What Does The Fire Service Mean To You?

[Berdoo Beau]

We come from all walks of life and start our careers in the fire service at different ages. We're typically Type A personalities and are driven by the desire to serve. After that, we have similar but slightly different ambitions within the department. Some are average. Some are driven. Some are hard chargers. Some excel. Some coast. Some are carried.

Personally, I came from an ambulance. 3 years in the bowels of Pomona. No family background in fire - I'm the first. So far, it's been a non-stop education in every subject and discipline there is. Never known so many self-motivated, kick-*BLEEP**BLEEP**BLEEP* people as firefighters. Been all over the US and met many brothers and sisters. Most were outstanding. A few were a POS. Goes with the territory. For me, being in the Fire Service means being a part of a greater good. I've learned that being a professional and acting professional are, in fact, two different disciplines. It takes daily practice to truly be an example for others to follow. There is a small handful of those types on my department. Maybe someday I can be one of them... with enough practice.

[GirlMedic03]

This is a very interesting question that you have posed. I think that as a whole. Many people look at the fire service as an honorable profession.

For the most part, the community loves firefighters. They wave at the fire engines and trucks (yes I know the difference) and they greet them with smiles. I think that the wildfires over the last few years has done a lot for the fire service reputation in southern California.

So many firefighters are great examples to follow. The FD does not come across to me as being as cut throat as the ambulance service. The guys out here always act super professional with me. I can't wait until I get on with LA County or City. Very Happy

[TaylorMade]

The guys now days don't have the same values as we do. When I came on the job, you did what you were told and had some respect for seniority.

They need us to do so much kinder and gentler approaches now. Military time really helps newer firefighters. These guys have more respect and understand the chain of command.

Glad I only have a few years left. The fire service is changing.

[tuffstuff]

The guys now days don't have the same values as we do. When I came on the job, you did what you were told and had some respect for seniority.

Military time really helps newer firefighters. These guys have more respect and understand the chain of command.


I don't have any military experience but I understand and respect rank.
Please do not lump a few bad apples into an entire generation.

[illdaddy]

What tuff stuff said is true. Not all of the younger generation has a problem listening to the older guys.

I hate being lumped into one stereo type due to a few bad apples.

[Dblott7]

First I would like to thank you for posting this topic. The fire service means to me a lot more then just serving the public. It is a way of life! The day I raised my right hand and took the oath and had the badge pinned to my chest I new I had to live to a higher standard for the rest of my days.

That day was the start of a life of integrity, respect, compassion, dignity, tradition, the duty to act, and the reality of taking on Thousands of new family members which I am very grateful. The new generation of firefighters (not all) but most in my opinion and observations don’t understand the true concept of a team. The ability to work together to accomplish common goals. It seems like it is more like a me, me, me, concept that the new generation is bringing with them into this profession and that kind of attitude can be very detrimental to the fire service. I don’t blame these young people though. I feel the entire fire service is to blame for this, because of the lack of foundation that we fail to build when they are entering into this profession and it starts at the bottom.

For some reason we have stopped teaching the traditions of this profession when recruits are in the fire academy. We have fail to maintain the discipline because we are afraid of law suites or hurting somebody’s feelings. We fail to teach what other brothers and sisters have gone through and the sacrifices they have made including the ultimate sacrifice so that we can be safer at what we do today. Lets face it, we are looked up to by the public. There expectation of us is higher then that of people in other professions. That is a fact, and it’s because of the men and women of the fire service that came long before us.

So it’s not about an individual it’s about those who came before us and those who will come after us. It’s about paying it forward. Teaching the younger firefighter what we have learned from the senior more experienced firefighters on the job and holding true to the traditions that were taught to them and those before them. It’s about respecting seniority, It’s about professionalism on and off the job, and it’s about self discipline. IT’S A WAY OF LIFE!

CHARGE HARD BE SAFE!!