View Full Version : Advice to New Firefighters...
TaylorMade
04-24-08, 20:00
Yesterday I met several of the newest members of our organization.
Of the entire bunch, only 2 out of 5 promptly introduced themselves to me. The others looked at me and simply gave a courtesy nod.
None were rude, and none seemed arrogant. But something seemed to be lacking.
I remember a time where it was customary for a new member to introduce themselves.
A word of advice to the younger generation of firefighters:
Introduce yourself.
Give seniority AND rank a little respect.
Say, "Yes Sir" and not "yea."
Learn how to cook.
Answer the phone.
Be courteous.
Take responsibility for your actions.
Enjoy the fire service. It is a very good place, that needs some older traditions brought back.
Can anyone else give the new guys some pointers to help them and us improve their rookie experience?
firemedic301
04-24-08, 20:44
I think you hit the nail on the head Taylormade. First and formost be respectful, courteous, and genuinely friendly (if it is not your nature to be friendly - DON'T apply). Constantly ask yourself what can I do to make this a better place to be at, but don't try to change the world or reinvent the wheel do it slowly and respectfully with your actions. Be HUMBLE, just be cause you have a bitchen job doesn't make you bitchen. Leave your private ambulance mentality back on the ambulance. And for those of you that were "OFFENDED" by that statement, stay on an ambulance. The internet affords you the opportunity to RESEARCH and learn tradition and respect those that paved the way for you. "Fall on your sword" DON'T make excuses for a screw-up we have all made them, but making excuses makes you look like the majority of kids out there that don't take responsibility for thier actions. You WILL get a reputation and it is up to you if that is GOOD or BAD. DON'T be a 2-30, 3-30, or 4-30 (been on for 2,3,4 years and acted like it has been 30 years. Treat EVERYBODY (Co-workers as well as the Public)like they are your family. At the point you don't like being a FIREMAN, bow out gracefully and don't stick around for years bitching and whinning. NEVER stop learning. If you are a FEMALE, WORK HARD and pull your weight (NO more NO less) and let boys be boys and we in turn will let you be girls. Just don't think you are OWED anything. DON'T try to be to ALPHA-FEMALE (look it up) because you will find yourself be "THAT" girl behind your back.
One tradition that needs to change and is slowly changing is "dying young" Take care of yourself from right now to the end of your career.
FIRST thing is buy a house not a $50,000 Truck and $75,000 boat because again you will "THAT" guy everybody talks about. MAX out Differed Comp. fom the start. This could go on for days. I will end by say ask yourself when you make a choice is it good for the Dept., Public, your crew, and then YOU. You will be just fine.
GirlMedic03
04-25-08, 01:16
Good stuff there 301.
I admire and appreciate your candor. Many men don't have the guts to actually spell out what WE as females can expect or what we are expected to do/know in this profession.
I'm entering a male dominated field known for being tough.
I think that attitude is very important. My dad says, "Don't enter this field with a chip on your shoulder, because it will ruin your fire department experience."
Thanks 301.
Red Hot Truckie
04-25-08, 15:09
A word of advice to the younger generation of firefighters:
Introduce yourself.
Give seniority AND rank a little respect.
Say, "Yes Sir" and not "yea."
Learn how to cook.
Answer the phone.
Be courteous.
Take responsibility for your actions.
How are people that need this advice getting past the oral interview? Or the tower??? Or passing probation?????
Great stuff said here today. I’m so glad you brought this subject up Taylor. You were right on in your post, all of you were. I would just like to add a few things to this subject. First off, the fire service is not just a job; it is a way of life, you rooks remember that. Also remember the fire service is about being apart of a team there are no individuals in the fire service. As mentioned above there are several traditions that our sometimes forgotten by the new people and the senior members as well. It should not be tolerated by any senior member of the department to allow certain traditions to fall by the way side by a rookie firefighter or liberal members of there crew. Here are few that I know are pretty standard through out the fire service.
• Be the First awake in the morning.
• Be the last one awake and make sure the station is secure.
• Be the first one to the rig when the bell goes off in the middle of the night.
• Be the one that makes the coffee in the morning. Don’t be afraid to refill the senior guy’s cups if they need a warmer. (it’s called respect)
• Be the one to pick up the news papers in the morning and lay them out for your crew.
• Be the first one up from the table if the phone or door bell rings.
• Be the last one to sit down to eat and the fist one up from the table to help with the clean up. (this is also called respect)
• Be the first one up on the hose bed if it’s time to load hose.
• Be the one that puts the flags up in the morning and takes them down at dusk.
• Be the one that declines respectfully when asked by a senior member to sit down and watch TV with them and go study instead.
• Be the first person to raise your hand when the training Captain asked for a volunteer at a training session.
