I'm on my Probie year right now. Crews walk in at 630? Be there 545. Learn your Captain's tendencies and idiosyncrasies. Be open and communicative with the crew. Learn what everyone is like and fit in. Please, thank you, yes sir, no sir goes a long way. Always be cleaning up something it's a big station there are tons of things that haven't been touched in a while. Bored? Stand in front of the map and memorize streets, hang out in the bay and set up training for yourself, visualize and shadow box your common tasks, check the fuel levels and oils of your motorized equipment, prep food for the crew meals, flip through the SOGs and SOPs, once you get at a call be present, predictive, aggressive and intentional. You're watched all the time. Have fun and remember you can fuck up, but don't be a fuck up.
EXCELLENT. I am retired now was a career Firefighter 30 years and retired a Captain. I have watched and mentored many a new guy and you gave great advice. When you complete your probation keep up the same work ethic and mentor the others coming up behind you. I wish you the best in your career. Do good and be good. NEVER FORGET 343.
my friend's dad is a 2nd lt for the FDNY and he told me a lot about firefighting, but im certainly no expert on anything like that. but i think you are gonna be respected
Key words in this is "good department and good crew" my first department was in a rural area and the pay was not very much. So as a probie I had to teach myself anything I wanted to learn and I had to write my own daily evaluations for myself while on probation because no one wanted to do anything. I ended up leaving for a better department. Don't let bad experiences get you down. Fire service is still great and it's still the best job in the world
I’m a probie and it’s like hell. We’re supposed to be seen and not heard. They don’t give you any clear direction for anything. I get in trouble for things I’m not aware of was even a issue to begin with. Hell I got in trouble for fist bumping a Chief after saying hello and didn’t know how he would respond with hand shakes with the whole Covid scare. Turns out I disrespected him as if I spat in his face. It’s honestly, more stuff but a horrible experience so far
@@HeartFeltEnttaka jest prawda ze mlodzi sa za bardzo nisko traktowani przez przelozonych i starszych kolegow, mowi sie :zapomnial wol jak cieleciem byl. Szefowie,kapitanowie.... szybko sie obrazaja za byle co. Bylam kiedys tak zwanym katem na praktykach w szkole i bylo na praktykach przerobane. Tez szef mnie gorzej traktowal niz innych...
Im prepping to be a good rookie now by always doing the doing the dishes for my wife, and cleaning the house after work. Good habit to be in and sure makes my wife happy.
Don’t spread that first up last to bed stuff. The first being up is great, don’t take that last thing to bed stuff. Guys will stay up late just cause that’s there thing. Having a boot stay up then run a call driving and ambulance and recking it? Don’t take that advice. Go to bed at a reasonable time. Wake up and do your duties
I just started at my career department in January, and I second this. I was staying up past crew that went to bed at 2330. I could barely wake up for EMS calls, sometimes slept through tones, and I was extremely slow minded on those EMS calls. Luckily my crew told me after 2030 is fair game, and now I am doing a lot better.
Had to switch agencies 2 years ago and went through that whole probie phase again. I have to say I had a much better attitude about it the 2nd time around and because of that I feel like I almost learned and grew more the 2nd time despite already having 6 years under my belt. Thank you for the fantastic videos!
When I was still a probie I made sure to get to station early prior to training/meetings, and even when we weren't there in which I would tidy up the station, start the coffee, and so on. It helped me out significantly in moving onto my full-membership (I am a Volley so yenno). The pranking and jokes were a good indicator to me they liked me. Keep a positive mindset in everything y'all.
Awesome video. Our rookie just got off probation. Her work ethic and attitude made her a part of our family. She also keeps us young and without her knowing challenges us to better.
Good seeing Henry from Tampa fire rescue. He rode with me at the JFRD when I was a rookie and he was a high school student. All grown up. Good job bud.
That fire department is the one that responded to my apartment building, it’s 5 minutes away from where I grew up! Awesome to see someone I look up to watch a video about places I’ve been and seen in real life
I'm undergoing the hiring process and my mentor whose an Lt. Almost Cpt. Always tells me that if they don't tease you they don't like you and it makes sense cause it's like a second family and they wanna test your boundaries and character and see what is okay and what it isn't and as a firefighter I think that's pivotal to look at the upside of it rather than down
New guy at local VFD in Germany here. My first fire was during my first full 24h shift. Garage was on fire, threatening a residential building. We were first due and I was assigned to water supply. Adrenaline? Yes, certainly. But for me it wasn’t the pants pooping kind of adrenaline, but rather the kind that really makes your focus razor sharp. I have not had any classes yet. I had read a lot of the material. I always ask a bunch of questions (sometimes I think to the point of being annoying). Asked for extra training on hose management etc. So I am currently learning on the job, if you will, until they get enough guys together for a new class. I try to be a sponge for and a source of information wherever I can, without being a smartass. Because nobody likes a smartass. Other than that: everybody gets their share of friendly and loving abuse. Including me. There is one guy who just recently joined. And one of the guys told me „Yeah, why don’t you show him around a bit and answer his questions?“ For context: I am a little bit of a late bloomer as far as the fire service goes. I am in my early 40s. So technically I am one of „the older guys“. Older? Yes. A little more calm and with more life experience? Maybe. More mature? Well it depends on the situation - “mature“ is a big word… I am just gonna say that I can handle myself pretty well in a „Your mom“ contest. 😂
TFR 13 is now the busiest station in the city. They probably average 27-28 calls a shift earning their station motto “Never sleep again”. Now they currently have a ladder, engine two rescues and a chief coming out of their station and their trying to add a second engine. I did my ride times with them and station 11 back in the day, which used to be the busiest station in the city. I’m not sure if this guy is still on the job or not. I worked for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue which encompasses the city of Tampa. They are also the station that responds to Busch Gardens!
