101 Rules for the New Firefighter
1. When working at a new house for the first time, shut-up, work hard, and pay attention. I can promise you that everyone is paying attention to you.
2. The young firefighter knows the rules, but the old one knows the exceptions.
3. Let the tool do the work.
4. Be like a duck. Remain calm on the surface and paddle like hell underneath.
-Michael Caine
5. "Twenty-five years from now you will be more disappointed by the the things that you didn't do than the ones you did."
-Mark Twain
6. Don't make a scene and never disrespect your brother.
7. Never take the seat that faces the television when sitting at the dinner table.
8. When in doubt, take a halligan.
9. Two hands. Two tools.
-Mike Ciampo
10. Never claim to be what you're not. Time reveals all things.
11. If you don't know what you're doing, say so.
12. When approaching a fire scene, it is imperative to slow down three blocks before arrival.
13. Suck it up.
14. You shouldn't worry when the guys make fun of you. You should worry when they don't say anything at all.
15. Give Credit. Take the blame.
16. Never turn your back on the fire.
17. When things go wrong, don't go with them.
-Elvis Presley
18. Always show up to work at least a half-hour early. There is no better gift you can give to guy or gal your relieving.
19. Never trust the hand lights on the truck. Buy your own.
20. Don't gloat. Don't brag. The guys will do it for you.
21. Take pictures often.
22. Seek out the busiest units and the best officers.
23. Drink coffee.
24. Don't tell war stories to non-firefighters. No one thinks its as exciting as you do.
25. Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.
-Aesop
26. Don't be so eager to get off probation. The time you spend riding backwards will be the most fun you have in your career.
27. Never be the last one to the truck, or the sink.
28. Be the last one to bed.
29. Don't be afraid to fail
30. Drill. Drill. Drill
31. Never respond to criticism in an e-mail.
32. Surround yourself with smart people.
33. Maintain a healthy fear of this job.
- Windsor building fire
34. Stay committed to being a life-long student of the fire service
35. Share your ideas and observations. You never know it could save someones life.
"I not only use all the brains that I have, but all that I can borrow."
-Woodrow Wilson
36. Learn to cook at least two great meals.
37. Read John Norman's book, Fire Officers Handbook of Tactics
38. One fire sticker on your car is more than enough.
39. Don't complain about how many calls you had last night. No one cares. Least of all, the people that are working 9 to 5 jobs while you're napping.
40. Have pride in your department, but more for your station.
41. Be precise.
42. One of the best ways to learn is to teach--even if its teaching what you just learned.
43. Don't panic.
44. Befriend the driver. You won't get anywhere without him.
45. Go down fighting.
46. If you're carrying more than one knife, you're a moron.
47. Be careful what you put on paper or e-mails. You can't take it back.
48. Don't scribble in the logbook.
49. Learn how to swim. You don't want to be the guy that can't go near the water.
50. When you're a guest at a house (on overtime or just there for the day), follow their rules.
51. Offer to help before you are asked.
52. The phone and the doorbell are always for you.
53. Just because you have the uniform, that doesn't make you a firefighter. . .It just makes you a city, county, or government employee. Your peers will let you know if you're a firefighter or not.
54. When spending money, good quality leather boots are always worth the investment.
55. Never call out sick on a drill day.
56. If you don't have kids, Christmas is not as important to you. You should not be asking for the day off.
57. The one true measure of a successful shift is returning home safely.
58. Don't date a co-worker.
59. Carry two wedges and 20' of webbing.
60. You will find no better camaraderie than in a firehouse
61. Don't talk about the other department you worked for. No one cares.
62. Participate in a good practical joke.
63. Introduce yourself. Don't be offended when you're not remembered. You're not memorable--yet.
64. Treat your body well. You'll be glad you did.
65. Always have $20 in your wallet. No one wants to take you to the ATM.
66. Learn your territory. Know it like the back of your hand.
67. When you are out in public, never criticize your own department. You can make up for lost time on your next shift.
68. Take the stairs.
69. Don't show off. Impress.
70. When using a power saw, patience, form--not strength are needed to make the cut.
71. Choose the right blade.
72. Fire is always changing and you cannot be stationary in your attitude to something that is always changing.
73. Never criticize a fire or a call unless you were there yourself.
74. Don't wear your fire t-shirt to the gym unless you plan on giving mouth to mouth. Trust me, its never going to be the 18 year old co-ed with sweatpants that read, 'juicy' across her butt.
75. Be patient with the ER staff. They can't help that they chose such a miserable career.
76. Dorms are for sleeping. Turn the tv off and hang up the phone.
77. Don't go cheap on the ice cream and the coffee should be from Dunkin Donuts.
78. Courage is not the lack of fear, it is acting in spite of it.
-Mark Twain
79. You are what you do. Not what you say.
80. One of the most difficult and dangerous things to do on a fire scene is backing a truck up.
81. Pace yourself.
82. A fellow firefighter who is not willing to share their knowledge is suspect.
83. Avoid gossip
84. The common sense approach is usually the best way.
84. Stick to the plan. You haven't been at it as long as you think you have.
85. Follow instructions.
86. Read John Mittendorf's book Truck Company Operations.
87. Attend fire conferences. You'll see that your department is not the center of the universe and there are other guys that are already doing it smarter and better than you are.
