Should I stay or should I go now???

[Firedawg42]

I know the decision ultimately has to be weighed and made by me but I need some brotherly input. I spent 4 years as a FF in the military, got out and I’ve been at this dept for over 4 years. The manning is minimum (2 per engine, 1 per truck), the equipment is fair, and the pay is just below 30k (no increase in years) but that’s better than some places. I care about a lot of my brothers here but you also have to really watch your back for tons of mutts in the dept. We have a high turnover rate and the new recruits they are hiring (mostly on the EMS side) don’t want to fight fire or they are rabbits and aren’t properly trained. If you try to train them you get reprimanded and called a hardass or said that you are hazing. I try to be the change I want to see in the department but I am often held back. Morale is very low. These are just a few of the problems.

Should I stick it out here or should I try to get hired on at one of the departments near Indy where my family lives. I have kids and it would be good to be near my supportive extended family. The only problem is that it is very competitive to get hired on around there. You pay a fortune to fly back and forth for processes so I may have to get up there and apply for a couple of years. I would most likely have to get a civilian job while applying and maybe go part time to get my EMT. It would be miserable to not be on the job that I love so much for a bit but I’m looking for that end result. What do you think? What would you do?

[truckedup133]

I will tell you this...I'm a career ff in northeast Indy and couldn't be happier. Its most definitely tough to get on and can be frustrating. But if you make it on you will be happy. I know this isn't really an answer to your question but thought I would try to help you out. The pay around here is better than most, there is plenty of fire and the brotherhood is strong. If you have any question feel free to pm and I'll answer anything that I can. Good luck bro.

[MemphisE34a]

Use your current department for what it sounds it is good for........a stepping stone to get somewhere better.

[ffscm72]

I'm in the same boat. Except i'm managed by volunteers. I know my time is coming. I'm trying to get on in Chattanooga TN. I'll keep applying until they hire me. it's a 12 hr trip back & forth from here in Delaware. Like MemphisE34a says....use it as a stepping stone like I'm doing. Do I love it here...no. But I'll make the best of a situation & it's just something I can put on my resume. Good luck to you bro

[fire49]

Sounds like time to look maybe not in Indy maybe other cities

You should always try to improve yourself

You do or do not have your emt?????

[Firedawg42]

Thank you guys for the input so far. It helps more than you know.

Fire49- No I don't have my EMT, I have a lot of Fire certs and a couple classes shy of my assoc. in Fire Science.

[fire49]

Maybe try to get emt before moving

Also any fed bases in Indy area? Maybe work for the Feds while you look for a city job

[CaptOldTimer]

Thank you guys for the input so far. It helps more than you know.

Fire49- No I don't have my EMT, I have a lot of Fire certs and a couple classes shy of my assoc. in Fire Science.

Some departments could care less what certifications you may have. They will say "that is good", but we are going to train you to our and the state's standards and will certify you, if you pass and jump through all the hoops.

Having prior service and certifications will help you going through the recruit class as you would have an edge over those who have never seen inside a fire house or don't know any thing about the fire service.

I've seen guys who said they were certified in this and that, had the paper to show, but when they went through recruit school and when the rubber meets the road, they were as green as the ones who had nothing.

[sfd1992]

If it was me, I'd stay on the job there until I had a better offer. Being employed as a career FF can qualify you for lateral entry positions elsewhere. If you quit, you may lose that option.

It's becoming more common for places to require EMT just to apply, if there's any way for you to get it, get it. Much more useful than a stack of IFSAC certs.

Good luck.

[Dickey]

Just about everyplace I know of requires at least EMT Basic, if not more.

I would stick it out for a bit and get EMT, at the same time apply for departments "back home" and see what happens. You should never give up a full time job when you don't have anything else lined up.

Good luck!

[911brute]

I am not a fire fighter, but i understand leaving something that is secure and somewhat risking it for a better life for all around you.
In november i;m officially out of the Army, and its a risk, and im trying to get into the Firefighter career field.

You know if you heart what will make you happy, and what will make your life better. It seems you are serious about leaving your current department, i say go for it.

As previously stated, it seems like a good stepping stone!