I have a question and want to know if this is "cheap." My local department is a "fire district." I looked up the differences, and really still don't understand the difference between a fire department and a fire district (maybe you can do a video on it?). They aren't civil service, and are hurting for people "DESPERATELY!" I gave them a call and they said apply, I'll definitely get hired according to their chief. He said I have to start out as part time for a year all whilst getting EMT certified. After that year, if I'm good and EMT certified, they'll send me to the fire academy. Once I pass, I become full-time. He then said if I don't like the fire district because it isn't a fire department (like I said, I still don't know the difference even after looking it up. Maybe you can make a video?), I can transfer to my "dream" department with ease - no civil service test needed. Just go to a department with my fire academy certification, my department as recommendations, and present them with my experience, then apparently I'll most likely get hired? Any truth to this/is this a cheap way of going about it? Thanks for any tips, advice, and info! Also, thank you for taking the time out of your day to read this Ted Talk if you do! I truly appreciate it, man! Keep up the great videos and content, it truly helps! (This was to firefighter now. So if it's the video parts. But seeing how you are a firefighter as well, I'd love your input if you don't mind, man. Thank you in advance, I truly appreciate it!)!
Definitely excited. We did this all the time in the Army. For first year was amazing - they hazed me so much. But they wound up becoming my brothers and sisters, so it's a great experience. Not as great though when you're on the other end doing the jokes to the new private lol... 😂
The biggest thing I'd say about being a probie is building a good name and reputation. What you do during that time will follow you the rest of your career and will make all the difference in not just people liking and trusting you, but your attitude and stress level while at work. This is not like any job. It is a paramilitary organization. People have to trust you. They have to be bonded to you. They have to know that you are willing to go above and beyond and put the work in.
I think some people don't get that this is a serious job that can take a toll on you mentally. It's necessary to find and have fun to debrief yourself and your brothers & sisters on this job if you want to last and not become hardened and complacent.
such great content. i just got an interview with a volunteer fighter fighter department near my house. i want to be a fire fighter as a career but i want to start out as a volunteer to see what its like.
The joking is across the board many industries tbf. As an on call firefighter in the uk I never really saw much of it, but my old full time job was at a steelworks. We once found an apprentice sleeping, woke him up and lifted him up on a gantry hoist.
5:20 this is very true. I’m in explorers right now, been doing it since I turned 15, currently 19, one of the first things our advisor told us was this “if we’re not giving you shit, we probably don’t like you.” It’s one of my favorite aspects about firefighting and why I like it. The camaraderie is like no other ❤ love from MN
There are always two kinds of providers. Fire that does EMS OR EMS that does fire. You will know when the tones go off who fits into the right category. I am an EMS that does fire. You seem like the other, Fire that does EMS. ALL good brother we need each other to make the system work. Great review and keep them coming
lol, his grin after getting a bucket of water in the face. I remember during one day in academy they tasked us with water collection/chutes that kind of thing. My instructor was up in the burn building laughing his butt off spraying us all. If someone had a good idea he’d chuckle and spray them with the hose. One of my favorite days in academy. Also when we did push ups in an ice cold creek. So many of the guys were bitching and I was just laughing hysterically loving it.
I was happy me dept valued sleep. If the station, is clean... go to sleep at 7, 8 or 9 cause youre the new guy running on the ambo all night. If you ran all night its okay to sleep in as long as you made sure the dishwasher was emptied
Im on a volee department thats trying hard to be structured like this. The problem is as a probie, im not getting paid unless I am on a call. As a recruit, there is no pay at all. Also there is a lack of interest and investment in my training from the LTs. I have to twist there arms to get my sign offs done. Otherwise, they never talk to me, they dont even haze us probies. We just kinda stand around quizing eachother
When I was a junior fire rescue for reading Massachusetts FD I was a probe now I want to go back this time as a firefighter also for a job also I miss being on the 🚒
A question for Mike or any firefighter. Is this something that happens also when a seasoned firefighter changes stations? Would he or she expect another year of probation?
I agree with Chris, but also it depends on where you work and the culture of the department. Some places really get into the pranks and others not so much.
Didn't happen to me at all, even as a rookie. They tried but I saw it as disrespectful and unprofessional and didn't stand for it. I also don't treat rookies like traditional FD culture suggests we should.
I'll tell you the worst thing a new firefighter can have is a big mouth. You are on the payroll, not in the brotherhood. I've seen newer firefighters shitting on senior guys and that is totally unacceptable.
Hey maybe you could do a video and talk about what IS inappropriate behavior towards new/other FFs. I hear you talk a lot about what's not so bad or telling people to lighten up but I don't think I've heard you really go into things that are not or are no longer ok or appropriate towards newer members. Things are already pretty out of balance with fire departments being little boys clubs. How about pointing out some reasons why that is and what could help change department/FF behavior to get the FFs to better reflect the community they serve.
Be a yes man Be a sponge and absorb as much as possible Watch your back for pranks lol And if the guys include you in a conversation jump in but remember your place as bottom of the totem pole First guy walking in and last guy to go to bed at night
No. Most likely they'd already know who you are, especially if you've been around a while. Firefighters do transfers to other stations to fill spots around the city every few days away from their home station, so they've had time to work with and get to know other crews. In addition, you see each other often at fires, ems runs, training, and accidents. This would apply to someone who is a probie and sent to a new station every 4-6 months the next 1-2 years. Also applies to someone coming from a different department, no matter how much experience they have.
