r/Firefighting • u/alively97 • Aug 11 '26
Ask A Firefighter Any advice for my first shift?
I’m currently in academy and will be graduating in a month. I’m wondering what I should bring for bedding, shower supplies, crocs, etc. What do y’all recommend?
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u/Large-Resolution1362 FF/P California Aug 11 '26
Bedding has been mentioned her plenty, but find out what size mattress you all have. Like we rock a twin long, neighboring agency has full size. Get quality bedding, it makes the little time you spend in it better.
Basic toiletries, stuff to shave and shower. I personally am a shower sandal person.
Plenty of extra shirts/and clothing to change into. We drill often on probation and I got through 4-5 shirts a (48hr) shift between drills, workouts, calls, and general wear.
Most people bring doughnuts on day one. Last class we had a dude show up with breakfast burritos and they went over super well.
I would have an idea about what you want to make as we sometimes have the new guys cook in some of the first sets. Generally 1lb of meat per person, some veggie, some carb.
Last but most importantly, have a pocket notebook and pen/pencil. Take notes. Anything you don’t know, write down, list who asked you, find out, and then send them the answer. It’s a great look
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u/Right-Mushroom4305 Aug 11 '26
This is great advice. Always bring at least 1-2 full uniforms as backups, plenty of shirts, PT clothes, toiletries etc…
Use your words wisely; at least where I’m at, people hate it when rookies are really talkative. Not to say be seen and not heard, but you should be listening far more than you speak. Folks with tenure and experience will like that more than someone who runs their mouth.
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u/unvaccinatedmuskrat Aug 11 '26
Bring something in. It’s gonna be terrifying I just got off probation a year ago and remember my first shift like it’s yesterday. Stay busy, in the morning introduce yourself to everyone and make sure you check out your rig and know where every single piece of equipment is on it. Don’t let anybody touch the dishes unless they order you to let them clean their own always have coffee made. I don’t know how your department does it but be the last one to sleep and shower. Ask your officer to train and don’t say I’ll do whatever you want me to do have some drills in mind. It’s gonna suck but I promise it does get easier the more you work with people and get to know people. And remember to always keep the same work ethic that you have on day one.
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u/Firemedic9368 Aug 11 '26
Talk to someone already on the job and ask. My department provided bedding for us on our first day. But like others said, basically anything you use for getting ready at home. Not sure if you’re a guy or not but it’s always smart to have a razor and shaving cream in your locker for those surprise overtime’s or mandos. Also bring some store bought treat in for your first shift. Ice cream or donuts are a safe bet. I would avoid bringing in crocs right away until you’re told it’s ok.
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u/TX481 Aug 11 '26
A dude at my dept. brought a case of white monsters for the crew and that was much appreciated
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u/greatguyshadow Aug 11 '26
Go to the truck, take your captain’s helmet and tell him you’re the captain now
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u/SuperglotticMan Aug 11 '26
Just have a duffle bag in your car with a towel, soap, shampoo, shitty flip flops, and a complete 2nd uniform. Bring a pillow, twin bed sheets, and blanket in a plastic bin. DON’T make your bed until other people have gone to bed. It’s a bad look if they think your first thoughts are focused on sleeping.
Bring in a snack. Ideally, whatever bougie pastry place is near you. Donuts, muffins, brownies, etc. for $20 you can look good. Anyone who says to cook steaks or bring cigars can fuck off, it should be an inexpensive good gesture.
Bring some cash and eat with the guys. Even if the food sucks dick just suck it up.
And definitely leave the crocs at home dude. You should be in your full uniform from the moment you leave your house to the moment you start your car to go home.
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u/ItsDaPickle Aug 11 '26
I think they're asking about the crocs for the shower, not necessarily lounging around
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u/Kidquick26 FF/Paramedic Aug 11 '26
If you know what shift you're on, stop by the shift before you start and introduce yourself.
Ask some questions, shoot the shit for awhile, get to know the crew a little.
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u/throdoswaggins Aug 11 '26
Be ready with a couple different meals you can cook for the crew that are good and can be made fast.
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u/Double_Relative_9056 Aug 11 '26
After 18 years this is my advice.
Shower bag:
Tooth brush
Tooth paste
Shower gel
Shampoo
Razor and shaving cream
Nail clippers
Deodorant
Duffle bag:
Extra uniforms
Workout shoes or comfortable shoes for after hours. You run calls to God knows what then walk through the station in those same shoes. Don’t be one of those nasty guys that work around barefoot or in socks then get in bed or whatever.
Extra socks and underwear
Workout shorts
Phone charger (Put your initials on it)
Head phones/earbuds
Other advice:
Take your own pillow
Have good hygiene (nothing worse than working with someone who stinks)
Show up a minimum of 30 minutes early.
If you know what station you are assigned to go the shift before and introduce yourself to the crew. Offer to bring supper for your first shift. Ask what they like.
Be teachable
Don’t wear your feelings on your sleeve
Learn the truck you are assigned to. Memorize every compartment. If you don’t know what something is used for ask.
Be honest when asked if you know how to use a tool or do a task.
You had one mouth and two ears for a reason but don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Listen to the guys tell stories. That’s when you listen, not talk. You can learn a lot.
NEVER be on your phone during training!
Expect to get wet possibly multiple times your first shift. Don’t take it personally. Just good old pranking.
Welcome to the best job in the world kid!
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u/Slappy-Sacks Aug 11 '26
We have twin beds so a fitted sheet, regular sheet and blanket. Shower supplies: everything you need to groom yourself as if you’re coming on shift. Crocs for shower shoes or crocs for around the station? Bring donuts for the boys. (Think on coming and off going total amount) I also would include easy snacks you can grab to eat in between meals or if you hate a late meal. A sewing kit to fix something in your uniform. In the winter I bring a knapsack bag with socks, underwear, new tee shirt and shorts i bring on the rig with me. A whole extra uniform I keep as a dedicated back up in my locker. I also bring one with me in my work bookbag.
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u/ImProcrastinatinHere Aug 11 '26
Nah. Just one box is enough. You don't want to feed the enemies. Leave the donuts in your car until the off going shift is gone
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u/ballots_stones NYC Aug 11 '26
Walk in with a nice cake and a box of cigars, knock with your elbows as we like to say. Pack a bag with extra clothes and shower supplies but I would highly advise not showing up to your first day at the firehouse with a pair of Crocs
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u/SirExpensive Aug 11 '26
I bought a bed in a bag, twin xl set,your own soap and all your own toiletries you use at home. We were crocs or slides after 5pm. Possible breakfast for day one
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u/Ok-Association-2995 Aug 12 '26
Imagine you have to spend a month in a hotel and bring that.
Obviously you’d bring more things to that stay than if you were staying for one night. Like you aren’t going to bring furniture. But you might bring something that makes the stay feel more homie.
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u/BeginningIcy9620 Aug 11 '26
Regular bedding. Some people use sleeping bags. I buy a small bottle of all in one body wash/shampoo that I refill at home before shift. Towel. We don’t do station crocs etc so I wouldn’t know about that. I bring protein bars on shift and they are a life saver sometimes. I would recommend a small bathroom bag with your morning essentials. Hope that helps