View Full Version : Trade skills
I hear this a lot from the older guys on the job, the "salty dogs", that none of the young guys have ever done anything else in there life before becoming a firefighter. I.e. framing, concrete, tile, stucco, electrical work, roofing, mechanic, etc, etc.....(isn't building construction kinda important, truckies?) Back in the day before overtime, firemen had seconds jobs and needed to work. My Dad worked for the fire department formerly known as Victorville and he had a stucco and fiberglass business on the side. I spent lots of summers helping with both.
But my question to you is.... Have any of your rookies done anything besides JR. college and does it matter? Does your rookie know what a pair of lineman pliers looks like. Chances are, they're in a tool bag somewhere on your engine/ truck. Are our future firefighters better off for only knowing this job? Or worse for not having any former trade skills?
The more knowledge a firefighter has the better, whether it comes from the construction trades, the formal education setting or from life experience unrelated to the fire service, it doesn't matter to me.
We work as a team in the fire service to overcome anything that may come our way. While I may have more construction experience than some, there is surely someone with more. When there is something we come across that another member of the team may be more proficient at or have more knowledge in and that member is willing to step up, then teach me and the rest of the team, outstanding.
Isn't that how it worked when we came on? Knowing how to fight fire was something that we had to learn to do, usually from a more experienced member of the "team". I would rather have someone that can teach me something I don't know and that is willing to learn something just the same. That way we all come out a little better than when we started.
lvladder1, ask one of your "salty dogs" about trouble shooting the MDT and see what the reply is. OR have them help you explain the pathophysiology of CHF to the "rookie". While you may fall short in their eyes due to your lack of "construction" experience you surely make up for it in many more they are not willing to see.
If anything look at this as an opportunity to learn by tasking them with teaching you how the construction trade made them a better firefighter and how it has played out in their experience fighting fire. Many of the "salty dogs" have seen stuff we never will due to changes that have taken place over time. The fire service desperately needs to keep that history and tradition alive. Then take their information and put it on paper or into a powerpoint presentation for all of us to learn from (I'm sure they can tell you how to format that PPT if you need help) :)
Just my two cents...
Well said Frn-FFS I think you hit the nail on the head. Regardless of our background we all do bring a little to the table.
I may be wrong, but I think the last 2 post's kinda missed the point of the question. I think what Caz was saying was in the past FF's came from primarily construction trades (electricians, framers, concrete, etc). Now a lot of guys get their EMT cert, take some Fire Science classes at community college and test, test, test till they get hire. Not that this is a bad thing. But sometimes they don't bring as much to the table.
And I don't think asking a "salty dog" to diagnose the MCT is a good idea. That boils down to respect. He could just as easily reply with "How much residual pressure would you have with 3 1 1/2" lines flowing from a 80 lb hydrant?" (By the way, I don't know).
As far as the question goes, like the previous posts stated, we all bring something to the table. HOWEVER, I BELIEVE that a little bit more life experience and time in another work field will help you become a more successful firefighter and give you a little bit more of an appreciation for what we do.
Just my 4 cents....
TaylorMade
05-28-08, 00:09
We work as a team in the fire service to overcome anything that may come our way. While I may have more construction experience than some, there is surely someone with more. When there is something we come across that another member of the team may be more proficient at or have more knowledge in and that member is willing to step up, then teach me and the rest of the team, outstanding.
I like what you said FRN-FFS.
I share your enthusiasm for teaching the younger generation of firefighters the things that they lack........ as long as they are WILLING to learn them!
I still have trouble getting some of them beyond the basic fundamentals of fire service team building skills. I think that the thread I started a few weeks ago is definitely beneficial to the newbies.
Now, I have pounded my fair share of nails in my time, my dad was a framer, I worked for a commercial electrical company for several years also. And God only knows how many "odd jobs" we did in the military.
Things were different in the early 80's. Sure, I was much more tech savvy than the old guys who taught me firefighting skills, but I had respect for them and path they laid before me arrival. I listened and learned intensely.
I think that we need to teach these younger guys EVERYTHING that we can to help ensure they know as much as possible from the trades. With greater knowledge comes greater safety and capability.
When a new firefighter has a great attitude and demeanor, I truly enjoy passing along knowledge that I have that is beyond the scope of a basic firefighter. I have taught several of our guys how to weld and use other tools.
I also got a wonderful sense of reciprocal satisfaction the other day when I sat next to my rookie and he taught me how to navigate my new iPhone.
desertmedic
05-28-08, 23:04
Well, lets see... I dont know about construction but my dad owned a printing business. I know offset, letterpress, embossing, stripping, and bindery. Oh yeah, I worked at Big 5 and a pizza joint when I was a pup too... :rolleyes:
Well, lets see... I dont know about construction but my dad owned a printing business. I know offset, letterpress, embossing, stripping, and bindery. Oh yeah, I worked at Big 5 and a pizza joint when I was a pup too... :rolleyes:
All that stuff is great desertmedic. I bet you cook a mean pizza or calzone. We all know the cook is usually "the man" and nobody messes with him, unless you drop a bomb. I couldn't cook at all when I got on the department. As a probie, I always tryed to help out the cook when I wasn't training. I learned so much from the old timers and now I look forward to my cook day. The guys know when you put some extra "LOVE" in the food, it always tastes a little better. Many moons ago I did a ride along with Chile and I stole his chili verde recipe and it's a hit every time. Thanks J!