You got to let these folks have a good time. No on ever wants to talk about the fact that these people are tasked with seeing some of the worst things that the world has to offer. I guarantee you that if the men and women of our emergency services weren't allowed to have a little fun, their suicide rates would be a hell of a lot higher than they are already.
Not just that, you have to have these people next to you as you walk into hell. You’re going to be in dangerous situations and see some fucked up shit. I think that develops a requirement to have a deep personal relationship beyond a normal work environment. You can’t just be coworkers, you gotta be family too. Also, if you can’t emotionally handle a bucket of water being thrown on you, do you really have the mental capability to handle what’s ahead?
I have a question and want to know if this is "cheap." My local department is a "fire district." I looked up the differences, and really still don't understand the difference between a fire department and a fire district (maybe you can do a video on it?). They aren't civil service, and are hurting for people "DESPERATELY!" I gave them a call and they said apply, I'll definitely get hired according to their chief. He said I have to start out as part time for a year all whilst getting EMT certified. After that year, if I'm good and EMT certified, they'll send me to the fire academy. Once I pass, I become full-time. He then said if I don't like the fire district because it isn't a fire department (like I said, I still don't know the difference even after looking it up. Maybe you can make a video?), I can transfer to my "dream" department with ease - no civil service test needed. Just go to a department with my fire academy certification, my department as recommendations, and present them with my experience, then apparently I'll most likely get hired? Any truth to this/is this a cheap way of going about it? Thanks for any tips, advice, and info! Also, thank you for taking the time out of your day to read this Ted Talk if you do! I truly appreciate it, man! Keep up the great videos and content, it truly helps!
Fire "Department" is a unit of a larger government entity (city or county), such as road department, water department, public works department, etc. The chief typically reports to the city manager, county administrator or mayor. A fire "District" is a standalone entity. The have their own elected board, collect taxes. The board appoints a fire chief who runs the agency.
@@gregbrody448 interesting. So basically a fire district plays the exact same role as a fire department, just with lesser funds for equipment/gear? I'm already used to that lol. I was in the Army, and we got all of the Air Force hand-me-downs lol. Out of curiosity, other than potential lack of funding, why do people dislike a fire district opposed to a fire department? Lesser benefits/pension? My wife and I currently live in Massachusetts - I'm attending my EMT basic courses now for 4 months. Need to take a hands on exam, then a written exam. Once completed, I get my EMT card. I want to be fully certified before I apply. I'm even debating getting my firefighting 1 and 2 certifications out of the way prior to applying. Anyways, thanks for the tips and advice, I truly appreciate it!
@@gregbrody448 and my hazmat certification. I have a Bachelor's in criminal justice/policing. I also have an Associate's in homeland security/emergency management. I have countless internships/job shadows with local/state police, DAs office; and worked countless jobs as a security guard. I even have a foreign degree in Scottish crime and history. I basically doctored my entire resume towards law enforcement and thought that that was the route for me. I did one ride along and spent the entire time on a shift with my buddy who's a firefighter in Vermont and fell in love with it (this was about 4-6 months ago). Now, I'm trying to become a firefighter instead. Lol I always thought my calling was law enforcement. But truthfully, I never felt as pumped, excited, and ecstatic about it as much as I did over the thought of being a firefighter. So now, I'm trying to get some applicable skills for firefighting added onto my resume so I have a better chance at being hired and standing out. Regardless, sorry for the Ted Talk, and thanks for reading if you made it this far. I truly appreciate it!
So many people outside the service get so sensitive and triggered to ball busting but here’s the deal, unless you experience it first hand, you shouldn’t have shit to say! Now I agree there should be no racism, any form of assault. But little pranks or jokes, or dark humor, keeps the world spinning
I sort have a question regarding probation. I am in a tight spot at the Dept I was hired at. I love the Department however a preferred dept applications are up and I want to apply. The Department I want to apply to also doesn't transport/run EMS. I dont want to do EMS as much as I used to and I dont want to waste my Dept resources to go through Paramedic school to just leave in a year. I dont know what to do because I dont want to leave after 5 months at my first Fire Dept. However, If I wait until after Probation I will have almost finished paramedic school, and I dont want to go through all that training for free just to leave. I dont know If I need to just apply to the departments I prefer or wait... I really appreciate the Dept I am at but I've had a weird change of heart about EMS and I just dont know if im interested in transporting anymore. I want to do more fire related calls and I am trying to be honest with myself about what I want. I have hard thought about if the the service is right for me aswell. Ive been in EMS for 7 years and I love most of it, but I got my fire license because I wanted to move on from EMS/Transporting as my main role, but I feel like im stuck in that same role and I have been feeling discouraged. I do understand 90% of our calls are always going to be medical and I do enjoy that still. I enjoy being on calls and being part of the team. I feel motivated to be a Fireman but Im loosing Motivation for the EMS/Transportation side of things. any thoughts on the matter? I really feel like I need advice from more experienced people and I do not want to ask my crew.
Ya...in short, I would apply to that other department and see what happens. Don’t worry about leaving where you are, lots of firefighters do it all the time. I left my first department after 3 weeks because I had a better offer somewhere else. Do what is best for you and your family/personal situation.