• Be the rookie that takes the toilet brush from the senior firefighter respectfully and say I got this Sir but thanks for the help.
• Be the Rookie that always replies yes Sir and no Sir, at least for your first year.
These are just a few things that a good rookie should do. Along with the others that were posted above. You may think these things are mundane and petty but these are things that are a way of passage in the fire service as a new guy or gal. Your peers or I should say your new family members are going to judge you and cast opinions good or bad your first year as a rookie based on your work ethic and respect of others. Those opinions will live with you for your entire career as stated in the post above. Traditions in the fire service run deep, as a rookie if you disrespect them or think you are too good to follow them you need to turn in the badge and go away. (That is respecting your self). The fire service is not for everyone. As for the senior members of the fire service I believe we have an obligation to those that came before us to up hold these and other traditions in the fire service there is a reason why they became traditions and if I have to explain that then the fire service is already fubar.
Charge hard, Be safe!!
What is really sad is how wide spread this problem is and is becoming. Red Hot hit the spot. How are all these guys and gals makin it though the fire academy, the testing, the interview, hell probation! What is probation for if you can't fix the problem. My question to Taylormade is, Did you fix the problem? If they want to be there, fix the problem by educating them on the spot, in front of everyone! If that does'nt fix the problem, then cut em loose. If we don't put the teeth back into probation, put the Para-military back into the fire service, we will all be screwed!:mad:
I think that this has become a big problem in not just the fire service but the younger generations all together in all feilds of work. The nice thing about the fire service is if you do get a couple young firefighters come on with a lack of respect, we the guys who have been around for a little while can help to shape the young recruits into respectful hardworking firefighters. Lets face it the majority of the recruits coming on today dont understand the traditon or the importance of traditon in the fire service. But lets quit whinning about it and do something. You have the opportunity to help change that, theese new kids believe it or not are looking for leadership and do want to learn. You just may have to adjust your delivery a little bit. I have noticed that the newer firefighters coming on dont respond well to the hard *BLEEP**BLEEP**BLEEP* mentality the tend to clam up and respond in a negative manner. However if you treat them with a little respect you in turn will get it in return from them. Be one one who befriends the new kid, be the one who takes them under your wing and show them the ropes. It is very rewarding to have someone who looks up to you and listens to what you have to say. It is a different world today and like it or not this new generation of firefighters is going to be the futre of the fire service and maybe one day be your boss or supervisor. So you might as well take a little time out your day to help shape them and there careers.
It is very rewarding to have someone who looks up to you and listens to what you have to say.
Are you just assuming that someone actually has looked up to you???
And by that statement I guess that means the woman at home doesn't look up to you either, nor does she listen to what you have to say ....that's if it is a woman.
BTW in the "futre" try using spell check maybe just "one one time" Your spelling and grammar is almost as bad as that guy "Scuba"
firemedic301
04-29-08, 14:41
Are you just assuming that someone actually has looked up to you???
And by that statement I guess that means the woman at home doesn't look up to you either, nor does she listen to what you have to say ....that's if it is a woman.
BTW in the "futre" try using spell check maybe just "one one time" Your spelling and grammar is almost as bad as that guy "Scuba"
I hope you are joking? If you aren't, you must be one of "THOSE" people that likes to correct others on chat boards to make yourself feel better. This is not a forum for uppergraduates from a major college's english and grammer program, it is a "BLUE COLLAR" website for hardworking Fire/Police/EMS personnel that are obviously not as educated as yourself. Also I want to start this by saying if anyone on this sight would like to take "cheap shots" at anybody please have the balls not to hide behind a cloke of ananimity. Give your name and department, not so we can challenge you to a fight at the flag pole at 3:00, but just as a common courtesy. Secondly, I also agree there were some typo's, but when you work for a dept. that runs 26,000 calls in a 12 station dept. you don't have a lot of time to sit around and play with the spell check. I think this exchange points out another thing a rookie shouldn't do -- "don't be the one to point out others mistakes".
Steve Newcomer
San Bernardino City FD 227A
P.S. Just for the record Fryglfr you look like you are "THAT GIRL" that people talk about behind your back. IMHO.
Berdoo Beau
04-29-08, 19:06
Steve, Steve, Steve.... this is most certainly the place to practice one's ability to express themselves and do it with a certain amount of clarity and the ability to use the English language in it's intended form. Although the previous post from the young lady was... not exactly the right way to say it.... it was said to remind. Yes, we run a TON of calls. Yes, we are busy enough NOT to use Spell Check, but why NOT use Spell Check at every opportunity? Why NOT proof read what you are trying to convey? Why NOT be the best you can be on the fireground, on a medical aid call, on vacation AND in a forum? You and I are not knuckle-dragging Neanderthals. We graduated high school and some of us have college degrees. There is no shame in admitting that nor is there any shame in expressing yourself intelligently. You and I want to promote some day, do we not? Think of this forum as an opportunity to polish the skills we use on a daily basis in our reports, our emails and any time we put words to paper (or electronic screens).
