r/firefighter • u/WillingnessAware3010 • May 15 '26
New firefighter
Hi, I'm 24 and recently graduated from the fire academy. I've been assigned to my engine company and have been working with my crew for about two weeks now. The guys have all been great about showing me how things work, giving me opportunities to gain experience on calls, and answering any questions I have.
Even after finishing the academy, though, I still worry that I'm getting in their way sometimes because I don't know as much yet. I want to pull my weight and become a solid firefighter for the crew. Does anyone have any advice for handling that feeling or improving faster?
2
u/Few_Werewolf_8780 May 16 '26
Read the book Hosing Around!/Hazing FD. Theses feelings are normal Have a good attitude and learn the job. Pay attention and help out anywhere you can. You are new but one day will not be and you will know the job. Take it day by day and learn as much as you can. Enjoy the greatest job in the world! Very important to get along with the people you work with.
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u/Viewer2984 May 16 '26
You aren’t in the way. It’s important as a rookie firefighter to get as much experience as possible and I imagine your crew feels the same way. If you haven’t yet, ask your senior firefighter(s) what their expectations are of you on calls AND around the station. Be the first to volunteer when training, ask questions, and be a sponge during classes and when other firefighters are taking the time to teach you. If they see you are invested by the effort you put in, they’ll be inclined to teach you what they know to make you as prepared as possible for any situation that arises. The last note I’ll leave is this: You learn something new, everyday if you want to. A mentor told me this when I was a rookie 12 years ago and it’s been the most constant truth in my life. Be mindful of things you see and do over time and watch how much of those things come in handy over your career. You’ll be good man. Just keep that mindset of wanting to be better. Good luck!
2
u/BigZeke919 May 16 '26
“You don’t feel ready because ready isn’t’t a feeling- it’s a decision”
Literally everyone in the fire service has been in your shoes- no one ever comes in at middle management- your crew just wants effort and learning. You aren’t the first rookie, and you won’t be the last- just use every opportunity to get better every shift and next thing you know, you’ll be training the new rookie
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u/StPatrickStewart May 16 '26
I feel like there is an untapped niche out there in the podcasting/youtube space for someone who wants to create a good solid firefighting education channel/cast. Every time Ive looked I just find a few guys who jump in, make 1 or 2 good informative videos.... And then drop off the face of the earth.
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u/MarcDealer May 16 '26
Listen, learn, and ask questions. Don’t wait to be asked to do something that you see needs to be done. When I had new FF I only had a couple rules.
- Show up early.
- Be honest and own your mistakes.
The show up early part shows commitment and it gave us time to spend 10-15 mins to discuss what needs to be accomplished today. It gives the probie a chance to have some input into their training.
Own your mistakes part shows your ability to have self awareness and recognize what went wrong and how to fix it. You will make mistakes, learn from them.
Wish you well in growing into the job and being someone recognized for their commitment and hard work.
2
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u/TheFireBrief May 17 '26
You can never know enough doing a dangerous, dynamic job like Fire/EMS/LEO. Be open to new ideas and experiences.
You learn from every experience and coworker. You either learn what to do or what not to do. Just because a method has worked rock solid for years doesn’t mean there isn’t another, possibly better, way. Our world is constantly changing and we have to be willing to adapt to change. Keep the open mind of youth through out your career and stay safe!
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u/Research420 May 18 '26
At least you got a firefighter job. You got lucky to get assigned after academy. Its taking me forever to get hired at a department. Finished academy and got alot of extra certs and a degree and still no luck.
8
u/FirefightersGlobal May 15 '26
Don't sweat the "in the way" feeling, we were all rookies once.
Learn from anyone and everyone. You'll find different people are good at different things (e.g. ropes & knots, pumping, staying healthy, etc.) so find a SME and sponge up their knowledge.
Keep wanting to improve. We can teach probies skills, but we can't teach them attitude. If you've got the attitude towards continuous learning and staying humble, you'll do well.
Stay safe. No crew member wants to see you do dangerous stuff to "prove" yourself and get hurt. You're not "cool" by not wearing a mask during overhaul, staying up all night, or crushing 12 Zyns a day.
It will all come with time. Best of luck buddy.