@@mike_pertz I went ahead and applied. I appreciate the advice. Just wish stuff like this was easier. I like my dept but they are progressing towards a more aggressive EMS based system and I have never felt the way I do before, about ems.I want to be happy and be useful as well as motivated. Thanks again for replying. Hope all your holodays are fun and eventful.
No matter the outcome, you should always apply for what you want. It’s not yours until it is offered to you. But in the meantime, continue to perform your best where you are. Others are relying on you to keep your head in the game. You never know when that experience you receive will become useful. I started at one dept, left after 2 years, then left the 2nd dept after 3.5 years, to join the 3rd dept … from which I recently retired … as the Fire Chief. Do your best, wherever you land. You won’t regret it! Best of luck!
Well you probably need to have “Thick Skin” to a point. The job can be very stressful and depressing at times. The pranks/jokes and grave yard humor is the way we deal with said issues. Don’t get me wrong everyone has that one thing or topic that is off limits once your fellow crewmembers know this they will/should respect them. If it does get out of hand I would recommend taking it to that person one on one before going to command about it. Like he said in the video you are part of a family now!
About the only topic off limits is talking about someones kids. Everything else in your life? You had better be prepared for someone to screw around with you. It needs to be understood that it's a game, and there's no reason a probie can't play too after some time on the job. Have a good time with it because it's coming. God help you if you got upset because someone pranked you or made fun of something about you, because you just made everything done to you ten times funnier to everybody else. Which means it's not going to stop anytime soon. Now there will always be a couple of assholes that will denigrate you because they get off on it. Just be patient. It's only a power play they can get away with for so long. You won't always be the new guy.
Most of the things can be applied to the new guy in all things. You will get the shitty work, that is how been a new guy goes everyone was the new guy. And as someone that has been in the army, if we don't give you shit we really don't like you!
Nowadays, the right guy doesn't mind, the wrong guy gets offended, the right/wrong female gets easily offended and will report to anyone and everyone; so, you'll never know which personality/character they are and will get kept on; but, only to get promoted to a desk job, nowadays... be careful.
Niestety tak zwane koty sa kuepsko traktowane i wykorzystywane, niestety szefowie kapitanowie szybko sie obrazaja za byle co przy tym wykorzystuja swoja range i nikt z tym nic nie robi a pozniej sie dziwia starszi ze nikt nie chce pracowac i niektorych zawodow nie chca wykonywac jak niwych ludzi kiepsko traktuja i wykorzystuja.szok i wstyd.
I hate that the "politically correct" refer to a right of passage as called or considered hazing. It's a tradition that goes back to the Fire Brigades, and as you put it, a way to see where the new ff is at, emotionally and mentally. Even Volunteer Depts have a way handling it, in many your the store runner beside the house cleaner and Engie/Truck washer, dish washer and general gofor
@@jameskearney2507 Agree, Then it's up to the rest of the house and the OIC to put a stop to that, it's not suppose to be cruel in any way shape or form and it's up to the house members to keep it at what it's suppose to... teach.
My department, no one is off limits. We openly mock the chiefs at gatherings (and they mock us, and themselves). At the fire scene, when things are serious, its all business and hierarchy. But, the rest of the time, if they aren't giving you a hard time, they don't like you!
I'm on my Probie year right now. Crews walk in at 630? Be there 545. Learn your Captain's tendencies and idiosyncrasies. Be open and communicative with the crew. Learn what everyone is like and fit in. Please, thank you, yes sir, no sir goes a long way. Always be cleaning up something it's a big station there are tons of things that haven't been touched in a while. Bored? Stand in front of the map and memorize streets, hang out in the bay and set up training for yourself, visualize and shadow box your common tasks, check the fuel levels and oils of your motorized equipment, prep food for the crew meals, flip through the SOGs and SOPs, once you get at a call be present, predictive, aggressive and intentional. You're watched all the time. Have fun and remember you can fuck up, but don't be a fuck up.
EXCELLENT. I am retired now was a career Firefighter 30 years and retired a Captain. I have watched and mentored many a new guy and you gave great advice. When you complete your probation keep up the same work ethic and mentor the others coming up behind you. I wish you the best in your career. Do good and be good. NEVER FORGET 343.
my friend's dad is a 2nd lt for the FDNY and he told me a lot about firefighting, but im certainly no expert on anything like that. but i think you are gonna be respected
Probationary firefighter Segovia is still employed with the city of Tampa as a firefighter as of 2021. Can't find anything more recent.
Key words in this is "good department and good crew" my first department was in a rural area and the pay was not very much. So as a probie I had to teach myself anything I wanted to learn and I had to write my own daily evaluations for myself while on probation because no one wanted to do anything. I ended up leaving for a better department. Don't let bad experiences get you down. Fire service is still great and it's still the best job in the world
Yep, i know exactly what you’re talking about.
I’m a probie and it’s like hell. We’re supposed to be seen and not heard. They don’t give you any clear direction for anything. I get in trouble for things I’m not aware of was even a issue to begin with. Hell I got in trouble for fist bumping a Chief after saying hello and didn’t know how he would respond with hand shakes with the whole Covid scare. Turns out I disrespected him as if I spat in his face. It’s honestly, more stuff but a horrible experience so far
@@HeartFeltEnttaka jest prawda ze mlodzi sa za bardzo nisko traktowani przez przelozonych i starszych kolegow, mowi sie :zapomnial wol jak cieleciem byl. Szefowie,kapitanowie.... szybko sie obrazaja za byle co.