No, I'm FAR from perfect and I intend no disrespect. You know me. I think you're better than your previous post. I think everyone on this forum is better than their previous posts. It takes a little time and a little practice and then anyone that reads what you've typed out will form an opinion in the positive rather than the negative. That's good for you AND for me AND our respective departments. Is this not true?
I saw an opportunity here to make a comment and I took it. NO DISRESPECT HERE. Just patting my brother on the back and encouraging you to do that voodoo that you do... so well.
Respectfully,
Bill Beaumont
San Bernardino City Fire
I hope you are joking? If you aren't, you must be one of "THOSE" people that likes to correct others on chat boards to make yourself feel better. This is not a forum for uppergraduates from a major college's english and grammer program, it is a "BLUE COLLAR" website for hardworking Fire/Police/EMS personnel that are obviously not as educated as yourself. Also I want to start this by saying if anyone on this sight would like to take "cheap shots" at anybody please have the balls not to hide behind a cloke of ananimity. Give your name and department, not so we can challenge you to a fight at the flag pole at 3:00, but just as a common courtesy. Secondly, I also agree there were some typo's, but when you work for a dept. that runs 26,000 calls in a 12 station dept. you don't have a lot of time to sit around and play with the spell check. I think this exchange points out another thing a rookie shouldn't do -- "don't be the one to point out others mistakes".
Steve Newcomer
San Bernardino City FD 227A
P.S. Just for the record Fryglfr you look like you are "THAT GIRL" that people talk about behind your back. IMHO.
Steve, I'm sorry that I offended you. I just really don't like that "F-Dumb" guy. Look at his avatar? How retarded is that???
firemedic301
04-29-08, 21:15
Bill, I could not agree with you more. As you know I follow numerous motocross message boards and I get extremely frustrated with people that bash other people and don't let you know who they are. However, I realize that most people that don't let you know who they are for a reason. I like the premise of this site and what it stands for, however, I will hate to see it evolve into a place where all the frustrations of people in the EMS/Fire/Police start to smack people around verbally and then hide behind a screen name, so if the cards are on the table and were looking each other in the eye (so to speak) we can have an intelligent conversation. We are all big kids and if there is something one of us doesn't like about an individual, dept., or profession, talk about it in the open. It's all about respect for one another and "give respect - get respect" on the other hand "disrespect somebody - expect to be disrespected"
So I say end posts with your name and dept. or company and who knows maybe we can continue to gain respect for one another on a personal level. My father was a Marine full of respect for everybody until through "THEIR" actions showed they were not worthy of his respect and that was how I was raised. I put my name and department on the table because I am VERY proud of who I am and the department I worked soooo very hard to get on and represent. I think anybody else that would like to follow, I tip my hat too.
Fyrglfr introduce yourself then feel free to dislike F-Dub or myself (I have 2 ex-wifes that would enter you into my fan club) then when you use words like"retarded" we could "respectfully" think of you the same way.
Life is tooooooo short to be hating.
Bill just FYI, I put a Tucks pad on my bung hole (that fyrglfr chapped) and I am all better now.:D:eek:
I thought we were talking about rookies. I wish more of the new rooks were like Scott Roberts. Rookies need to contact him at Station 225A to learn how to be a "real" rookie.
Ya'll know who I am. Just find a pic and I'm probably in it.
Oh Yeh, no "Broken Arrows" this summer. Thanks for saving my life Steve.
Cheese Out
TaylorMade
04-30-08, 14:13
I did not start this thread to have everyone start arguing.
Let's stick to giving the rookies some goos advice.
Brotherhood.
Thanks everyone.
Taylors right you guys, "can't we all just get along?" Actually this too can be advice to new guys. Be willing to take criticism, and have jokes made about you, and don't take offense to it. Firefighters will bash eachother all day, everyday, that is just how we are. Take it with a grain of salt, and don't chime in until AFTER probation. Then you will have "earned it" so to say. If no one jokes with you, they probably don't feel comfortable with you. Try to make them comfortable and have fun.
Stay in school.
RedBloodedAmerican
04-30-08, 21:16
My best advice from my rookie year... if you pass out you may get a 5 minute break. So just push yourself harder than you ever thought possible... Besides there has to be a medic around somewhere IV catheter in hand to help you recover. If you dont leave any doubt that you gave your hardest (and the fact you came into it in-shape and prepared) then its one less thing you can get "dinged" on. That, and show respect as stated prior, and have fun and smile.