Did he tell you that was his verde recipe? He learned that recipe from Ken Yellen, as he has taken many recipes from Kenny and try to pass them off as his own.:confused:
:eek: LOL.......... Well whoever s recipe it is, it's delicious and thank you. Of course I've changed it up a bit. Maybe I'll post it or another recipe on new thread? Hmmmm.......
Did he tell you that was his verde recipe? He learned that recipe from Ken Yellen, as he has taken many recipes from Kenny and try to pass them off as his own.:confused:
Who's Ken Yellen? Maybe someone else besides him with almost as much radio talent will answer "Macentyre's" radio question: http://westcoast911.com/vb/showthread.php?t=111
You guys are always stealing MY recipes!
I am flattered and hate you at the same time.
Hey, maybe we should create a recipe forum! Then we can steal recipes from west coast firefighters everywhere.
What do you guys think of that. (not asking you F-dub, you have stolen enough recipes to write your own book, or should I say everyone else's own book).:mad:
Shut up and go make some of those kabookies you invented:p
desertmedic
05-31-08, 00:40
Hey Caz... You mean Marin didnt teach you how to cook?!?! :eek:
Na, I spent my time at 402 and Joey was at 401 the whole time. Maybe worked with him a handfull of times.
We only cooked brekfast on the weekends and sometimes dinner, station full of damn "brown baggers". It was like 2 bucks for breakfast and 3 for dinner, those were the days. I did pick up some salsa stuff from Mitch but my ish smokes his now.:)
Who's Ken Yellen?
Isn't he the guy who taught you how to make stirfry and that awesome rice dish?!
Back to the post subject...I always thought the high schools should require a type of "Life Skills 101" class prior to graduation. Something that could teach or at least introduce students to skills like welding, basic auto or home repair, or even how to balance a check book. You know, practical skills. Not just a shop class but something for all students. How many times have you stumped the new guy by asking him to check the brake fluid on the fire engine?
sansoofireman
06-04-08, 18:10
Not as many times as I tricked them by telling them to add squelch juice to the radios!
desertmedic
06-04-08, 18:59
I dunno Bill, Guz makes a rockin' salsa these days. Did ya ever have Stapps "sleepy" gravy? I swear he laced it with valium. Smother your biscuits with that and 1/2 an hour later nighty night! Also, we all eat together any more... No more brown baggers thank God!
deceptacon
06-04-08, 20:53
Well said.
Did he tell you that was his verde recipe? He learned that recipe from Ken Yellen, as he has taken many recipes from Kenny and try to pass them off as his own.:confused:
F-Dub,
You are so right. I have worked with Yellen for years and that guy can cook! So many people have taken his recipes and tried to pass them off as their own. He doesn't mind. In fact he always says, " as long as the guys are eating well, there is no greater satisfaction..." He taught me how to make stir fry rice with white pepper. I never even heard of white pepper before he came along... He is the king!
He needs to publish a cookbook....
Firefighter Chef
06-07-08, 17:41
He needs to publish a cookbook....
Sniper, F-dub, jude23,
I hear you loud and clear... In fact I have been putting all MY recipes in a cookbook that is just about to go to print. It has all the ones you guys ask for: stir fry rice, carnitas, chili verde, peach pancakes, and yes even knuckle chicken! Everything I have ever cooked is in there... I will send you guys free copies- I will even sign them if you want! After my book comes out it will be much harder for a guy to "steal" my stuff and take credit for it!
I'm getting hungry...let's see if the administrator can move this part of the thread over to the recipe section. If he does, I hope Firefighter Chef will put one of the recipes on the board...just as a sampler prior to publishing. Firefighter Chef, would you be willing to entertain the idea of putting other recipes in the book in a compilation/contribution section?
Firefighter Chef
06-08-08, 16:09
I'm getting hungry...let's see if the administrator can move this part of the thread over to the recipe section. If he does, I hope Firefighter Chef will put one of the recipes on the board...just as a sampler prior to publishing. Firefighter Chef, would you be willing to entertain the idea of putting other recipes in the book in a compilation/contribution section?
Absolutely! That is an excellent idea... I will wait for the administrator to move this thread over to the recipe section and then I will post my rib rub recipe. It is the bomb! Great for slow cooking in the firehouse!
deceptacon
06-08-08, 23:04
That cookbook looks sick.
Ken yellen is a bad **BLEEP****BLEEP****BLEEP** in the kitchen
TaylorMade
06-09-08, 01:40
Dear Firefighter Chef,
Your spin on the west coast firefighter theme is brilliant.
If my gut and firehouse humor radar is functioning accurately, I would guess that you are having fun with this one.
Firefighterchef, when is your cookbook coming out? I have been looking foward to it with great anticipation. The guys at 1C are excited to they cant wait for me to learn your masterful recipes that you have created. They have heard so much about all your brilliant meals. Oh yeah and the guys at 1A were wondering if you could teach Serrano some of those recipes so they can enjoy them too.
Oh yeah and the guys at 1A were wondering if you could teach Serrano some of those recipes so they can enjoy them too.
As funny as you guys are about stealing my recipes and taking credit for them,
I suppose you are inadvertently teaching others this "Firefighter Trick of The Trade".....
If you like what another firefighter is cooking, act as if you are helping him make the meal so you can learn the recipe, and then start cooking it around the department circuit and call it your own....
Full tummy, happy heart...
Pansa llena, corazon contento...
You gotta love firehouse humor.
:)
sansoofireman
09-16-08, 13:27
Anyone have a good peanut-butter cookie recipe? I heard Chile loves them...
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