SAN DIEGO – Firehouse World is offering a unique program to students who hope to join the ranks of the fire service in the next few years.
Dozens attended the “Future Firefighter Experience,” on Sunday. The full-day program provided college students and firefighter hopefuls the opportunity to be mentored by those who help people get the badge year after year.
“They are the next generation of the fire service,” Firehouse Editor-in-Chief Tim Sendelbach said. “Their dedication to be here this week shows that they want the job and they want to experience all that the fire service has to offer.”
After learning how to improve their chances to get hired, the students learned about this week’s Firehouse Ambassador program that teams them up with Firehouse staff and Firehouse World instructors.
In their blue uniforms, about 20 Los Positas College entered the classroom toting their class flag. They made the 450 mile drive to San Diego Saturday night.
Joseph Hayden, 28, is a first year student in the Los Positas Fire Service Technology program who is hoping to land a firefighter/paramedic position.
Hayden, a former Marine, said he was chosen by his peers to be the class leader.
“One thing that I have found challenging is, not so much not being able to do the physical stuff, but how much I have to work to keep up with the younger people.”
“This is quagmire of people because there’s a lot of different learning styles and personalities. I can’t take the Marine approach with a student, I need to an analytical approach.”
"As a chief officer I would pick someone with a degree because they know how to learn, and I know that they'll be prepared with the skillsets that I need today," said Anthony Mangeri, director of fire and emergency service outreach at American Military University. AMU sponsored the “Future Firefighter Experience."
"Whether you are a volunteer or career chief, you're still manging a level of government," Mangeri said. "You need to understand public administration, personnel management, budgeting."
Interim Assistant Chief and Fire Alumni co-owner Bob Atlas stressed the importance for each student to have values as they are what make each firefighter who they are, and shows how they approach their work.
Atlas challenged the attendees to share their virtues -- trust, honor, commitment, and desire and helping people.
“When Chief Atlas was talking about the core values, it brought back that sense of pride I had in the Marines,” Hayden said, citing the U.S. Marine Corps values of honor, courage and commitment. “That is why I decided to pick this career.”
Mick Moffitt, owner of TrainingDivision.com, asked the students if a firefighter in street clothes or uniform holds a higher level of respect in the public’s eye.
The group agreed that the firefighter in uniform was more respected.
“It’s not because of the person inside, it’s because of what the uniform represents,” Moffitt said of the public’s perception of firefighters in pubic. He reminded them to always look presentable.
Brian Helmick, co-owner of Fire Alumni and a battalion chief, talked about the importance of knowing your why, similar to a personal mission statement.
“When you figure out your why it will help you get through all sorts of obstacles,” Helmick said.
Lane Kline drove 27 hours from Iowa to attend take part in the Future Firefighter program and work as a Firehouse Ambassador.
Kline, 20, is a firefighter with the Rhodes Volunteer Fire Department and a student at Des Moines Area Community College studying firefighting.
“My instructor told all of us this fill out the application…and he said ‘hey, this can be a great experience for you, be sure you can get there.’”
Referencing Helmick’s presentation on “knowing your why,” Kline said “That was the greatest speech that I have ever seen in my life. I thought that was cooler than heck.”
Kline said he’s looking forward to meeting other students and Firehouse World instructors with the hopes that they “help steer me in the right direction.”
The cadre of instructors shared tips a variety of tips to help the students get hired. From proper dress to using a cell phone to record upcoming interviews that can later be reviewed at home.
Atlas shared memorable story from his first fire station visit when he handed a firefighter a tub of ice cream.
“Don’t bring the ice cream in the square tub…always bring the round one. You know why,” Atlas asked with a smile. “The square ice cream smells,” he said, recalling how the firefighters handed him as they gave it back to him.
“Bring the round one, it’s probably the best $6 investment that you will make in your career,” Atlas said.
Wrapping up his presentation, Atlas reminded the future firefighters why interview panels ask the questions they do.
“We want to know if we can work with you for the next 30 years.”