I think what we should want in a new hire is someone willing and able to learn. Not everyone knows the way a fire station runs before getting hired(hopefully they picked up a few good tips along the way). I know when i got hired i made mistakes, but i tried my hardest not to ever make that same mistake. Help them learn from the mistakes they make and we all benefit.
Steve, I'm sorry that I offended you. I just really don't like that "F-Dumb" guy. Look at his avitar? How retarded is that???
F-dub has the coolest avatar on here!!! (Next to mine of course).
To Rookies:
Keep your mouthes shut and don't try to get into ribbing senior guys....it will save you later (trust me, I'm speaking from experience).
Ask questions when you don't know.
When you F up (it is gonna happen) own up to it.
First in dishes.
Stay off the phone.
Keep the coffee fresh.
Remember, we all went through the game. We just wanna see you earn it the same way we had to.
Thanks Ash, I thought it was pretty funny, but apparently it offends some people. Oh well guess you cant make everyone luagh some people are just grumpy.
hottie4fire
05-02-08, 02:02
Thanks Ash, I thought it was pretty funny, but apparently it offends some people. Oh well guess you cant make everyone luagh some people are just grumpy.
It is true what FyrGlfr said about your picture. It is volger. you should get a less offensive one.
Oh by the way, I almost forgot. My advice to new firefighters is this.... Be nice to the ambulance workers. They are their to help to. Be sure to introduce yourself to them, especially if you are new to the area.
firemedic301
05-02-08, 09:21
It is true what FyrGlfr said about your picture. It is volger. you should get a less offensive one.
Oh by the way, I almost forgot. My advice to new firefighters is this.... Be nice to the ambulance workers. They are their to help to. Be sure to introduce yourself to them, especially if you are new to the area.
"VOLGER" how do you figure? Because "YOU" preceive it to be. Other that you two girls I don't think it offends anybody else on the sight. However I could be wrong, but again BOYS WILL BE BOYS. There's been plenty of things that have offended me in the fire service that women have done and I have never said a word to the offenders, why? Because it isn't worth disrupting the status quo. I would rather "JUST GET OVER IT" which is another bit of advice I would give to Female recruits, "JUST GET OVER IT" because trust me for everytime you are offended by something the guy's do - there is just as many time you will (maybe not on purpose or knowingly) offend some of the guy's and if you make it known that you will not hesitate to take action, You will again be "THAT GIRL". IMHO ;)
It is true what FyrGlfr said about your picture. It is volger. you should get a less offensive one.
Oh by the way, I almost forgot. My advice to new firefighters is this.... Be nice to the ambulance workers. They are their to help to. Be sure to introduce yourself to them, especially if you are new to the area.
You wanna talk vulgar and offensive, let's talk about Paris Hilton. There is a waste of skin, no talent, attention whore that is a drain on society.
And by the way, giving advise to Rookies and not being in the fire service..... please.......try not to get lost on the way to a call.:cool:
First let me apologize to you Taylor for this response but I can’t take it any longer. Why is it that the non-professional, non-firefighters on this site feel compelled to criticize those of us in the profession doing the job? You may have the right to express your opinions because this site is open to the public. However, if you do so make the subject matter something that is going to benefit the professionals that use it. Belittling someone because they had a few typo’s and a few misplaced words or they chose an Avatar that is meant to be funny (not offensive) is just a waste of everyone’s time. That being said, I would like to take this opportunity to tell Ms. Hottie you have no right to offer any advice to new people coming into the fire service. Until you have been there and done that it means nothing. You maybe an ambulance jokey (I can say that cause I have done that) and that’s great but leave it at that. We will handle the teachings of our new people. Your job is simply this “WE CALL, YOU HAUL, AND THAT’S ALL”. Oh by the way what does Hottie4fire mean anyway? It sounds like you’re a badge bunny looking for a nut and probably not that HOT!
As for you (Fyrglfr) Fire Girl Friend or Fire Golfer whatever, the same holds true to you just because you may be a girlfriend of a professional Firefighter does not mean you can come on this site and criticize those that are trying to offer positive feedback and suggestions as it relates to the topic. I’m sure your boyfriend or golfing buddies would agree. If you are someone in the civil service profession then shame on you and girls, referring to the two of you listed above. Please don’t bother responding back to this post we really have heard enough from you already!
Scuba Out!
Don’t Dive Were It Stinks
FireMedic301, I too believe that this is a place to get information out to our brothers and sisters, but when you do put your name and department down, you are representing yourself and the department. Do you really want to show everyone that San Bernardino hired someone that is does not take the time to do the job right? I mean if you hurry through a post, do you also hurry in an emergency situation, like just going into a house fire without sizing it up? No, I think not. As you can see, I am trying to take the time to spell my post correctly. I am from one fire station that ran 10,624 calls last year, and we have one fire engine and one fire rescue. If I can spell most words, so can everyone here. So, lets go get a beer at 3:05, I mean once we tape fyrglfr to the flagpole (is it one word or two) at 3:00.