Bylam kiedys tak zwanym katem na praktykach w szkole i bylo na praktykach przerobane. Tez szef mnie gorzej traktowal niz innych...
When they bust your chops a little- that’s a good sign.
When they ignore you- WAY bad.
Im prepping to be a good rookie now by always doing the doing the dishes for my wife, and cleaning the house after work. Good habit to be in and sure makes my wife happy.
YOU'RE AWESOME FOR THAT!
Don’t spread that first up last to bed stuff. The first being up is great, don’t take that last thing to bed stuff. Guys will stay up late just cause that’s there thing. Having a boot stay up then run a call driving and ambulance and recking it? Don’t take that advice. Go to bed at a reasonable time. Wake up and do your duties
I just started at my career department in January, and I second this. I was staying up past crew that went to bed at 2330. I could barely wake up for EMS calls, sometimes slept through tones, and I was extremely slow minded on those EMS calls. Luckily my crew told me after 2030 is fair game, and now I am doing a lot better.
He spreads a lot of atrocious stuff that’s the epitome of the joke of “The fire service, 200 years of tradition unimpeded by progress”
I agree it’s pretty stupid especially if the last guy up is usually just watching tv makes no sense and it’s dangerous
My first Capt told me that at 8pm he didn’t want to see me anymore
He expected me to be on the ball when tones went off
Had to switch agencies 2 years ago and went through that whole probie phase again. I have to say I had a much better attitude about it the 2nd time around and because of that I feel like I almost learned and grew more the 2nd time despite already having 6 years under my belt. Thank you for the fantastic videos!
When I was still a probie I made sure to get to station early prior to training/meetings, and even when we weren't there in which I would tidy up the station, start the coffee, and so on. It helped me out significantly in moving onto my full-membership (I am a Volley so yenno).
The pranking and jokes were a good indicator to me they liked me. Keep a positive mindset in everything y'all.
Anybody on ur way to be a firefighter wish y’all the best
Awesome video. Our rookie just got off probation. Her work ethic and attitude made her a part of our family. She also keeps us young and without her knowing challenges us to better.
Good seeing Henry from Tampa fire rescue. He rode with me at the JFRD when I was a rookie and he was a high school student. All grown up. Good job bud.
I get out of recruit school in less than a week. Thank you for all of the help man.
How was probation?
Perfect timing first shift with my first department is in 2 days , 19 y/o
hows it going so far?
Lol this is me tomorrow
That fire department is the one that responded to my apartment building, it’s 5 minutes away from where I grew up! Awesome to see someone I look up to watch a video about places I’ve been and seen in real life
Love your videos. I've been teaching Fire Science for 10 years and I use your videos all the time..Thank You
Yes he is still in the job, I believe he is at station 3 now. Station 13 is my station 🤙🏽 we also do not physics haze anymore. No more water games.
I'm undergoing the hiring process and my mentor whose an Lt. Almost Cpt. Always tells me that if they don't tease you they don't like you and it makes sense cause it's like a second family and they wanna test your boundaries and character and see what is okay and what it isn't and as a firefighter I think that's pivotal to look at the upside of it rather than down
My favorite saying... "Be a sponge, not a trumpet"!
New guy at local VFD in Germany here. My first fire was during my first full 24h shift. Garage was on fire, threatening a residential building. We were first due and I was assigned to water supply. Adrenaline? Yes, certainly. But for me it wasn’t the pants pooping kind of adrenaline, but rather the kind that really makes your focus razor sharp.
I have not had any classes yet. I had read a lot of the material. I always ask a bunch of questions (sometimes I think to the point of being annoying). Asked for extra training on hose management etc. So I am currently learning on the job, if you will, until they get enough guys together for a new class. I try to be a sponge for and a source of information wherever I can, without being a smartass. Because nobody likes a smartass.
Other than that: everybody gets their share of friendly and loving abuse. Including me. There is one guy who just recently joined. And one of the guys told me „Yeah, why don’t you show him around a bit and answer his questions?“
For context: I am a little bit of a late bloomer as far as the fire service goes. I am in my early 40s. So technically I am one of „the older guys“. Older? Yes. A little more calm and with more life experience? Maybe. More mature? Well it depends on the situation - “mature“ is a big word… I am just gonna say that I can handle myself pretty well in a „Your mom“ contest. 😂
TFR 13 is now the busiest station in the city. They probably average 27-28 calls a shift earning their station motto “Never sleep again”. Now they currently have a ladder, engine two rescues and a chief coming out of their station and their trying to add a second engine. I did my ride times with them and station 11 back in the day, which used to be the busiest station in the city. I’m not sure if this guy is still on the job or not. I worked for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue which encompasses the city of Tampa. They are also the station that responds to Busch Gardens!
I live in Hillsborough County but I visit family in the city of Tampa
And my family members house is close to Tampa fire rescue station 12
I have a question and want to know if this is "cheap." My local department is a "fire district." I looked up the differences, and really still don't understand the difference between a fire department and a fire district (maybe you can do a video on it?). They aren't civil service, and are hurting for people "DESPERATELY!" I gave them a call and they said apply, I'll definitely get hired according to their chief. He said I have to start out as part time for a year all whilst getting EMT certified. After that year, if I'm good and EMT certified, they'll send me to the fire academy. Once I pass, I become full-time. He then said if I don't like the fire district because it isn't a fire department (like I said, I still don't know the difference even after looking it up. Maybe you can make a video?), I can transfer to my "dream" department with ease - no civil service test needed. Just go to a department with my fire academy certification, my department as recommendations, and present them with my experience, then apparently I'll most likely get hired? Any truth to this/is this a cheap way of going about it? Thanks for any tips, advice, and info! Also, thank you for taking the time out of your day to read this Ted Talk if you do! I truly appreciate it, man! Keep up the great videos and content, it truly helps!
