When is a rookie no longer a rookie?

[JHR1985]

When does someone quit becoming a rookie in your opinon?

[DeputyChiefGonzo]

In my FD, one year on the job, when they pass their probationary period. Then they become the firefighter with the least seniority and have to travel from station to station should their services be needed there for the duty tour.

[mcaldwell]

Generally 1 year around here too. Probationary for two months, rookie until they complete the standard training cycle (1 year long).

But since we are a volunteer dept in a seasonal ski/golf resort community, one can be placed back on Rookie status if they leave for a season, and come back. It usually depends on whether or not they remember anything.

[thejdubb02]

I think if you are a paid firefighter then you are a rookied when you first get hired until you get past your probationary period.

If you are a volunteer or intern... well... i dont know.

I am an intern and was called a rookie until i had my first big car accident with and extrication... so maybe expierence kills the rookie! haah

[fftrainer]

Probationary for 6 months

Rookie/New Guy until someone else joins to replace them!

[fireguy919]

We are volunteer. it last 6 month but you keep the title for a year. Althought do have a guy the we have called rookie for the last 5 years.

[doughesson]

When your officers start asking your opinion on a tactic,even if they don't use the idea you posit.
But there will always be people who are rookies in the eyes of their officers,no matter how many years they put it.
Starting off in my volunteer department,you wear a blue helmet until you get the 150 training hours in that are required by Kentucky.Then you are handed a red lid to wear,and expected to take the next scheduled IFSAC skills test.

When does someone quit becoming a rookie in your opinon?

[FyrGuy176]

At my Fire Dept. you are a probie for a full year.

Rookie status is a little more tricky. The lowest guy seniority wise is the rookie. When more that one probie is appointed at the same time, then they are the rookies. If a new probie gets appointed, but is not on you shift, you can still be the shift rookie. If the new probie is on your shift, but at a different house, guess what, you're still the rookie to some of the guys.

The status of a probie is static, whereas the rookie stigma is dynamic and everyones experience is individual!

[DepChief135]

In our volunteer dept you get a red helmet upon being accepted as a member. You are promoted to a blue one once you complete the mandatory state taught basic training program. You are awarded your black helmet after one year IF you are deemed ready for it after an officer review of your activity level and performance.

Red helmet - exterior operations only
Blue helmet - limited interior operations under supervision
Black helmet - interior firefighter

I like the helmet colors because it helps avoid asking someone to perform a task they are not prepared to do.

[FireAndy]

1 year at our department, and you are only off probation after you have your MFR and FF1. (we are a poc department).

[JackTee09]

One year.

[Buzz363]

Generally probationary periods last a year. At the end of that time you're no longer a Probie but you could very well still be a Rookie. Depends on your knowledge, ability , how you perform on the fire ground.

A good rule of thumb in my opinion is, " If you have to ask , you still are".

[hwoods]

We are volunteer. it last 6 month but you keep the title for a year. Althought do have a guy the we have called rookie for the last 5 years.

Couple of years ago, at our annual Awards Banquet, a young man seemed a bit sad about not being named Rookie of the Year. He was heard to say to a friend, "well, there's always next year".

[Plattsfire2]

6 months probationary. Must pass FF1, HazMat and all that comes with it. Must be able to give detailed equipment listing of all compartments on the trucks, what size hose is on each truck, etc. If none of these are met, it's another 6 months. If still not met, it is dismissal from dept.

[Co11FireGal]

Probationary for 6 months

Rookie/New Guy until someone else joins to replace them!

Yep! And if several new people join at round the same time then they all get that status until a new one or new group comes along. It's better to be a "Rookie" than it is to be a "Probie."

Prospective members submit an application and it is then reviewed and voted on at a regular monthly meeting...if accepted the member is on 6 months probation, after which they are voted on for full membership...or not...or their probation period can be extended. Everyone pretty much gets a chance to avoid any discrimination issues, unless there are some SERIOUS underlying circumstances there, or they are not physically or otherwise able to perform the duties of a firefighter...in which case we would recommend that the person join one of our auxiliary groups (Ladies Auxiliary or Fire Corps).

[Rossco]

When does someone quit becoming a rookie in your opinon?

Untill they find ways to make the chief look good.

[sbfdco1]

We are volunteer. it last 6 month but you keep the title for a year. Althought do have a guy the we have called rookie for the last 5 years.

We have a perm-a-probie too!

[BFDNJFF]

One year but just cause you have that one year does not make you a Mr Know it all. Yah need to get your feet wet a few times before you can step up and throw an opinion up to senior FF'.

[five08fire]

Our department is combination full-time/paid-on-call volunteer. All recruits upon completion of the 5 month fire academy enter probationary firefighter status and are actually called 'candidates' as apposed to 'probies' or 'rookies' even though that's what we are. Probationary period lasts a minimum of six months, up to 18 months maximum depending on how fast you learn the ropes. You are required to know how to drive and operate every single piece of appartus the department has and have a certain amount of drive time fullfilled. Then you are granted full-member status.

All firefighters are also required to be certified EMT-Basics at the minimum and must complete field time and a certain amount of patient contacts before they can be checked off to run as an EMT.

It's a lot of hoops to jump through but it gives our department a great deal of flexibility as far as what people can do.

[TRUCK61]

This is a good subject to talk about so here goes. The probie, canidate or NEW GUY is a new person to your department where as the rookie is the person with the least amount of experience. So to answer the question asked here in my own opinion you're a rookie until the boss and your crew says you're not and sometimes this takes people years or maybe even their entire career till they get off rookie status. So that's my take.