Also, proper spelling gives validity to any post. Most of us can’t spell worth a lick, but that is why the added that spell check button on our computer.
Respectfully
Elliott C Jones
Las Vegas Fire
Station 10, A-Platoon
GirlMedic03
05-02-08, 18:22
Gentlemen,
Please don't reference or categorize me as one in the same as hottie4fire.
I understand the fire service as well as my Dad has taught me.
I know that she does not represent us females too well in this forum.
Thank you to everyone giving their "Advice to Rookies".
You have got to be the sweetest thing going. Don't catagorize me with the others, Thats sweet. You most certainly are'nt. You're father has TAUGHT YOU WELL. Thank you for your wisdom and thoughts......I'll bet you're a hard charger
I agree girlmedic03. You definately do not fit in with the same label that the other two females have earned themselves. I hope you get a full time spot soon. Good luck.
Berdoo Beau
05-04-08, 14:09
Yea... what fatcobra said. Spel it rigt or donut postt.
Hurumpf!!
(I didn't get a hurumpf out of you!)
Next post!!!!!
************************************************** *****
Remember: An armed man will kill an unarmed man with monotonous regularity.
Hurumpf,Hurumpf,Hurumpf,Hurumpf
:eek::eek::eek::eek:
hottie4fire
05-06-08, 01:37
Gentlemen,
Please don't reference or categorize me as one in the same as hottie4fire.
I understand the fire service as well as my Dad has taught me.
I know that she does not represent us females too well in this forum.
Thank you to everyone giving their "Advice to Rookies".
Oh Please. Don't try so hard to impress these firefighters girlmedic03. They will turn on you in a minute.
Girl power.
My advice to rookies remains the same. Treat the ambulance people nice and they will do a good job team working on scene.
WOW! I haven't posted for a couple of days and I came back to read this little gem. Yes, we all have our own opinions and we all think that our own ideas are the best ones available. We always think we are posting the best reply to a forum...until we actually hit the enter button and then read it...NUTS! Where is the "unsend" button? Remember, this is supposed to be a site for fire, police, and ems; so, everyone should be able to say what worked for them as a rookie, or what they think is important to a rookie, regardless of what rig we drive/ride. This is a public forum and I would venture to say that many "soon to be rookies" have visited the site and read our posts. Is this how we want to represent our chosen profession...squabbling over grammar, avatars, and opinions?! I know I can get caught up in some heated discussions, and I benefit from not being a part of this one in the heated stages, so it is easier for me to say, "Cool it, let's get back on subject."
Everyone responding to the rookie advice has had some good input; here is some from me. On the ambulance: know your streets and/or how to read a map. Don't even walk away from the ambulance without your gurney and appropriate gear. If you are called to stage at a major incident...stay with the ambulance - you do represent a resource as an EMT or Paramedic, but the crisis cannot be averted without transporting people to approriate facilities and ambulances don't drive themselves.
On the fire department: (the lists made by other members prior to this post are pretty extensive) some of the only other things I can think of for the rookies are: if you don't know the answer to a question, say that you don't know (to a certain extent...if you keep saying it people are going to think you have a problem with retaining information). If a senior member begins to instruct you on something, even if you have heard it from seven other senior members, let them teach you...it will build a better relationship between you and that person and who knows, they may add a little twist to the task that will help you to do it better.
For the senior members: Stop gossip - check out the facts so you don't spread lies. Be the first one to end disputes. Remember how you were as a rookie...DO NOT expect the new guy to do something that you did not do as a rookie. You may want them to do some of the medial stuff - and they should - but if you didn't do those medial tasks as a rookie, you DO NOT get to chew them out for not doing it. Remember, the new guy will be with you for the rest of your career and he will continue on beyond that point. Build a relationship with the rookie/family member. I'm sure you don't want to retire and come back to the station a year later just to hear your rookie say, "Excuse me sir, you shouldn't be on that fire truck. I don't want you to fall and break a hip."
Everyone need to remember that even after your done being a probie, you will always be someone's rookie. Don't spout off advice that they can turn to you and say, "You didn't act that way, why would expect someone else to follow the rookie rules you disregarded?"
Whew...and I'm spent!
;) Jude very well said. Your master taught you well!
True that Jude. That advise can be used throughout a career.
chainsaw5vent
05-14-08, 04:46
....can't we all get along??.......sniff snivel sniff wwaaahhhh
No worries GirlMedic03, You are one of us. Please just make sure you leave the toilet seat UP when you are done.
Are you just assuming that someone actually has looked up to you???
And by that statement I guess that means the woman at home doesn't look up to you either, nor does she listen to what you have to say ....that's if it is a woman.