(This was to firefighter now. So if it's the video parts. But seeing how you are a firefighter as well, I'd love your input if you don't mind, man. Thank you in advance, I truly appreciate it!)!
The best qoute to be a good probie/rookie and learn the job:
"You have one mouth and two ears... it's because you need to listen more than you talk"
The sentiment is exactly the same here in the UK too. Great video! 👍
Definitely excited. We did this all the time in the Army. For first year was amazing - they hazed me so much. But they wound up becoming my brothers and sisters, so it's a great experience. Not as great though when you're on the other end doing the jokes to the new private lol... 😂
The biggest thing I'd say about being a probie is building a good name and reputation. What you do during that time will follow you the rest of your career and will make all the difference in not just people liking and trusting you, but your attitude and stress level while at work. This is not like any job. It is a paramilitary organization. People have to trust you. They have to be bonded to you. They have to know that you are willing to go above and beyond and put the work in.
I think some people don't get that this is a serious job that can take a toll on you mentally. It's necessary to find and have fun to debrief yourself and your brothers & sisters on this job if you want to last and not become hardened and complacent.
such great content. i just got an interview with a volunteer fighter fighter department near my house. i want to be a fire fighter as a career but i want to start out as a volunteer to see what its like.
How did it work out?
The joking is across the board many industries tbf. As an on call firefighter in the uk I never really saw much of it, but my old full time job was at a steelworks. We once found an apprentice sleeping, woke him up and lifted him up on a gantry hoist.
Im starting Tampa Fire Academy soon so this video is really nice
5:20 this is very true. I’m in explorers right now, been doing it since I turned 15, currently 19, one of the first things our advisor told us was this “if we’re not giving you shit, we probably don’t like you.” It’s one of my favorite aspects about firefighting and why I like it. The camaraderie is like no other ❤ love from MN
There are always two kinds of providers. Fire that does EMS OR EMS that does fire. You will know when the tones go off who fits into the right category. I am an EMS that does fire. You seem like the other, Fire that does EMS. ALL good brother we need each other to make the system work. Great review and keep them coming
Dope over looked comment
lol, his grin after getting a bucket of water in the face. I remember during one day in academy they tasked us with water collection/chutes that kind of thing. My instructor was up in the burn building laughing his butt off spraying us all. If someone had a good idea he’d chuckle and spray them with the hose. One of my favorite days in academy. Also when we did push ups in an ice cold creek. So many of the guys were bitching and I was just laughing hysterically loving it.
As a FNG in another profession, I (every new guy) was told "what you lack in skills you WILL make up for with hustle"
I was happy me dept valued sleep. If the station, is clean... go to sleep at 7, 8 or 9 cause youre the new guy running on the ambo all night. If you ran all night its okay to sleep in as long as you made sure the dishwasher was emptied
The captain sounds like Nicolas Cage
Biggest wake up from joining a crew is you get respect from the work you put in with them
Dude I'm a firefighter in Tampa lol
Watch There goes a fire truck and All about fire trucks. You will get nostalgia from watching them.
It’s right of passage😊
This is really cool to hear. God bless you all ❣️
Doing cardio at the gym 6:43 sent me into tone mode for some reason my headphones were way to loud 😂😂
Hello, I’m looking to become a firefighter and would like to know what the best path is to do so… can you please do a video on that?
The end-video splash would me run around and shout "fire ! Fire ! ... No, it's water ! Water!"
If you think being a probie is bad. Look at a Clark County Fire Explorer. They do more than a probie has to
Rolling LDH after a big fire
Very simply you can not be thin skinned.
Last to bed sucks when you have a guy that likes to sit-up and watch ESPN till 2am. No thanks
I'm about to work in Detroit and I've been warned to prepare to be a house maid the first year or two...
Im on a volee department thats trying hard to be structured like this. The problem is as a probie, im not getting paid unless I am on a call. As a recruit, there is no pay at all. Also there is a lack of interest and investment in my training from the LTs. I have to twist there arms to get my sign offs done. Otherwise, they never talk to me, they dont even haze us probies. We just kinda stand around quizing eachother
If you have a choice in my area I am a volunteer fire fighter that way you can get some experience
When I was a junior fire rescue for reading Massachusetts FD I was a probe now I want to go back this time as a firefighter also for a job also I miss being on the 🚒
A question for Mike or any firefighter. Is this something that happens also when a seasoned firefighter changes stations? Would he or she expect another year of probation?
I would say just the jokes and pranks yes but you will be respected as a seasoned fire fighter, as long as it’s deserving.
@@chriscrawford3809 thank you!
I agree with Chris, but also it depends on where you work and the culture of the department. Some places really get into the pranks and others not so much.
@@mike_pertz We we’re all about the pranks!!! Looking back at it we probably went to far several times! Lol
Didn't happen to me at all, even as a rookie. They tried but I saw it as disrespectful and unprofessional and didn't stand for it. I also don't treat rookies like traditional FD culture suggests we should.
Thank you so much for all your videos they have really helped me out
“Surviving the firehouse” was a great book on making the best of your first year.
