New to FF, 2b or not 2b?!

[Whatitah]

Hello all! I have recently considered a career in firefighting. I am hoping to solidify this decision in the next year. I'm looking forward to doing some volunteering, ride-outs, and talking to a few ff to see if a career in firefighting is for me. Any feedback is welcomed!

[FiremanLyman]

Complete English. Drop that 2b, lol, ur... texting short hand. Strike it from your lexicon. Even though firefighting is a career many will do without a college diploma it is still shockingly important to communicate in plain English. You will write reports that will see a court of law, patient information that will be used to assess life saving treatments and communications with local officials and the public. Nothing will make a worst first impression than a subject line in an email with cute little 16 year old girl text message shorthand.

Good luck with your pursuit of a firefighting career. Volunteering is not needed, not even a factor in getting many city jobs here in Texas. Are you going to go to a fire academy? TCC has a good program up there in Fort Worth. There are many other great programs here in Texas also. PM me if you need some info.

Drew

[Whatitah]

Drew, as you can read in my post, I speak fine english and the "2b or not 2b" was a play on words with friends on shift (station 2, B shift), apparently the humor was not noticed. I am aware of the need to communicate well as I am a scribe in a hospital and have a Chemistry degree with published manuscripts. Also, I do know there is a time and place for shorthand and emoticons, no need to reiterate that although this IS a FORUM. I ALSO know that firefighting requires thick skin. So thanks for showing that as my first response on here!