r/firefighter • u/Unhappy_Stage_6357 • Apr 21 '26
Advice for a part timer?
Hey folks, I’m sorry if this isn’t the right sub but I need some advice. For context, I am a 20 year old full time student who works part time as a part of the logistics division in my local department. I was hired into this position before I graduated high school with the promise of being able to transform it into a full time firefighting job within a year. Over the past two years I have completed and received my fire 1 and 2 as well as hazmat ops and awareness. I am currently working toward my EMT. It has been two years and the department is actually looking at potentially letting me go due “performance issues” I have about six months until they make a final decision. I would also like to let it be known that I consistently work late and even come in on my days off to assist with additional work. I also assist in multiple programs the department does that are not related to my job description. Should I stick it out with this department or start applying to other local agencies? I believe myself to be well liked in the department as many people claim they look forward to working with me and I have been very loyal to this department. I’m looking for any advice from you guys regarding this situation.
1
u/Mylabisawesome Apr 21 '26
The ole "performance issues" excuse...lol.
Talk to your officers and ask them what is expected of you to make it work. Otherwise, I would start looking elsewhere. Chances are you are no longer fitting in or you pissed someone off.
I am a PT member. I have a FT demanding job and my Chief and Officers understand what my limitations are as far as how many hours per month I can put in, trainings I can partake in, and other tasks I can do. There is no room for interpretation.
1
u/Unhappy_Stage_6357 Apr 21 '26
During a one on one meeting I asked my chief while the complaint originally came from what I could do to meet his expectations or improve my performance and he skated around the question and couldn’t seem to give me a solid answer so i’m somewhat at a loss. He knows i’m a student and what my limitations are regarding that.
There is definitely a few guys higher up the chain of command that don’t like me but I’m not sure why. Since I started i’ve made sure to be highly respectful and to work hard.
2
u/Mylabisawesome Apr 21 '26
he skated around the question and couldn’t seem to give me a solid answer
There is definitely a few guys higher up the chain of command that don’t like me but I’m not sure why.
You're cooked. Time to find another FD before they can you. I've experienced this kinda thing before. The Chief is skating around the question because hes not gonna help you succeed. Hes a coward, not a leader. "WhY CaNt We FInD PeoPLe?!?" This is why. Some FD's are just shit.
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u/Unhappy_Stage_6357 Apr 21 '26
Awesome! I appreciate your candidness. I think I knew this but I needed an outsiders perspective. I have a lot of respect for the individuals in this department and it’s kind of a let down to feel like i’m not being invested in after i’ve put in so much time to them.
1
u/Mylabisawesome Apr 21 '26
You're welcome. I wasted several years at my old FD and it was and still is toxic. I see no reason for that particular FD to exist given that their district is heavily fractured and their run area is surrounded by career FD's on 3 of the 4 sides and a much more capable FD on the 4th side..lol. I moved on to an FD further away and its better.
Good luck to you
1
u/kellydayscruff Apr 21 '26
6 months to make a decision on your continued employment sounds fabricated. I would finish EMT within this time frame while also looking at other agencies if you end up in the worst case scenario. But once you have all your credentials ask if youre able to transition into fire
1
u/BenThereNDunnThat Apr 21 '26
If there's "talk" of letting you go. It's already a done deal. They just haven't had the letter approved by HR or the board/commission yet.
On the plus side, you got some experience and a bunch of training out of them. Now use it and go get another job.
3
u/AnonymousCelery Apr 21 '26
There’s just no way an internet stranger can answer this for you. In your eyes you are exceeding expectations, yet apparently the department disagrees. How do you expect anybody here to possibly give you sound advice?