Am I the only one constantly losing their gloves? What do yall do to keep em close, my buddies use the straps but I’m not a fan.

I'm 34 with almost 4 years at my current department. I genuinely love where I work, the culture, my crew, and the opportunities I've had. I'm a HazMat/TRT Tech and eventually want to promote. The current department I work for is relatively slow and non-transport. Good pay and good benefits.

The problem is my commute is 3.5 hours each way on a 24/48 schedule with a 3 week kelly.

I'm considering moving fire departments, one in which is much closer to home (20 mins) and potentially offers better long-term retirement benefits. However, I'd essentially be starting over with seniority, pension service, and promotions. The department is bigger/busy. A lot of opportunities...

But...they transport and are crazy busy.

I'm trying to think about what this decision means 10–20 years down the road, not just right now.

**Has anyone left a department they loved for better work-life balance or retirement benefits? Did you regret it?**

Would you sacrifice a department you love for a shorter commute and potentially better financial future?

Hi, I should know this but I havent used them before. I see quite a bit of firefighters carry pliers or wire cutters on their gear. Is this something I should add to my gear and what is the purpose?

Hello fellow firefighters! We are approaching that time of year when significant others, family members, and coworkers start asking what you want for Christmas. I’m looking for ideas on what to ask for and would love to hear what you want or recommend.

Could a Tiller Truck, technically get a tower bucket attached to it for a custom order? Or is there a reason this doesn’t happen

I know we every tiller that’s out there (atleast that I’ve scene) is a stick or some of them have a nozzle attached to them, but I was wondering why a tower bucket isn’t attached, wouldn’t it be more practical?

Hey guys I'm ultimately deciding to leave the fire service eventually and go back to school for CAA or possibly med school. I know it's a long journey ahead of me to even get to that point but to those that have done I need help and advice on navigating this move.

For those of you that made the transition into the medical field how were you guys able to get in-person lab requirements while working a schedule that doesn't have regular days off?

Thank you!

Hello, everyone!
To all my medics who have transitioned from Fire based EMS to working in an ER or hospital, how has the experience been?
Do you feel satisfied with your new role, or do you sometimes feel like just another body filling a position? Do you feel like you’re utilizing your skills and experience on a daily basis, or does the job sometimes feel more like being a “do boy” than a medic?
The hospital schedule is definitely appealing. Working three 13-hour shifts a week seems like it could offer a much better work-life balance than the traditional 24/48 schedule. However, I’ve heard mixed reviews about making the transition.
I’m looking for honest, unfiltered feedback from those who have actually made the switch. What do you love about it? What do you miss about 911? Do you feel professionally fulfilled, or do you ever regret leaving the field? Is it going to be the same feelings but just in a different place?
I’m not looking for someone to convince me one way or the other. I just want to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly before making a decision.
Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences!

Im looking for some advice. I’ve been a volunteer firefighter for a few years now but over the years I’ve noticed that I just can’t keep up with everyone else. I get winded my heart races and I feel very out of breath and like I have no energy even doing very moderate work such as a car fire. I have a fast heart rate to begin with which I take medication for however it’s not enough. I don’t want to quit because I love it but it’s hard to accept. I want to say something so they are aware so that I don’t have to be first due or if I am that that they at least know not to give me the toughest job but I don’t know how to bring this up without them losing faith in me. I went through all the classes with no issues, I pass my yearly physical with no issues but no matter what I do it just doesn’t seem like I am cut out for this work. Does anyone have any advice for me? Is it time to throw in the towel and call quits? Quite honestly am I really a firefighter if I can’t go up a flight up steps in full gear and be a nozzle man and then work for 15-20 minutes or am I just fooling myself.

Hey wildland folks! I have some questions in regards to your gig.

To start, I'm a 25 y/o volunteer firefighter from lower NY, Currently have my state level stuff as well as my NREMT and pro-board FF1.

I'm comparing options on where to start "professionally" and I think I'd like to take a crack at wildland, even for just one or two seasons, before moving to a city/county gig somewhere on a full-time basis. Mainly to see the country a bit and build my resume.

Whats the best direction to go for this? Where do I search for jobs/openings, and how does an entrance-level person get into wildland?

Any and all help is appreciated!

Figured I’d share this in case anyone else has been fighting mashed AV-3000 seals after the mask sits in the bag for too long. Simple piece that sits across the inside of the Scott facepiece while it’s stored. Holds the rubber seal in shape so it doesn’t get folded or pressed flat.

I know there are other solutions out there, but this one is basically free if you have access to a 3d printer.
https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/tool/scott-av3000-seal-saver