88. Be the guy that everyone has to say, " take a break. You're making us look bad."
89. If your department allows it, invest in a leather helmet.
90. Always look up and around and read Brannigans book Building Construction For the Fire Service. If you can't make an educated guess as to how a building will perform under fire conditions, you are putting yourself in danger.
91. Demand more from your officer.
92. It is a good idea to carry a multi-tool.
93. Never defend the liar, the cheat, or the thief.
94. When your officer tells you to take a nap, it's not a joke or a trick. He wants you to be worth a damn at 3am.
95. You don't clean a seasoned cast iron skillet with soap and water.
96. Shaving your arms is not cool. It's a good way to contract MRSA.
97. I'll take the chubby firefighter that can work all day over Mr. February who has to eat six meals, drink three protein shakes, and is no good to me after one tank.
98. Always eat dinner with your crew. Your diet is not as important as family.
99. Never ask the guys to lie to your spouse when he or she calls the station.
100. When it's your time to drive, always remember that you're now responsible for all the lives in the truck.
101. The day you show up to work hungover, or sleep deprived is the day everyone is going to need you.
I've actually got more than 101, but I thought I'd like to see if anyone has anymore. That's all for now.
-George
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93 comments
Expectations and Requirements
I expect you to give 100% effort all of the time. If you don’t there are plenty of mediocre shifts out there that will take you. If you need a transfer request, ask and one will be provided.
You should feel that you work at the best station in the best department. We expect you to be the best firefighter on the best shift. If you don’t, see above. We want other firefighters at other stations to be envious of your position. By the way, I have a list of firefighters who have called me about working here and they are all good people.
Remember everyone will make mistakes. Own up to your blunder. Don’t blame others and don’t try to lie your way out of it.
Always try and do the right thing. I will back you up if you can explain and justify why you did something wrong.
If you come to me with a problem, I would expect that you also come with a solution.
If you don’t want me to act on a problem, then don’t tell me about it to cover your ass.
When you go on a call, treat everyone like you would treat your Momma. I don’t care you have gotten up three times after midnight, even if it’s a BS call, treat the pubic with respect. You work twenty four hour shifts, you’re not entitled to a good night’s sleep. You want a good night’s sleep, then go work in an office.
Communicate properly and cordially especially when dealing with the public. They are the ones who support us when it is time to negotiate our benefits. Remember, they are paying your salary and vote on the next pay raise you may get.
This is a dangerous job. Use your common sense and experience to make decisions. If you don’t know the answer, ask. We risk a lot to save a lot and risk little to save little.
You will see many disturbing things on the street that will make your stomach turn. Suck it up and learn how to deal with the stress of the job while you are on the call. If you need help dealing with it later, I’ll lead you in the right direction to solve it.
Inside a burning building if you think you are in trouble, call a Mayday. Don’t worry about peer pressure, if you think you are in trouble, you are. Get help; don’t let your pride kill you.
Whether it is a day to day situation or an emergency, when given a difficult task, be able to grasp the element of the order, complete the task in the safest manner.
Lead by example 24/7, not just at work.You are always in the public eye. Your day off may be your day off, but people know what you do for a living, probably by the FD tee shirt your wearing. Make good decisions.
Your annual and comp leave is a luxury. Your sick leave is there for when you are sick or injured. Do not abuse them.
Be on time for all meetings, training, or work details.
Be able to work with a group or independently. This applies to the station and on the scene.
You live at the firehouse when you are here, clean up after yourself. If you see a dirty dish lying around, put it in the dishwasher. Your mom doesn’t work here and she raised you better.
Follow proper orders explicitly and when criticized, accept constructive criticism appropriately, don’t give excuses or blame others.
On the scene of stressful emergencies, stay calm, think logically and rational, and keep your cool under pressure.
Learn to overcome your fears. It is normal to be afraid of things that can harm you. If you’re afraid of the dark, heights, hot confining spaces, you are not alone, but you need to deal with these fears.
Accepting dangers is part of the job. At times you will need to put the safety of the citizens and brother firefighters above yours.
Learn as much about your job that you can. You will be making life and death decisions routinely and you need to make the correct decisions.
Do not take any medications (even over the counter) that will alter your performance at work.
Do not drink alcohol at work or ten hours prior to work.
Do not take any illegal drugs, even off duty. You are held to a higher standard and your off duty image is important.
Be compassionate to coworkers and the public. On the scene of death and destruction do not laugh or joke.
The public eye is always watching you. Maintain a positive image. Assist the public, within reason. You never know who is watching or videotaping your actions.