BTW in the "futre" try using spell check maybe just "one one time" Your spelling and grammar is almost as bad as that guy "Scuba"
Wow I just joined this site and was reading through some of the post and came across this one, I just couldn’t let it go with out saying something. Where in the hell do you get off talking to people that way Fyrglfr. Sounds to me like your the one with some self esteem issues having to put others down to make yourself feel better. Maybe F-dub could have used spell check but he didn’t, oh well get over it. As for the other comment that is just totally uncalled for and inappropriate. I sure hope that you don’t treat everyone like that. I’m sure your one of those people that will talk s@!t about someone behind their back or on the internet because your not a big enough person to say it to their face. Oh yeah and one more thing who cares what his avitar is, does it really matter that much!!! Sorry everyone about the ranting it just really bugs me to see people act that way.
firemedic301
05-24-08, 17:11
All I have to say about that WILLY is "WORD"
Welcome aboard
Where in the hell do you get off talking to people that way Fyrglfr. Sounds to me like your the one with some self esteem issues having to put others down to make yourself feel better.
Welcome aboard WillyG. Good for you for standing up to those who like to SLAM others unnecessarily.
Maybe part of the advice to new firefighters can be.....keep the brotherhood strong, and don't insult your fellow firefighters for no good reason.
Wow I just joined this site and was reading through some of the post and came across this one, I just couldn’t let it go with out saying something. Where in the hell do you get off talking to people that way Fyrglfr. Sounds to me like your the one with some self esteem issues having to put others down to make yourself feel better. Maybe F-dub could have used spell check but he didn’t, oh well get over it. As for the other comment that is just totally uncalled for and inappropriate. I sure hope that you don’t treat everyone like that. I’m sure your one of those people that will talk s@!t about someone behind their back or on the internet because your not a big enough person to say it to their face. Oh yeah and one more thing who cares what his avitar is, does it really matter that much!!! Sorry everyone about the ranting it just really bugs me to see people act that way.
I still have a little piece of my a$$ left. Anyone else want to finish it off?:D
Come on F-Dub, Im sure you have something to say to me? :)
I still have a little piece of my a$$ left. Anyone else want to finish it off?:D
Come on Bobby, Im sure you have something to say to me? :)
I really don’t have anything to say to you. I'll wait until you have something intelligent to say before I argue with you. I'm not going to get involved in the petty arguments that don’t mean or solve anything.
I really don’t have anything to say to you. I'll wait until you have something intelligent to say before I argue with you. I'm not going to get involved in the petty arguments that don’t mean or solve anything.
Ok Ill come clean then. I was only joking in my previous post; everyone took such offense to what I was saying that I just let them run with it. I really was just trying to give F-Dub, and Scuba, a hard time because I new who they were by there avatar's. Instead I caught hell from every other member on the board for it particularly from Newcomer. Sorry guys didn’t mean to get you all riled up, I was just kidding.
Out of curiosity how many of you hit the "spell check” before submitting your post?:D
Johnny on the spot
05-25-08, 14:58
f-dub's avatar rules!!
And you know what? If you don't know f-dub, then you don't know! you know? Because if you knew, then you'd know!
thirdly, please do not hijack threads to correct spelling or grammar!! so annoying. waste of time, space and ink! okay, maybe not ink.
The force is strong with us!!
Wow!! Fire Girlfriend is back peddling so fast he left his pride behind with the ever so important ironic grammar check that he needed for his last post. Since he decided to point out someone else’s flaws in their post, I figured it would only be injustice for me not to show him the same courtesy. I am not an English major by any means; however, these are the mistakes I found:
“Ill” is spelt “I’ll”
“to give F-Dub, and Scuba, a hard time because” – This is known as a Comma splice.
“new” is spelt “knew”
“who they were by there avatar's”- Should be “their” (second grade grammar).
“every other member on the board for it particularly from Newcomer” Run-on sentence.
“Sorry guys didn’t mean to get you all riled up, I was just kidding”- Your comma should be a semi-colon. This is known as a dangling modifier.
It looks as if we all have our problems with English. Wouldn’t you think so “Fire Girlfriend”?
In any case, I feel the issue with new recruits in the fire service, as well as, any other occupation has to deal with their frame of mind. I’m a firefighter and a business owner and see the same mind-set in both places. The next generation of working class America has what I like to call; a “sense of entitlement” type attitude. This attitude is depicted through expecting a lot without giving much in return. (“What can this place do for me? Instead of “What can I do for this place?”) This is a mentality that expects to get full pay for just showing up to work and anticipates more pay for putting in a full days work. What happened to the honor of pride? There is fulfillment in accomplishment that goes beyond money that is just as rewarding. Self-worth is created through selfless service and indulging your efforts with tenacious resolution.
