Probationary Firefighter Badges

[CaptOldTimer]

There are many issues that are more important in the Fire Service however this is an issue that is important to me, thanks to everyone that replied with something constructive. Sometimes you might not know the big picture and what's going on at the threadstarter's department. Sometimes the threadstarter can't control issues that ARE bigger "IE budget cuts, funding issues, staffing, training etc...", but can control issues such as pride and tradition. I'm not sorry that I'm proud of my badge, I earned it. Thanks again to all that replied. Stay safe brothers

I don't think any member of the fire service would say that they are not pround of their badge. I certainly was and I wore several.

the public nowadays seems to expect a uniform with badge if your going in the homes

If you are in a firemans uniform it better have a badge or one sewn on that looks like the one that you pin on.

[auxman]

I really don't see any need for badges for firemen, whether probationary or not. Its not like we need some symbol of authority. If they don't believe we're firemen, tell them to look out the door at the big red truck.

[kcfd1ff]

At my department we had to have all of our certs to even be considered for hiring. After that we went through a month long academy and then were sworn in and given badges and station assignments. I think you have a good idea. Just food for thought.

[BoxAlarm187]

I really don't see any need for badges for firemen, whether probationary or not. Its not like we need some symbol of authority. If they don't believe we're firemen, tell them to look out the door at the big red truck.

Getting my badge pinned on my chest was one of my proudest moments in life at the end of my 22-week recruit school many years ago. I earned that badge and am proud to wear it on my chest.

Here in my little slice of heaven called Virginia, we actually have state code that dictates the authority given to fire department personnel when wearing their badge of authority.

[auxman]

If there is some state law requiring a badge, then thats of course, what you need to do.

I certainly don't discount the pride angle of receiving something after training, but that symbol could be just about anything (different color turnouts or helmet, for example).

[pipeman1822]

I got a certificate saying you've completed the District of Columbia Fire/EMS Training Academy. That's about it. We don't use badges. I don't think I've seen anyone below the ranks of battalion chief really wear one.

[FirefighterRI]

We are pinned upon graduation from recruit school. Our Dept. wears light blue button downs with a badge on the left chest and our roll call embroidered on the right chest from 0700 to 2200 hrs from Sept 1 to June 1 and navy polos in between during the summer. The city cut our uniform allowance tho so well be wearing whatever piece of uniform we please, Tshirt, polo or uniform shirt lol

[stlouiskevin]

when i was in the military they taught us to "respect the rank". a badge is a sign of accomplishment.

so i come home and join my local volunteer fire dept.

4 months of training. the closest we got to any kind of notice of accomplishment was fingerprinting and a mug shot at the police dept.

and now we are "probationary" for 12 more months. we go into the fires. we do the calls. but we fail merit of a badge? remember the movies? when the sheriff rounds up a posse what was the first thing he passed out? that right. badges. we are putting ourselves on the line.

yeah, for some,the badge doesn't mean much to some. but for others, such as volunteers, the symbol is indeed intangible. we don't get pensions. spend $20 for a tin badge.

[nameless]

we don't wear badges on our duty uniforms, but do on our dress uniform. I am very proud of my badge, even if I don't wear it everyday at work.