Integrity and honesty is a trait you must always keep.
This is a paramilitary organization. You must accept authority and obey all proper orders.
When your peers jump on you about your performance, don’t get mad get better. They are trying to help you. It’s when you mess up and they don’t say anything is the time when you should start to worry.
Within reason, work through fatigue and pain. Believe me your peers will notice if you go the extra mile.
Your personal conduct is always under scrutiny, you shall maintain a higher personal standard than most people. Do not lie or you will lose all credibility with your peers. If you steal you will be recommended for termination.
When give a task, it should be done correctly. Your supervisors don’t like fixing your mistakes. It causes extra work for them and will eventually cause more work and discipline for you. This includes the fire ground, medical emergencies, and paperwork required of you at quarters.
Knowledge of the area is a requirement. Within your first month here you shall know all main arteries and the hundred blocks. At the six month mark you shall know all side streets off the main arteries. At the completion of your first year here you should have knowledge of 85% of the first due.
You should learn something new every day. You can learn something new on every call you run, if you try.
Experts scare me; they seem to think that they know all there is about a subject. Technology changes all the time, if you don’t keep up with it, it will pass you by quickly. I would rather be known and respected for my actions of what I have accomplished, not by telling people how much I know.
Last but not least, I want your coworkers to know that when the SHIT hits the fan and things go bad, they can expect you to be right there next to them, not behind them. Theirs and your life may depend on it.
Probies
From the first day you walk into the firehouse until the day you retire you will be like a bug under the glass being looked at. Don’t tell us how smart you are, it will only take a couple of days to figure out if you’re going to be a good firefighter. Don’t make the mistake and think because you have experience from another department that you are a vet.
Like the military, be polite and never call an officer by their first name, only by their rank.
This job is very difficult to obtain. Many departments have laid-off firefighters due to budget cuts. Don’t ever take your job for granted.
Practical jokes are a way the shift includes you and a way that they include you. Don’t get mixed up in practical jokes until you’ve earned the shifts respect (after your first year).
You are going to get messed with. Take it and smile. Just like Vegas, what happens here, stays here.
Arrive to work well before the 0700 starting time. Follow the standard operating procedures on grooming. Be shaved, showered before line up. During your probie year you will be expected to follow the grooming and uniform standards, even if the senior people don’t.
Make the coffee and ice tea each morning. By midmorning, if the coffee pot is getting low. Ask the other firefighters if they want more and make a pot if they do.
Most firehouses have seating assignments in the dining room and bunkrooms.
Before you sit down, ask whose chair this is and the same for bed assignments.
You are expected to study your first year. Don’t watch TV, nap, talk on the phone, or surf the net prior to 1800 hours.
Never use your cell phone while riding on the apparatus. This is disrespectful to your co-workers.
Study near a telephone. Answer the telephone quickly and never let a senior firefighter beat you to a ringing telephone.
Offer to help whoever is cooking, even if you don’t have the slightest idea how to do it. Help do the dishes every night, even when you cook. You will find out later in life that a firehouse recipe is just as important as a company drill.
When cleaning the dishes. Make sure they are clean and soap rinsed completely.
The fire and rescue world exposes you to many dirty environments. Wash your hands with soap and water often.
When cleaning the station. Make sure there are plenty of toilet paper and paper towels in their correct locations.
Keep the kitchen towels clean and in the proper place. Don’t mix the shop towels and kitchen towels. Never wash both together in the washing machine.
If you need to do your laundry, make sure everyone else’s is done first, even if you have to do it for them.
You will probably be assigned the night watch every night for your first year. If it’s not your night for the house watch and the dishwasher is full, empty it.
Do your housework without being told and don’t expect anyone to help.
Pay your coffee / kitchen fund on time.
Keep the tools on the rig clean and in working order without being told to do so. The best way for you to learn about a tool besides using it, is by keeping it in working order.
Ask questions of your fellow workers. If you show an interest in a subject, other firefighters love to teach and will help. If you don’t ask then we think you don’t care.
Firefighter like everyone else will gossip. If you say anything bad about a person it will eventually get back to the person you said something about. Don’t gossip.
If a senior fireman says something you know is incorrect, do not correct them in front of the group. Pull them aside and ask them to explain and tell them what you were taught.
Remember, the saying, “There is more than one way to skin a cat.” In the fire service there are many ways to accomplish a task and some easier than others.
Don’t go to bed before 2200 hours, unless you’re sick. But make sure your chores are done before you hit the sack.
When you’ve done all these things, don’t tell us. If it’s not done, we will notice and you will hear about it.
You did not create the emergency so do not add to the EMERGENCY!!!
Go ugly early.
Let the big dog eat.
Nothing to add for comments but THANK YOU for publishing this. It is invaluable!
equipment failure will happen at the most inopportune time checking equipment at the start of your tour is key.
Jay C.
SQUAD Co. 8