching for it. Yes, I *still* verified on the map to *confirm* I knew the location, but I didn't spend 3-5 VALUABLE minutes looking for it. Your truck is worthless if you can't even get it to the scene to do the work. The only way to learn it is to drive it, and the person that spends time driving around off duty shows they have the drive to learn IMO.
And yes, as the probie, be the first one up and the last to bed. Have the coffee ready when the crews get up and keep it coming.
The meal thing helps not only at work, but also when you're dating someone. Having those few meals you know and can whip up and knock someone off their feet is always a good thing.
And one thing I didn't see on this list that is probably the MOST important. If you see someone else working, you BETTER not be sitting on your ass watching. Ask if they want help. NEVER make your crew leader come looking for you because you're kicked back, relaxing like a senior driver/operator when there is still work to be done.
For larger departments, what are the chances of having multiple new people at a station? Or is it almost always just 1 new person per? I can imagine that 2 new people isn’t rare but also not too common. Thanks for all of your videos, and thank you for what you do!
That’s a good question, usually they’ll try to spread new people out evenly throughout the crews so there’s not an imbalance in experience. That said, my first fire job there were two of us new guys on the same shift
It depends on the department. Sometimes a Rookie class graduates and some will end up at the same station if the class is large. So you try to spread them out over shifts. If you are there together, help each other learn. Try not to let the other person fall behind, but also don't let them drag you down if they don't have the drive to be successful.
Great tips! I’ll be joining my local volunteer FD in a year and a half. Do you have any videos/are you going to be making any videos directed towards volunteer departments/rookies?
did you find what you were looking for from the videos on the channel?
@@mike_pertz I haven’t had time to really sit down and research as of yet so my answer would be no.
let me know what you're looking for or send me an email (check the about tab on the channel home page) and i'll see if i can point you in the right direction
Bro you are so helpful! I'm going to my emt academy at the moment and I'm almost halfway done and I'm already fire certified. I've just been stressing about the NREMT and actually getting hired and making a noticeable impression on the stations and you've helped me alot.
Happy to help! Good luck!
Really appreciate this!
Glad you find it helpful!
I am about to have my first shift as a volunteer firefighter what should I bring
Go to your county website and print out the key maps in your district and glue stick those suckers together and drive your territory on your time off every now and then
I plan on applying to the Tucson fire department when I get back from Army BCT.
I was so amped up on my first EMS call that when I trying to administer O2 vía NRB I was trying to turn it on by spinning the regulator handle 🤣😂
This video was fantastic. Thank you for all the knowledge!
The only thing I would change is learning the engine or ladder and gear should be first then sitting watch then local
Waiting on my interview right now, super nervous
Is it not mandatory in the states to get your hazmat, rope technician prior to hiring? Currently going through a Fire/PCP course here in Canada, I finish in June and can’t wait to get on with my city’s fire department! Very helpful video!!
In Ohio for your firefighter 2 you get hazmat, I"m not sure about the other states, but i would imagine they have something similar. As for the ropes, I dont' believe that is mandatory. You go over it in class, but I don't recall and specific certifications.
Appreciate it.
Glad you found it helpful!
“Smaller department” names 10 vehicles…
I'm hopefully getting on a department (my second I'll have been on) in about six weeks. Realizing how out of shape I've gotten was a mind fuck. I had to rewire my brain back to my army days and start physically training the same way.
1. I can't stress what this man said enough. Do PT! You should strive to be one of those high-speed low drag workout nuts at the station. It not only makes you look like a stud, but you will be pumped everytime there is a drill that you stand out on top of. Not to mention being reliable and people notice that shit.
2. Never pass on added training going on. If you are not tasked out, do what people are doing for side training. It might look like something routine but muscle memory is real, (smooth is fast, fast is slow).
3. Hustle, or run when called or there is a task to do. Be that guy people know will do tasks. Will you be taken advantage of? Sure, but you need to be johnny or Jane on the spot. When your probation period ends, don't be that lazy shit, (complacency kills)
4. Don't step on people, ever! If everyone is talking shit, do not feed in, stay neutral. This is hard to do, but you do not know the dynamic. (People do not trust) people who run their mouths are labeled shady and untrustworthy.