I'll tell you the worst thing a new firefighter can have is a big mouth. You are on the payroll, not in the brotherhood. I've seen newer firefighters shitting on senior guys and that is totally unacceptable.
Volunteer first and see if that is the job you want with the fire department
Oh boy good thing theres not a tender there or he would have to stir the tank like I did lol those were the days
The fire department I’m at it still don’t stop you can be 50 and it still is going on
Best job you’ll ever hate
You know it’s funny, that stuff like this in any other job would be workplace harassment…
Hey maybe you could do a video and talk about what IS inappropriate behavior towards new/other FFs. I hear you talk a lot about what's not so bad or telling people to lighten up but I don't think I've heard you really go into things that are not or are no longer ok or appropriate towards newer members.
Things are already pretty out of balance with fire departments being little boys clubs. How about pointing out some reasons why that is and what could help change department/FF behavior to get the FFs to better reflect the community they serve.
Be a yes man
Be a sponge and absorb as much as possible
Watch your back for pranks lol
And if the guys include you in a conversation jump in but remember your place as bottom of the totem pole
First guy walking in and last guy to go to bed at night
So now like tell me how I'm supposed to feel about that introduction, given nobody has anything similar to my name except for apparently this guy
He got on TV and his first fire was on TV? Exactly how much ice cream did he owe???!!
So if a firefighter transfers from one station to another do they basically go back to probie status?
No. Most likely they'd already know who you are, especially if you've been around a while. Firefighters do transfers to other stations to fill spots around the city every few days away from their home station, so they've had time to work with and get to know other crews. In addition, you see each other often at fires, ems runs, training, and accidents. This would apply to someone who is a probie and sent to a new station every 4-6 months the next 1-2 years. Also applies to someone coming from a different department, no matter how much experience they have.
I feel if there messing around with me like that.they like me
My name is Juliana Griffin ! I'm 42 yrs.old!
I want to become a paramedic. First becoming a EMT, before I even fulfill my dream as a paramedic.
You got to let these folks have a good time. No on ever wants to talk about the fact that these people are tasked with seeing some of the worst things that the world has to offer. I guarantee you that if the men and women of our emergency services weren't allowed to have a little fun, their suicide rates would be a hell of a lot higher than they are already.
Not just that, you have to have these people next to you as you walk into hell. You’re going to be in dangerous situations and see some fucked up shit. I think that develops a requirement to have a deep personal relationship beyond a normal work environment. You can’t just be coworkers, you gotta be family too.
Also, if you can’t emotionally handle a bucket of water being thrown on you, do you really have the mental capability to handle what’s ahead?
I have a question and want to know if this is "cheap." My local department is a "fire district." I looked up the differences, and really still don't understand the difference between a fire department and a fire district (maybe you can do a video on it?). They aren't civil service, and are hurting for people "DESPERATELY!" I gave them a call and they said apply, I'll definitely get hired according to their chief. He said I have to start out as part time for a year all whilst getting EMT certified. After that year, if I'm good and EMT certified, they'll send me to the fire academy. Once I pass, I become full-time. He then said if I don't like the fire district because it isn't a fire department (like I said, I still don't know the difference even after looking it up. Maybe you can make a video?), I can transfer to my "dream" department with ease - no civil service test needed. Just go to a department with my fire academy certification, my department as recommendations, and present them with my experience, then apparently I'll most likely get hired? Any truth to this/is this a cheap way of going about it? Thanks for any tips, advice, and info! Also, thank you for taking the time out of your day to read this Ted Talk if you do! I truly appreciate it, man! Keep up the great videos and content, it truly helps!
Fire "Department" is a unit of a larger government entity (city or county), such as road department, water department, public works department, etc. The chief typically reports to the city manager, county administrator or mayor. A fire "District" is a standalone entity. The have their own elected board, collect taxes. The board appoints a fire chief who runs the agency.
@@gregbrody448 interesting. So basically a fire district plays the exact same role as a fire department, just with lesser funds for equipment/gear? I'm already used to that lol. I was in the Army, and we got all of the Air Force hand-me-downs lol.
Out of curiosity, other than potential lack of funding, why do people dislike a fire district opposed to a fire department? Lesser benefits/pension? My wife and I currently live in Massachusetts - I'm attending my EMT basic courses now for 4 months. Need to take a hands on exam, then a written exam. Once completed, I get my EMT card. I want to be fully certified before I apply. I'm even debating getting my firefighting 1 and 2 certifications out of the way prior to applying.
Anyways, thanks for the tips and advice, I truly appreciate it!
@@gregbrody448 and my hazmat certification.
I have a Bachelor's in criminal justice/policing. I also have an Associate's in homeland security/emergency management. I have countless internships/job shadows with local/state police, DAs office; and worked countless jobs as a security guard. I even have a foreign degree in Scottish crime and history. I basically doctored my entire resume towards law enforcement and thought that that was the route for me. I did one ride along and spent the entire time on a shift with my buddy who's a firefighter in Vermont and fell in love with it (this was about 4-6 months ago). Now, I'm trying to become a firefighter instead. Lol I always thought my calling was law enforcement. But truthfully, I never felt as pumped, excited, and ecstatic about it as much as I did over the thought of being a firefighter. So now, I'm trying to get some applicable skills for firefighting added onto my resume so I have a better chance at being hired and standing out.
Regardless, sorry for the Ted Talk, and thanks for reading if you made it this far. I truly appreciate it!
