Tips for the FNG, Boot, Rookie, POS, Lower than whale@%*%
By Capt. Polikoff
And
Capt. Brown
Below is a list of things we bring to the new Rookies that are just getting ready to graduate Recruit school. We let them know what life is like in the fire stations. Although most apply to new career firefighters most can apply to all firefighters career or volunteer. Please share this with your new people:
1. Your first year on the shift will define how you are to be known for your entire career.
2. If it bothers you do not let them know. Unless it is harassing in nature.
3. Report time is 0700 however YOUR REPORT TIME is 0600.
1. Standby called in before 0630
2. One may slip by if you are always early.
3. Early morning fires.
4. Relieve someone who may need to get out early.
5. You may need to get out early.
6. Check your E-MAILS.
7. Check you’re riding position.
8. Even if you are not assigned to ambulance, if a call comes in relieve someone on it. YOU WILL SCORE POINTS……
4. Sheets bring your own or sleeping bag.
5. 1 year on non detail means 1 year of a senior person going out. Keep that in mind when you are detailed because of a rookie.
6. If it isn’t in writing it did not happen. This applies to everything.
7. You will have issues with others on your shift; handle at the lowest level possible. DO NOT WHINE……..
8. Probationary dinner YOU WILL COOK. It will be good and expensive (remember you were in a non detail status!!)
9. Holidays, weekends, birthdays, soccer games, anniversaries, etc. YOU will be scheduled to work and may have to unless you can get leave or csb.
10. Do CSBs w/ people from your recruit class. Build up your Annual Leave.
11. Deferred comp. Get into it. David Little.
12. Don’t bitch about the UNION unless you plan on making changes. Go to a meeting.
13. If something is dirty clean. If something needs to be done do it. Don’t wait to be told to do it, take the initiative
14. Ask questions if you don’t know
15. There is no such thing as a dumb question
16. Study your probation manual every shift until 2100hrs (that 9pm)
17. Study your first due maps
18. If you have a crappy attitude remember there are 50 others who would love to have your job.
19. Do not live your life on your overtime it will not always be there.
20. This is a fire house not a country club. Some people are rough around the edges
21. Curse words are used as nouns, verbs and adjectives. Try to look past it, but if it truly bothers you let the officer know.
22. Crude humor is used to break the stress. As stated before this is not a country club on a white color office job. We are firefighters and what we do can result in the loss of life or serious injury for us.
23. This is the best job in the world hands down. Enjoy it. Learn all you can to be the best at it.
24. Read, read, and read. Learn all you can. Expand your education in college (the county pays for it) Take all the classes the PSTA has to offer.
25. Be a contributing member to the fire service.
26. If you learn something or have knowledge share it.
27. This is the greatest job in the world, if don’t think so ask the guy laying asphalt in august
28. Kelly days are not forever more than likely you will get a weekday you are junior. It is a free day off
29. Keep your mouth shut and your ears open and above all do your JOB!!!
Past Misc.