5. When in doubt ask, if you are on a good and non shit bag department, ask ask ask. Learn learn learn. A good firefighter is somebody who will pass on knowledge. Always listen to what people say at the department but take it with a grain of salt. Their way might not be your way, but there is a right in the wrong way to do stuff. Figure out what that gray line is that makes it comfortable for you, fulfills the standard, and adapts what you learn from others. If it's your first fire department, you are not a rock star, repeat that out loud, you are not a rock star. Some of these guys have 20 years experience and there is no way you can compare in that world to that. So always listen.
I could go on all day. But this stuff is solid and this guy's got some good advice. Oh and about the coffee, make that s*** strong. Don't be that guy who puts one cup or two scoops or whatever the f*** in, you need to make that stuff wake people up and get them going.most firefighters like that s*** strong. Or as I've heard it called "the chiefs way".
Good luck brothers and sisters it's a great gig if you can hack it.
I havn't even gotten an interview yet and im here lol
it’s my boyfriend who’s going into it and i’m here lol
Hey how does working out actually go when on shift. Like have any of you guys ever has a crazy workout at the station and then got a call near the end of your workout and you need to rollout to a potentially long, tough call and your gas tank is already almost empty. What if you have to pee on a call? Do you guys keep energy bars on the truck you can gulp down in a pinch on the way to the call? I have so many questions
Can you do a video on engine layout soon?
A lot of the things you’ve mentioned reminds me of the Navy
Love your vids‼️💯
Great video
A little humility and a sense of humor goes a long way for probies also....and for goodness sake if you bomb the bathroom...cleanup.
I want to be a retained firefighter in the UK but I'm scared of heights
For the 40 hours does the department look to see what shift you would do best with?
Generally, they assign you to wherever there is a need. They'll expect you to adapt to them
Any tips for someone who is looking to join a wildland handcrew?
Unfortunately, I don't know much about wildland firefighting. However, I would imagine that a lot of the same principles in these videos would apply.
@@mike_pertz your mechanical aptitude helped me a lot during this civil test i took. What held me back on the test was that i expected the questions to be trick questions and when they were more logical and simple. I joined this job program in California that took a quick turned and asked the center i was working on to serve as type 2 wildland firefighters. I might be crazy but i have enjoyed the physical work and its lifestyle.
That’s awesome! I’m glad you found it helpful. And good for you Cali, I’m glad you found something you like and enjoy in wildland firefighting. It’s a bad ass job and as long as you’re enjoying yourself keep doing what you’re doing!
What all is you guys' code for an on the job situation/emergency? Here on the railroad for us train operating crews, it's simply conveying, "Emergency! Emergency! Emergency!" Over the radio three times, before stating the issue at hand, but for you guys, is it really like I see often times on things like Chicago Fire with the military like, "Mayday!"?
not all greats can be firefighters, but all firefighters are great.
🇨🇺🇺🇸🔥
How do people start on firefighting training? I plan to go to emt school sometime within the next few years but other then that I’m not sure.
Chicago fire brought me here lol I’m curious
Question for you. If you get hired on for an entry level FF position and have 10+ years of experience, with a bachelor's degree in fire and 20+ certs and previous position was a LT, I would assume you get your mind set as a probationary FF and learn everything that they want you to learn. You have any tips or advice for a person like this? Thank you.
Ya for sure man, that’s a tough position because you have so much experience. Stay humble like you were when you first started and you’ll be good to go brother!
Thanks brother, appreciate all your content and what you bring to the career field!
Hi appriciate for advise to be good fire fighter. !
Good stuff can’t wait to start
I think another thing is don't be talking about what your favorite station is. It's not going to be received well no matter how you slice it. If your favorite station is a busy station, they will interpret your reason as someone who loves getting run because it allows less time of doing chores at the station, training, and you're basically saying that the kitchen table banter makes you uncomfortable. If your favorite station is a slow station, they will interpret that as you hate going on calls but love getting paid and they will have every reason to believe you will be lazy the moment you're off probation. If your favorite station is because it's closest to your house, that will be interpreted as it's not a big deal to you if you're a minute man. If your favorite station is in the richest part of the city or district, that will be interpreted as you only love working in rich areas or worse that you have racist tendencies
I'm on a fire dept. That is volunteer for probies in that type of dept. Does it affect the way we do the things u said in this video?
I"m not sure I understand your question, what do you mean?
Like the living in the same house for 14 to 20hrs for Volunteer depts we dont sleep at the station like the other depts. Do I've been a probie for about a month now and have been studying alot but haven't studied any of the trucks we have should that be a thing to focus a little more on than the book also sorry for late reply been busy?