Just Started On a shift

[JBP854]

I'm getting ready to go on my second shift ever, and I was wondering what are the general responsibilities of the rookie, other than cleaning the bathrooms?

[JHR1985]

Cook, clean up after cooking, take trash out, greet the door, station tours and if you really really want to get on the guy's good sides, foot rubs

[lilbubba]

Whatever they tell you to do.Eyes open, ears open and mouth shut.Be the first to get up and do whatever the shift does.If you get pranked dont get mad or let them know it got to you......your time for payback will come.

[rookiemove]

I just made it through my probationary year. YEAH! Here's some things I learned.

Do all your assigned tasks thoroughly, and do them before someone has to tell you. But be careful about doing tasks assigned to others. They may get annoyed that you are making them "look bad."

Interact with everyone, but don't be a ba!! suck. Be humble.

Never miss an opportunity to learn something. Accept criticism graciously and be quick to ask advice on how to improve whatever it is you are doing.

Don't get sucked into the bad habits of others. Just because they're loafing around, doesn't mean you should.

Think about everything you say before you say it. Firefighters love to gossip and bust chops. Don't give them ammo if you can help it. (Man, did I SUCK at following this one!)

And here's an old chestnut. "Always remember that the toes you step on today may be attached to the butt you have to kiss tomorrow."

Good luck, li'l probie.

[JBP854]

Hey thanks for all of your advice. I hope that i can follow most of it

[allineedisu]

Listen to what your Officer has to say and what they tell you. Don't get too involved with the TV or games, unless you are invited to do so. Respect all the members of the company or house. Ask questions, even if they may sound dumb. Learn the apparatus that you are assigned to, plus the other apparatus that may be in the house. Such as, if you are assigned to the Engine, be sure you know where everything is kept. If there is a Truck Company in the same quarters, learn where the tools are located. This is good, as if you both run together; your Officers may send you out to the Truck to get a tool, if the Engine doesn't carry it.

When the Battalion Chief or other higher rank Chief comes in the station, remember that they didn't come to see you. Make your self scarce. Go check the compartments or something. The Chief's came to conduct business with the company Officers. Plus if the Chief had a driver (Aide) don't run out and visit with him or her. They aren't for your pleasure. I see a lot of members doing this, to pump the Aide for information. I always told my Aide, DON'T TELL THEM A DAMN THING. In fact keep the doors locked!

Learn study and be helpful when you can.

[ChicagoFF]

Listen to what your Officer has to say and what they tell you. Don't get too involved with the TV or games, unless you are invited to do so. Respect all the members of the company or house. Ask questions, even if they may sound dumb. Learn the apparatus that you are assigned to, plus the other apparatus that may be in the house. Such as, if you are assigned to the Engine, be sure you know where everything is kept. If there is a Truck Company in the same quarters, learn where the tools are located. This is good, as if you both run together; your Officers may send you out to the Truck to get a tool, if the Engine doesn't carry it.

When the Battalion Chief or other higher rank Chief comes in the station, remember that they didn't come to see you. Make your self scarce. Go check the compartments or something. The Chief's came to conduct business with the company Officers. Plus if the Chief had a driver (Aide) don't run out and visit with him or her. They aren't for your pleasure. I see a lot of members doing this, to pump the Aide for information. I always told my Aide, DON'T TELL THEM A DAMN THING. In fact keep the doors locked!

Learn study and be helpful when you can.
But you have to find out from the chiefs driver which house he's going to next so you can phone ahead a warning!!

[PFDTruck18]

And No Matter What Never Ever Ever Say I Know!!!!!