What should I expect on the first day

[bcarey]

There's been a lot of very good advice. I hope you see the common thread is be observant and pitch in to help at all times.

One thing that usually doesn't get mentioned is start identifying the senior men you can learn from, officer and firefighter alike. Your drivers will probably be the most experienced, or most senior men there. Stick close with the officer and/or firefighter who likes to be on the street rather than in front of the television. Start opening up the rigs and take out the tools and see how they work. Ask your driver or other firefighters how they work, how to service them. Remember, you may know where it is on the rig, but that doesn't mean you know how to use it.

Finally, and most importantly, if you are ever shown how to do something, then don't leave it at that. Do just what you were shown in front of the person who showed you. Pulling lines, throwing ladders, starting a tool, whetever it is. This takes out the assumption part of a person's knowledge.

William Carey

[RFDExplorer]

Hmmm..... as an explorer everything you guys said is exactly how I'm supposed to act on a Ride-Out. I'm like a probie without all the knowledge, I have to make Coffee, bring Ice Cream , take out the trash, bring medical aid bags in-and-out, always doing something. I've learned that my best friend at the fire station is a highliter and an IFSTA 4th Edition. I'm definately going to practice the Shut-Up and Listen technique, not that I talk alot, but it will problably make a difference if I talk less. By the way, as a Probie/Explorer/Noob, it is not OK to laugh at jokes that are not directed at you right?

Thanks!!
Chris
Explorer

[RESERVEFORNOW]

I'm like a probie without all the knowledge

Yeah, but there's more to it than just that.

By the way, as a Probie/Explorer/Noob, it is not OK to laugh at jokes that are not directed at you right?

Thanks!!
Chris
Explorer

It depends on way too many factors. I think it is safe to say that in any house you don't want to try to fit in to the crew too quickly. Like someone mentioned earlier, "you're joing the crew, they're not joining you". Remember that everything you do is being evaluated. Now I'm not saying go in and put on some dog and pony show, because they'll see right through that.

The flip side of this is that you don't want to completely alienate yourself from the crew either by not laughing with them sometimes. Laughing at jokes can be no big deal to some and a really big deal to others. Learn which it is for the crew you're with and act appropriately.

I would also advise to NEVER initiate the humor. That is where the line is definitely crossed and trouble could soon begin for you. Good luck to you.

[summermist21FD]

put your hand in the toliet before you take a ****.

[JonathanStevens]

HAHAHA. your absolutely right!! i NEVER thought of that, but well, lets just say you gave me some GREAT ideas!
-jon

[HM604OH]

I made it a point to bring ice cream for the whole shift (I even made sure it was the good stuff). This was a big hit and remembered for years. The guy who was least senior except for me continued to be picked on even after I joined the shift. The real reason was that I ignored all of the practical jokes and never let them get to me. He on the other hand whined constantly and took every joke personally. He finally complained to the Captain (not a wise move on his part) that the other guys should be picking on me instead of him since I was the new guy. The Captain told him the reason everyone picked on him and not me was that I brought ice cream on my first day and he didn't. From that point on, whenever this individual was the subject of a practical joke, the comment was always made "You should have brought ice cream on your first day."

[doughesson]

From that point on, whenever this individual was the subject of a practical joke, the comment was always made "You should have brought ice cream on your first day."

So,has the guy figured out the path to redemption yet or does he figure it's a street in another first in district?

[kswartz79]

Here's a piece of advice I was given as a probie:

"Remember one thing: you're joinin' us; we're not joinin' you. This is a team. Listen to the guys, and we'll bring ya home."

That has always stuck with me.

It'll stick with me too, thanks for that.
That's my new favorite qoute.

[tecrsq]

Some have previously hit on the things to do and what not to do but I find that this man summed it up best and we will forever be greatful for his contribution to the Fire Service.

Advice for PROBIES...

By the late, great Deputy Chief Ray Downey-FDNY

Rest In Peace, Chief

1. When ready for duty - check all the masks - full cylinders, clean facepieces, etc
2. When reporting for duty - ask if anyone wants to leave early
3. Make sure all your gear is ready to go. Check your pockets for gloves & light.
4. Make coffee-learn how the coffee machine works.
5. Lunch & Dinner - find out what has to be done, i.e., peel the potatoes, clean the fish, etc.,
6. Set the table, dishes, knives & forks, glasses, salt & pepper, etc.,
7. After lunch or dinner, jump into the sink, pots, pans, dishes, etc.,
8. When something has to be done, "Volunteer," don't wait for the Officer to tell you to do it
9. Find out what the "Company Policy Is!" watches, AFID, nozzle, back up, etc.,
10. Always say "SIR" to Chief's & Officers (they like it)
11. Always get off the rig with your mask when responding to a report of a "FIRE"
12. When at fire, listen for your Officers instructions
13. Always stay with your Company
14. At fires - STAY LOW
15. Keep your mouth shut and your eyes & ears open.
16. "NEVER GIVE UP," a famous quote from a D.I.