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Well, some people have asked me about the job. I've decided to post a thread on it.
DISCLAIMER: THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION BELOW WILL NOT 100% GET YOU A JOB AS A FIREFIGHTER, BUT THIS INFORMATION IS VALUABLE IF YOU WANT TO BECOME A FIREFIGHTER. USE THIS INFORMATION AS AN ADVANTAGE AND NOT AGAINST YOU.
Any questions PM (Private Message) me and I'll reply with an answer.
I will cover the following in this thread:
I: History of Firefighting
II: Difference between Paid & Volunteer
III: Tools
IV: Requirements
V: Pranks & Don't show fears ect
VI: Got what it takes?
INDEX: Resources
I: History of Firefighting
- What is Firefighting?
Firefighting is the act of extinguishing fires. A firefighter fights fires to prevent loss of life, and/or destruction of property and the environment. Firefighting is a highly technical skill that requires professionals who have spent years training in both general firefighting techniques and specialized areas of expertise.
- When Firefighting began.
The history of organized firefighting began in ancient Rome while under the rule of Augustus. Prior to that, there is evidence of fire-fighting machinery in used in Ancient Egypt, including a water pump invented by Ctesibius of Alexandria in the third century BC which was later improved upon in a design by Hero Of Alexandria in the first century BC.
- Todays Firefighting.
[-]In today's society we have engines and better gear to use for extinguishing fires. We get on scene faster and more efficient, also we save more lifes thanks to technology. We don't think much about how fires were put out in the past, but we do think about todays society such as, how fast could the firefighters respond to this house, or where are they. People have to realise firefighting is one of the most dangerous jobs, and it takes firefighters a good 5 minutes to get all geared up and on the engine.
II: Difference between Paid & Volunteer
- Paid
[-]Paid departments have to have 400 hours in training to be certified (in my state) and have to have more requirements than any other departments. They get paid a decent amount (depending on state/area) and they are very reliable.
- Volunteer
[-]Volunteer departments have to have 150 hours in training to be certified (in my state) and do this from the kindness of their heart. Volunteers do not get paid for their efforts but the department may reimburse the firefighters as a thank you for their duties.
- Difference
[-]I'm sure you can tell the difference between them. I'll post some links below so you can read on it if you are interested.
III: Tools
- List of tools you may use as a firefighter (most likely [not a complete list, just some off the top of my head])
[-]
1. Pikepole
2. Halligan Bar
3. Axe
4. Sledge Hammer
5. K12 Saw
6. Chainsaw
7. Fire extinguisher
8. SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus [aka Air Pak])
9. Bolt Cutters
10. Torch
NOTE: This is not a complete list, these are just some examples of tools you may use on the job. There are many moer tools, these are just a few.
IV: Requirements
[-]Who ever told you there are specific requirements are retarded.
Here are some things you may want to look into before applying to become a firefighter.
Physical Fitness (Weight/Size)
Are you a sleeper (Can you wake up easily)
Are you late alot (Can you be on time)
Can you carry 100-200 lbs (pounds of gear/a person if so)
High School Diploma or GED
Some states 21 y/o and others 18 y/o to start
You may want to think about these, there are more but you will find out if you try to apply.
NOTE: Volunteer departments do not require any of this.
V: Pranks & Don't show fears ect
- Pranks
[-]If someone pranks you, just get them back. Don't cry and whine about it, because if you do then they will continue to do it to you!
NEVER MESS WITH SOMEONES BUNKER GEAR!
IF YOU GET SOMETHING OFF A TRUCK/ENGINE BE SURE TO PLACE IT EXACTLY WHERE IT WAS WHEN FINISHED WITH IT!
- Fears
[-]Now all of us have our fears, but the worst thing to do is let someone know at the firehouse your fear is something like snakes ect. If they find out they will set you up, such as place a snake in your locker or put it on you when in the shower ect.
If you get pranked just prank them back at a later date. If you try to prank them right after they pranked you they will be expecting it so do it a week or 1 month later.
VI: Got what it takes?
- Do you now?
[-]If you got what it takes to become a firefighter then go do it. I can personally tell you it's a great job, you have another family at the firehouse. If you need something they all will be there to help you. I love being a firefighter. If you need to know anymore information please don't hesitate to PM (Private Message) me here.
INDEX: Resources
= From a resource below
[-] = Written by me, my own words from head
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National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) - You must login or register to view this content.
Occupational Safety & Health Administration - You must login or register to view this content.
My gear rack.
Old coat (left) New coat (right) Pants/Boots (bottom) Helmet (& extra gloves & extra traffic vest [top])
All gear we have at the department is ONLY Morning Pride! (Besides gloves, boots, helmets)
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Also, I'll be getting a new pair of boots soon (Leather Boots
)
My helmet don't have a logo/sticker on it because it's one of the older helmets. The newer ones suck for people like me with glasses lol. They don't have the flip downs.
New helmets - (My Captains "Steve")
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