Hello all

[JPierce21]

I have been a member on here for a while now but never get a chance to post. I am starting the fire academy on Monday and I am really excited about it. What should I expect?
Jason

[kghemtp]

My best guess given many of the academies I've heard about is the civilian/fire service answer to boot camp. The building of brothers should be expected, the development of teamwork to accomplish the tasks, as well as all of the background knowledge you'll need of fire behavior, building construction, hoses & streams, pump operations, and so forth. For many it could be the first time donning gear or breathing bottled air (I know it was for me). How about testing agility going up & over ladders in gear you've never worn before? Yeah, that's an odd feeling for some. You might have your first exposure to drill buildings full of smoke, have your mask taped up while you're thrown into a building to find someone or something. You'll be with a group that you didn't know 5 minutes ago but will have to be best friends with 5 minutes from now. You'll have instructors with 30 years experience who fought fire without hoods, BA's, or much more than a kick in the @$$ from a company officer. Your class will be taught by the same people that travel everywhere to sit on your oral boards, as instructors are often senior line guys/gals & officers. There will be reading & quizzes, so consider some study skills. Spend whatever extra time you can in the gym to get the muscles used to doing certain activities as well as achieving better cardiovascular conditioning. Many of us are surprised at what a day in the drillyard does to a body.

Best of luck, and tell us how you're doing!

[JPierce21]

Thanks for the response man, I appreciate it. As far as the gym goes. I go to the gym 5-7 days/week. I am physically fit in that aspect. I just did not know what really to expect.
I cannot wait!!!
Thanks again.