In other words new recruits need to give to the fire service and expect nothing in return.
sansoofireman
06-07-08, 01:41
This is known as a dangling modifier.
I have a dangling modifier... IN MY PANTS!!!!!
I have a dangling modifier... IN MY PANTS!!!!!
LMAO!!!!!!!!!
desertmedic
06-07-08, 13:52
Hey Anytime... Shut your mouth and get B shift their gloves and goggles!! :eek: ;) The love in here... Unbearable eh? Stay safe Torgy, I'll be in Oregon and wont be able to help you when you get in over your head for the next couple of weeks.
desertmedic
06-07-08, 13:53
And that my friends, is a run-on... lol
And that my friends, is a run-on... lol
Stay safe in Oregon bro... Try not to get rapped by the tree-hugging hippies.
:D
TaylorMade
06-18-08, 12:05
At first, this thread picked up some really good steam. The items and points brought forth by many of you were excellent.
I turned a few of our new firefighters on to these posts since I thought it would benefit them to read rookie tips.
To get us back on track:
Does anyone else have any other good points or advice to give to newer firefighters?
TaylorMade, sure this is common sense, but here's my top 10:
1. Keep your opinions to yourself until you've earned the right to contribute;
2. Be appreciative everyday that you're getting paid for a job that most volunteer for;
3. Be pro-active in your house duties without drawing attention to yourself;
4. Be the last to sit down at the dinner table and first-up;
5. Be the first one-up in the morning, and yes; make coffee even if you don't drink it and fetch the paper;
6 Be respectful and receptive to any feedback offered by senior guys;
7. Bring your wallet and expect to buy ice cream, fruit salad, yogurt, etc - daily;
8. Stay out of the recliners, even when offered, until after you completed probabtion;
9. Conform to the department's, and firehouse, customs and norms
10. Self-iniatate, quitely, training - special projects-house duties. Never place yourself in position to be reminded to do something that is part of your job responsibilties.
Just a little observation I made the other day. I remember when I came on it was understood that "new persons" should make themselves available to work overtimes on holidays. I checked Telestaff (our overtime system) and there is only one "new guy" available for medics for July 4th. Last I checked, we had about 14 "new guys" hired in the last year and a half. Want to make yourself look good? That's a start. I understand that we all have families but this job is all about sacrifices.
The sad thing is that if some "new person" was forced they'd probably come up with and excuse.
Step up to the plate!
Cheese out
sansoofireman
06-23-08, 20:42
Good point Mayor McCheese...
Hopefully they read this a go available. The Arson Investigators have to do fireworks patrol, and folks with seniority will get forced if no one is available.
Red Hot Truckie
06-24-08, 10:42
Yeah i noticed that Cheese. Im always available to work holidays. I think they are fun. Especialy July 4th. And to know that im working for someone with more time on than me so they can be with their family and friends makes me super stoked. I dont really have friends out side of the department, so Ill do what ever it takes for my brothers. Shitt, i think i even saw "Sarge" signed up to work July 4th.
firemedic301
06-24-08, 12:16
I could only imagine Sarge and an HT on Little Mtn. on Fire watch (4th of July) and tell him to call in any smokes he sees. That could possibly be the FUNNIEST day of radio traffic EVER!!!!! :eek:
I feel sorry for you guy's out there in Westcoast911 land that don't know what we are talking about. The phrase "Monkey fvcking a football" would be the best analogy I can come up with.
Yeh, I can picture Sarge at the top of Little Mtn. yelling "BROKEN ARROW" "BROKEN ARROW". HA HA HA
Sorry, couldn't help that one, it was a perfect in.
The sad thing is that if some "new person" was forced they'd probably come up with and excuse.
I don't get it...it's a "FORCE" or as some departments call it a "MANDATORY"...what kind of excuse works?!
My advice to new and old guys is this: if you are force hired, it's because no one else was available, the department needed to fill the spot and it was your turn in the bucket...work the force...make the most of it. I'm sure everyone's department has exceptions like airline tickets, funerals, and weddings...just don't make up excuses.
The guys that b!tch about getting forced and make up excuses not to work them. Are the same guys that b!tch when they can't get an overtime when they want it.
Take one for the TEAM. Work the force hire and enjoy the money.
The only way we get penalized for not taking a force is to be penalized with the hours whether you worked them or not. That way you get moved further down the list for the next OT. I'm sure most guys don't care anyways. Work it or take the hit, hmmm.
I agree with the Jude23- It's mandatory - plain and simple. If you don't have airline tickets, or a funeral or wedding then there's no excuse. DO IT!
CHEESE OUT
Dblott7...GREAT POST! Yeah, I shouted. Mean't to. Thank you. I joined up in 1972. Now long gone and nearly 60. Soosss, all of you young rooks, just think of this as being ancient history and you get the idea...again.
