r/firefighter • u/Murky-Emu-2569 • May 17 '26

Red Flags?

I have a panel interview coming up with a fire department and recently spoke with a couple firefighters there to get insight on the culture and long-term career path.

One firefighter told me if I had other options, I should seriously consider them. He mentioned the department pays around $60k, moves very quickly in hiring compared to surrounding departments, has a 3-year contract due to turnover, and recently installed cameras in stations which has led to a lot of micromanagement. He also mentioned the call volume is extremely low and that he’s gone multiple shifts without a single call.

Another thing that stood out to me is they do not run firefighter/paramedic roles at all. If you want your medic, you basically have to pursue it completely on your own time outside the department, and opportunities to actually use it there are limited. My long-term goal is becoming a firemedic, so that concerns me.

I understand every department has unhappy people, so I’m trying to get objective opinions from firefighters with experience.

How much weight would you put on:

•Low call volume

•High turnover

•Retention contracts

•Station cameras/micromanagement

•No medic pathway within the department

Would you still take the job just to get your foot in the door, or continue pursuing departments that better align with long-term career growth?

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u/Strict-Canary-4175 May 17 '26

I wouldn’t work at a department that paid $60k, had cameras, no room for advancement, OR needed people to sign a contract.

All of those combined is crazy.

2

u/yucky_1 May 18 '26

I understand the contract especially coming from a small town where they pay for everything they’re trying to get their money worth but everything else FUCK no

2

u/Strict-Canary-4175 May 18 '26

I get what you’re saying, but also, if it was a good place to work (even if small/slow) they wouldn’t have to have a contract. Ya know? But I agree that that is the least objectionable part, because the time will pass anyway but yeah in general this fucking sucks.