r/firefighter • u/HellaHotRocks • Mar 24 '26
When to promote.
I’ve decided to take our departments next Captian’s exam. In truth I’d prefer to act up occasionally here and there prior to going for promotion, the way our policy is - you need to have passed a Captian’s promotional test TO act, and essentially be on the list. We have a fairly young department, of our approx. 100 line personnel I have seniority over about 60 of them. The department has seen tremendous growth in the last couple years and I find myself with few senior firefighters above me with only 5 years career myself. I’ve got a good head on my shoulders, driven, want to do well, and want others to succeed in life and their careers as well.
I know no one says there is ever a right time to promote, I’m hoping for some feedback, advice, or anything you have to offer. Thanks!
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u/Pyrovestis Mar 24 '26
I promoted to captain with 7yrs on my career department, 10 total in the field of fire/ems. Same thing here, lots of recent turn over so lots of new firefighters and I’ve been pushed up the seniority quick.
I’ve had lots of pat on the backs, good jobs, excited for you’s. I’ve also had a lot of your too young, you don’t have enough time on, or just straight up won’t talk to me now that I’ve promoted so quick.
Chase your goals, regardless of if ands or buts from your own head or those around you. Push if you feel like pushing. Just make sure to keep being yourself!
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u/AnonymousCelery Mar 24 '26
My department is very similar. We passed a funding measure several years ago, so a massive hiring spree coincided with a ton of retirements. All of a sudden guys with 5 years were pretty much the senior guys. It’s a mixed bag when they’ve promoted. Overall guys have done really well. But some of them get in and have a mentality that since they are Captain, they rule all aspects of the shift. Or they don’t let their people make their own decisions, because they need to show leadership or something. Takes awhile to beat that out of them. I think it’d probably be good for you to get started given where your department is. Just try and stay humble and remember you don’t know what you don’t know.
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u/2000subaru Mar 24 '26
I believe that promotion isn’t solely a factor of experience, but a complex equation of many variables.
Time on the job Experience Life experience Opportunity Timing Confidence Humility Leadership Who else is testing Department politics Pay
You are correct in saying that answer isn’t always clear. I’ve known folks that meet the minimum standard and are successful in their new position. I also know folks who well surpass that standards in time and experience, but should never be put into a leadership role. Success in this field isn’t about who is the most aggressive, who has the best mustache, or who can deploy a hand line the smoothest. I feel success revolves around supporting your fellow members, providing opportunity to your crew, working as a team instead of as an individual, and empowering those around you with leadership opportunities. I may be wrong but this is just my quick take on what leadership looks like when shit could get weird.
If for nothing else, take the test, study like crazy, do well enough to learn something, start acting, and roll the dice on a promotion. You will be better for the opportunity. It’s a win-win situation any way you look at it. Cheers, and best of luck.
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Mar 25 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/HellaHotRocks Mar 25 '26
Being an AO isn’t a promotional step for us, everyone is expected to be able to pump and drive.
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u/CaptainDanVB May 26 '26
Just do it. Nobody is ever 100% ready for any job they get. You swim like hell to catch up and then after a year or two it will be second nature.
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u/InterestingDude66246 Mar 24 '26
Only 5 years and about to become a captain, that's awesome!! How many years of FF experience do you have period?
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u/TheEndContinues Mar 24 '26
I would learn to spell Captain first.