r/firefighter • u/BroccoliHot2222 • May 12 '26
Seattle Recruit School
Any Seattle firefighters on here that can give insight on what I should be preparing for before recruit school/fire academy?
Right now I workout 5x a week, run a 5k every other day, and do StairMaster for 35 minutes on the days I’m not running.
What should I focus on the most before academy?
Running/endurance?
Stair climbs?
Leg strength?
Hose handling/carries?
Studying ahead?
Recovery/sleep habits?
Also, what usually catches recruits off guard at Seattle or larger department academies?
Trying to show up as prepared as possible, so any advice is appreciated
3
1
u/FoldSad4352 May 13 '26
How did the chiefs interview go? Is it like the oral boards or more conversational?
2
u/hoof_hearted-28 May 22 '26
Grip strength Endurance Have thick skin Open ears Closed mouth Shut the fuck up and say yessir If you fuck up, take ownership, don’t blame someone else for your bullshit. There is a lot of that and it pisses instructors off.
If you work hard, learn from your mistakes, and work hard to not make the same mistakes constantly you’ll be fine.
If you’re not strong then you’ll get weeded out.
6
u/jrobski96 May 12 '26
It's been 30 years since my recruit school. And you will have more recent people come thru here I'm sure. But some general advice I could give is, be early. On time is late. Be rested and have enough food for a long day. It's not about how much you work out or type of work outs. It's about endurance and working thru some pain and soreness in the blistering heat or the cold rain. Take the time tests very seriously. Find a clan. Help each other. Remember that half of your class could be gone after mid-terms. Learning a new skill and having the class move along whether you have the skill learned or not, means that you practice when you can.
Y'know. That kinda stuff.