I Am Now A Firefighter One

[quikdraw67]

After 6 months of training, testing. and a few burns and muscle pulls, I passed my final test for Firefighter One certification.

It was a challenge physically and mentally. I was not in a good place in February, personal and work issues were almost overwhelming. I considered dropping out at one point. I thank God that I didn't. It would have been for nothing.

I had a great group of instructors, and a really great group of classmates. We had each other's backs. I was lucky to have such good people.

Next step is to get certified in pumps and to drive the engine and rescue apparatus.

 

[lihpster]

Congrats! An achievement for sure! Respect and gratitude for your service to your community.

 

[GaryS]

Good work!

 

[lkabug]

Congratulations!
Thank you for wanting the job. It can be a tough one.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Congrats on your accomplishment, and a huge, sincere thank you.

 

[Jon651]

Welcome to the Brotherhood (and Sisterhood)! Best dang job I ever had. I put in 30 years and retired as a Captain and never had a day on the job that I said "I don't want to be here" - which is saying a LOT.

Here are a few pieces of unsolicited advice that I think will serve you well:
1. Don't say No to your first job offer because your first department probably won't be your last, and you have to start somewhere. If you hold out for your "dream job" department you may miss it because someone else got experience from working at another place you said No to.
2. Take all the training and classes that you can get - especially for promotion. The one thing that can never be taken away from you is your education.
3. Take every promotional exam you can. Why? Look around at some of the idiots you are working with and ask yourself if you want to be taking orders from them...
4. Regardless of whatever retirement program your department offers, start putting money right away into an entirely separate retirement account as well, even if it's only $25/week (trust me, you can afford that much). I recommend a 457 Roth plan, but choose one that is right for you. Why? In 25 or 30 years just imagine having TWO retirement accounts to draw from...
5. Be polite and listen to the retired guys, but remember that the departments they are talking about don't exist any more. Things weren't any better or worse back then, just different.
6. Most importantly - learn to cook or learn to clean! And if you want any really good firehouse recipes I will be more than happy to oblige.

Good job and good luck!

 

[mckenney99]

Congratulations. While I was not in the Fire Service I was in Public Law Enforcement for 26+ years and I agree completely with all of Jon651's suggestions.

 

[soFlaNative]

Congratulations, Good Luck and Thank You.
That was my first choice as a career, was just too nearsighted.

 

[quikdraw67]

@Jon651 -

Thank you for the advice. However, I'm a soon to be 56 year old volunteer Firefighter. I joined the local department in October as a challenge, and also to serve my community, as they need volunteers. not only for firefighting, but for fund raisers.

I will say, if I was 30 years younger, I'd consider making a career out of it.

I really enjoy it.

 

[CH4]

Congrats!
Be safe out there.

 

[ameridaddy]

@Jon651 -

... I'm a soon to be 56 year old volunteer Firefighter. I joined the local department in October as a challenge, and also to serve my community, as they need volunteers. not only for firefighting, but for fund raisers....

(Doffs hat out of admiration and respect!)

 

[bgrafsr]

Welcome to the Brotherhood (and Sisterhood)! Best dang job I ever had. I put in 30 years and retired as a Captain and never had a day on the job that I said "I don't want to be here" - which is saying a LOT.

Here are a few pieces of unsolicited advice that I think will serve you well:
1. Don't say No to your first job offer because your first department probably won't be your last, and you have to start somewhere. If you hold out for your "dream job" department you may miss it because someone else got experience from working at another place you said No to.
2. Take all the training and classes that you can get - especially for promotion. The one thing that can never be taken away from you is your education.
3. Take every promotional exam you can. Why? Look around at some of the idiots you are working with and ask yourself if you want to be taking orders from them...
4. Regardless of whatever retirement program your department offers, start putting money right away into an entirely separate retirement account as well, even if it's only $25/week (trust me, you can afford that much). I recommend a 457 Roth plan, but choose one that is right for you. Why? In 25 or 30 years just imagine having TWO retirement accounts to draw from...
5. Be polite and listen to the retired guys, but remember that the departments they are talking about don't exist any more. Things weren't any better or worse back then, just different.
6. Most importantly - learn to cook or learn to clean! And if you want any really good firehouse recipes I will be more than happy to oblige.

Good job and good luck!

I agree. There were a few times I wanted to quit, but stayed with it and retired after 25 years. I also got 4 years extra because of my 4 years in the Air Force, so I had 29 years for retirement benefits.
I too put extra money into a retirement account offered by the state. The extra money was usually from a raise for the most part. When I retired I had a little over $200,000 in the account, and I would have had more if I started the account earlier than I did.

 

[swsig]

Good show! In the 1980s, I used to prepare civil service promotion exams for a large suburban fire department, so I know how much you've had to learn. I don't remember all of that stuff, but two things stick in my mind: 1) It's better to pull a hose that's too large than one that's too small, and 2) Beware of truss beam roofs.

Best wishes on your new career.

 

[Jon651]

@Jon651 -

Thank you for the advice. However, I'm a soon to be 56 year old volunteer Firefighter. I joined the local department in October as a challenge, and also to serve my community, as they need volunteers. not only for firefighting, but for fund raisers.

I will say, if I was 30 years younger, I'd consider making a career out of it.

I really enjoy it.

QuickDraw - At 56, my hat's off to you! You don't see many that age attend Fire Standards unless they are teaching it so when you said that you completed the course my head was thinking "beginning of career". However, my best wishes still stand and I also wish you a safe time on the job as well!

 

[quikdraw67]

Good show! In the 1980s, I used to prepare civil service promotion exams for a large suburban fire department, so I know how much you've had to learn. I don't remember all of that stuff, but two things stick in my mind: 1) It's better to pull a hose that's too large than one that's too small, and 2) Beware of truss beam roofs.

Best wishes on your new career.

Thank you. Those still hold true.

The 3rd one is "try before you pry"

 

[WardenRoss]

Congrats!

On a different note: As a part of my job (LEO, Emergency Mgt Coordinator) I went through some basic firefighter training at the state fire academy (many years ago).

I have to tip-my-hat to the firefighters. It takes BALLS to go into a structure fire. Any fire for that manner.

We had to do 30 minute - BA exercises (blacked out face shield) that simulated institutional rescuing (schools, prisons, etc). Find the victims (faking unconsciousness) and drag them out to safety, one-on-one.

It's dang hard to control your breathing under stress. The first time mine ran out in about 10 minutes. "You dead!"

Again congratulations!


,

 

[Rudi]

That is great! Good on 'ya!

 

[S&W Fan]

As the proud dad of a firefighter/paramedic let me congratulate you for your accomplishment, well done!

 

[SAFireman]

Congrats!

We need more like you.