So many people outside the service get so sensitive and triggered to ball busting but here’s the deal, unless you experience it first hand, you shouldn’t have shit to say! Now I agree there should be no racism, any form of assault. But little pranks or jokes, or dark humor, keeps the world spinning
I sort have a question regarding probation. I am in a tight spot at the Dept I was hired at. I love the Department however a preferred dept applications are up and I want to apply. The Department I want to apply to also doesn't transport/run EMS. I dont want to do EMS as much as I used to and I dont want to waste my Dept resources to go through Paramedic school to just leave in a year. I dont know what to do because I dont want to leave after 5 months at my first Fire Dept. However, If I wait until after Probation I will have almost finished paramedic school, and I dont want to go through all that training for free just to leave. I dont know If I need to just apply to the departments I prefer or wait... I really appreciate the Dept I am at but I've had a weird change of heart about EMS and I just dont know if im interested in transporting anymore. I want to do more fire related calls and I am trying to be honest with myself about what I want. I have hard thought about if the the service is right for me aswell. Ive been in EMS for 7 years and I love most of it, but I got my fire license because I wanted to move on from EMS/Transporting as my main role, but I feel like im stuck in that same role and I have been feeling discouraged. I do understand 90% of our calls are always going to be medical and I do enjoy that still. I enjoy being on calls and being part of the team. I feel motivated to be a Fireman but Im loosing Motivation for the EMS/Transportation side of things. any thoughts on the matter? I really feel like I need advice from more experienced people and I do not want to ask my crew.
Ya...in short, I would apply to that other department and see what happens. Don’t worry about leaving where you are, lots of firefighters do it all the time. I left my first department after 3 weeks because I had a better offer somewhere else. Do what is best for you and your family/personal situation.
@@mike_pertz I went ahead and applied. I appreciate the advice. Just wish stuff like this was easier. I like my dept but they are progressing towards a more aggressive EMS based system and I have never felt the way I do before, about ems.I want to be happy and be useful as well as motivated. Thanks again for replying. Hope all your holodays are fun and eventful.
No matter the outcome, you should always apply for what you want. It’s not yours until it is offered to you. But in the meantime, continue to perform your best where you are. Others are relying on you to keep your head in the game. You never know when that experience you receive will become useful. I started at one dept, left after 2 years, then left the 2nd dept after 3.5 years, to join the 3rd dept … from which I recently retired … as the Fire Chief.
Do your best, wherever you land. You won’t regret it! Best of luck!
What is a normal amount of joking around and what crosses the line into abuse?
Well you probably need to have “Thick Skin” to a point. The job can be very stressful and depressing at times. The pranks/jokes and grave yard humor is the way we deal with said issues. Don’t get me wrong everyone has that one thing or topic that is off limits once your fellow crewmembers know this they will/should respect them. If it does get out of hand I would recommend taking it to that person one on one before going to command about it. Like he said in the video you are part of a family now!
About the only topic off limits is talking about someones kids. Everything else in your life? You had better be prepared for someone to screw around with you. It needs to be understood that it's a game, and there's no reason a probie can't play too after some time on the job. Have a good time with it because it's coming.
God help you if you got upset because someone pranked you or made fun of something about you, because you just made everything done to you ten times funnier to everybody else. Which means it's not going to stop anytime soon.
Now there will always be a couple of assholes that will denigrate you because they get off on it. Just be patient. It's only a power play they can get away with for so long. You won't always be the new guy.
Most of the things can be applied to the new guy in all things. You will get the shitty work, that is how been a new guy goes everyone was the new guy. And as someone that has been in the army, if we don't give you shit we really don't like you!
Work Hard, Play Hard💦
Nowadays, the right guy doesn't mind, the wrong guy gets offended, the right/wrong female gets easily offended and will report to anyone and everyone; so, you'll never know which personality/character they are and will get kept on; but, only to get promoted to a desk job, nowadays... be careful.
I disagree. My lt. Stays up late playing video games. I'll get my rest instead of staying up watching him play c.o d
Dang. Some of this stuff is straight up degrading.
Niestety tak zwane koty sa kuepsko traktowane i wykorzystywane, niestety szefowie kapitanowie szybko sie obrazaja za byle co przy tym wykorzystuja swoja range i nikt z tym nic nie robi a pozniej sie dziwia starszi ze nikt nie chce pracowac i niektorych zawodow nie chca wykonywac jak niwych ludzi kiepsko traktuja i wykorzystuja.szok i wstyd.
he's a die-versity hire.
i'd avoid hm like the plague.
I hate that the "politically correct" refer to a right of passage as called or considered hazing. It's a tradition that goes back to the Fire Brigades, and as you put it, a way to see where the new ff is at, emotionally and mentally. Even Volunteer Depts have a way handling it, in many your the store runner beside the house cleaner and Engie/Truck washer, dish washer and general gofor
Only issue is some people go to far most don’t but a few assholes always go way to far and ruin something for everybody
@@jameskearney2507 Agree, Then it's up to the rest of the house and the OIC to put a stop to that, it's not suppose to be cruel in any way shape or form and it's up to the house members to keep it at what it's suppose to... teach.
The snowflakes who say that the water is immature. they dont belong in the fire service.
I do not clean up after grown adults. Not worth it
Sounds very unnecessary to have or put the entire work load on new person. They have lives and families outside of work too.
wow pre 9/11 people were jovial.
That video was not pre 9/11
My department, no one is off limits. We openly mock the chiefs at gatherings (and they mock us, and themselves). At the fire scene, when things are serious, its all business and hierarchy. But, the rest of the time, if they aren't giving you a hard time, they don't like you!