Best advice I got was from an old EN who was a machine gunner with the First Marine Division way back in the early Pacific WW2. Since we "related", (we both stayed very quiet about ....that) I really listened when he did talk.
He told me that in order to do well on probation now and later in my career, just pretend that you were still in some version of the Marine Corps...with the big difference being you didn't salute and you went home after 24 hrs.
A little bit of remaining military disipline went a long way. Yeah, I keep bringing that up. I don't know why. Other than that, nothing much else I can add to Oblott7's post. You new people are very lucky. Don't blow it. :) :) :)
..... that "new persons" should make themselves available to work overtimes on holidays. I checked Telestaff (our overtime system) and there is only one "new guy" available for medics for July 4th. Last I checked, we had about 14 "new guys" hired in the last year and a half. Want to make yourself look good? That's a start. I understand that we all have families but this job is all about sacrifices.
The sad thing is that if some "new person" was forced they'd probably come up with and excuse.
Cheese out
Hey Bro,
I would rather that they save the OT days for me! LOL
The market tanked today and everyone is feeling the pinch. Good things I got 24 more years to go I guess.
KungFooPanda
10-08-08, 05:57
Yeh, I can picture Sarge at the top of Little Mtn. yelling "BROKEN ARROW" "BROKEN ARROW". HA HA HA
Sorry, couldn't help that one, it was a perfect in.
for all yous guys at 4's, sarge is (freddie mercury style voice over) "..the best friend that you've ever had. he's been with you for a long time.."
sarge, you're only getting a fist bump after you yell "...you ol' granpa!"
you can't force me. i'll take it to compensate for the budget of braces, med co-pays, and don't even think about trying to force me during christmas eve or day when i've already got 6 sods/unsods along w/my regular shifts in the second half of december. i 've already helped the department out.
don't even think about trying to force me during christmas eve or day when i've already got 6 sods/unsods along w/my regular shifts in the second half of december. i 've already helped the department out.
You've got 6 ot's for Dec? What the heck? I'm gonna be kung-foo-fighter soon.
KungFooPanda
10-09-08, 06:11
You've got 6 ot's for Dec? What the heck? I'm gonna be kung-foo-fighter soon.
NAHHH cheese. philosophical conversation w/ a t'staffer from december 06. i already had 6 o/t's sodded for the second half of the month and they were talking about having to force peoples for the 24/25th. and i was trying to be nice and let them know that there was NO WAY POSSIBLE to force me.
let me 'splain myself to you one more time. i'm already working 11 of the 15 days in the second half and you have guys that are only working 5. and you can't/won't force them...!!??? well.. if you can't/won't force them, you can't force me either.
later.
KungFooPanda
10-09-08, 14:47
OK, whats a SOD?
SOD= Scheduled Overtime Day (5-30 day notice)
UnSOD= UnScheduled Overtime Day (less than 4 days notice)
all vacancies are listed on TELESTAFF computer website. injuries, vacancies, holiday, vacation day, sick. the computer tries to fill these at various times through out the day.
overtimes are scheduled based upon rank, total hours in each area, specialty (hazmat, USAR, etc) Your availability and position in the total hours (do you have 24 hrs SOD compared to So 'n So who has 235 SOD hrs?)
all things being equal, low hours, if available, gets the offer first to fill the vacancy. specialties can skew the opportunities though.
from time to time, the system does not have enough available personnel in a rank to fill, so a manual phone call is made in order to go out of rank. this only occurs for injury, sick and position vacancies. holidays, vacation (voluntary time off) days will not be filled if there are no persons available.
'FORCE HIRES' are supposed to be assigned to the person w/the lowest hours accumulated. SACRED HOLIDAY (i.e. christmas eve/day, new year's eve, july 4, thanksgiving) forces come off another list. our dept changed the Sacred Holiday rule to nobody can schedule it off. YOU MUST find your own coverage. force hires will usually get a manual phone call from the t-staffers who will let you know that you're being forced.
you can turn down (say 'no') to the computer, or turn an overtime back in, BUT you still keep those assigned hours once the computer has made contact with you. you need to delete your availability if you don't want the system to call you on certain days.
the computer can also be programmed with 'emergency call back' (burn down) feature where authorized personnel can log on and hit the magic button to contact ALL suppression employees and have them report to work immediately. major emergency, 'old fire', etc.
overall, it works ok.
Ok, ours is similar-OT goes to the person with an availability and lowest hrs.. The only exception, when you get forced your allowed 1 right of refusal. If you use it and then get forced again, you have to work that day. Once that has been recorded, you get another ROF! If you are forced for Xmas eve, you cannot be forced for Xmas day! All other holidays are open season for forces
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