Can i have some advise?

[Quint31Jumper]

I just got on as a POC for a small but growing department. I was just looking for some advise from you guys out there on the do's and dont's of the house and on call. Anything you got would be a huge help! Thanks

[distchief60b]

As a new person remember this......

Watch
Listen
Learn
and....................Keep your mouth shut. Do not come in being a know it all.

Sell yourself to them by showing them what you know and can do without being a smart a**.

Read the SOGs and SOPs and know what you can and can not do. Learn the equipment. Participate in the activities and do not go there to sit around and just watch TV or hang out or play video games.

[PuffyNPFD]

Ditto to what Stan said. Keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut. Learn all you can, there's a ton to learn.

[jfTL41]

Keep your eyes ears and mind open and mouth shut. Be seen and not heard unless asking a question, as cliche as it may sound the only dumb question is the one you don't ask. Asking may save your life someday.

[ChiefReason]

Treat the others like your life depended on it!
CR

[hwoods]

Originally posted by ChiefReason
Treat the others like your life depended on it!
CR

It does.

[LaFireEducator]

The best advice I can give is to find a senior member, and ask him how the system works, and based on his experience, what you can do and not do to fit into it. If you are sincere about asking this question, most experienced firefighters will take the time to help you out on this. It's important to get this information from somebody on THAT department as everybody functions diffrently.

[CALFFBOU]

Hope this helps...

TORRANCE FIRE DEPARTMENT

RECRUIT (NEW) FIREFIGHTER GUILDLINES


The fire service is a para-military organization that
requires teamwork, discipline, the ability to make
decisions and work under pressure. If you do not like
the idea of working under authority or have trouble
with self discipline and living with rules and living
with rules and regulations which restrict your personal
freedom, for the sake of public safety, you are in the
wrong place!

As a member of the Torrance Fire Department, you are
expected to obey orders, exhibit exceptional personal
hygiene, conform to department rules and regulations,
respect the chain of command, work well with your
peers, have integrity and perform repetitious mental
tasks with excellence. At the same time, you should
demonstrate the ability to think on your feet, use
good independent judgment, be aggressive and display
common sense concerning safety for yourself and others.

We will expect and settle for nothing less than 100%
from you at all times…


GENERAL GUIDELINES

1. Be aggressive at all times, first to details,
last to leave.
2. If it is dirty, clean it. If it empty- fill it.
3. If it rings, answer it before anyone else does.
4. Do not be late to anything.
5. T.V. will not be watched without permission
of the Company Officer.
6. Use initiative to address work that you see needs
completion.
7. Keep busy! Look for something to do. If you can
not find a job, Study.
8. When an alarm comes in, be the first one on the rig.
9. Offer your help to anyone doing anything. One person
works, we all work.
10. Respect authority.
11. Know your job and duties and know them well.
12. Keep a low profile. Keep your opinions to yourself.
13. Assist in and around the kitchen, even if you’re
not assigned there.
14. Remember…The reputation you establish now will
follow you forever.

[prymtym]

Thank you 'BOU for your great advice. Posts like your reply here are why I come to this website(That, and for a good laugh). I am in the same boat as the QUINT guy and really wanted to ask the same question!
Thanks and Good Luck to all,
KC

"Philippeans 4:13"

[Dave1983]

GENERAL GUIDELINES

WOW, where was that 20 years ago? Would have made life a whole lot easier

You want advise, print out what Bou wrote and hang it in your locker

[Fire2123]

What do the letters POC stand for? (I hope it isn't something obvious so I feel stupid)

[SAFD46Truck]

Paid On Call

[OnWithTheShow]

Keep your mouth shut

Have to disagree with that. If you have a question about the way they operate, a piece of equipment or anything else just ask it. I know that was a problem when I first joined, the environment of fear that is created around speaking. I learned 200x more once I got over it ans started asking questions.