Firefighters Lifestyle > QUESTIONS ANSWERED > 8 Real Tips to Become a Better Probie Firefighter
8 Real Tips to Become a Better Probie Firefighter
I’m currently at my fire station writing this post and the idea came to me from an unusual source: A probie Firefighter.
We’re currently in the process of hiring new employees for our district. I thought why not start this off with a HOW TO guide to becoming a respected and just all-around good probationary firefighter. When I was hired with 11 other men and we all had different levels of experience in the fire service. I saw what made a good probie firefighter and what makes a bad one.
For the ones who don’t know, a probie firefighter is a firefighter that is (usually) in his first year on the job. This is also known as the probationary year.
Disclaimer: Not all fire departments are the same and some of this information may be irrelevant your to district.
The 8 Probie Firefighter tips:
#8. Look you best
This goes for your first day to your last day as a probie firefighter (and hopefully after that). How you’re dressed and your body language will be the first thing people notice about you, make it count. This actually happened today as I am writing this post. We had 4 guys nicely dressed and they all had their shiny boots and a tie on, except one. That guy stands out, and we sure will take about it after they leave.
My advice: Shine your boots (I will write a post soon about the product I used) they will be looked at multiple times throughout the day. Make sure all your clothes are cleaned. Keep your room neat a presentable at all times. A respectable haircut and clean-shaven is a must.
#7. You are ALWAYS being looked at
I know most firefighters here this all the time. “Watch what you do, what you say, and stay busy because someone is always watching” is a common thing to say to a probie firefighter. It is still true today. People are always going to be looking at you and talking about you to their/your co-workers. It’s up to you to decide what they are going to say about you.
Firefighters talk and gossip A LOT! More than you might think. It was one of the first surprises I found out about working in a fire department. And guess what… I guarantee to you that you are going to be talking about “The new guy”.
My advice: Don’t engage in the trash talking about other employees. It’s harder than it sounds, trust me. Always stay busy. Try to find things to clean around the station like the chain saw, the BBQ, or even the gym equipment. Don’t talk back, you’re going to want to and have no idea how much. If you just own up to your mistakes and take what’s coming to you then the guys will respect you for it.
#6. Don’t forget your gear
You would be surprised how often this happens to a probie firefighter. I’ve done it before and many of my coworkers have done the same. It’s very embarrassing and some departments might even write you up for it.
There are 2 times when we forget our gear, we either leave it at the station when we go on a call, or we forget it in the engine when were already on a call like our helmet or mask. Both situations make yourself look bad, especially for a probie.
My advice: Go through a checklist in your head of all the gear you will need throughout the day and make sure it’s on the rig. Do the same thing for when a call comes in, do a quick check of your gear and look at what your co-workers are wearing.
#5. Arrive early, really early
I currently arrive one hour before my shift starts. I do it for two reasons, because I need to check out my gear and ambulance before shift starts and the main reason is that I love my job and don’t mind coming in early. Firefighters take note at what time you are showing up for work in the morning.
There is a lot going on in the morning, especially for a new guy, so arrive at least sometime close to 0700. Once you get in your groove then you can come at later times.
My advice: This one is easy, set your alarm to go off a little earlier in the morning.
#4. Introduce yourself to everyone
Having these new firefighters come in the station to get measured for their turnouts taught me some things. The simple act of just saying “hi” to a fellow coworker goes a long way. Even if you’re not the talkative type (that would come later if you’re not) it doesn’t hurt to introduce yourself.
That being said, it makes a huge impression when you don’t say hi to anyone. Some might even take it to be a rude gesture.
My advice: Say hi to everyone you see at the station or anywhere you go. Even if you don’t know who they are or rank. Nothing bad can come from introducing yourself to new people, whether it be on or off work.
#3. Understand your position
All fire departments require different things from their probie firefighters. The trick is figuring out what your department is expecting from you, and quick. I’ve seen this work with so many guys, and not so much for the ones who just “don’t get it”. If you go into your station on your first day and start introducing yourself to everyone, bring a “healthy” snack, make a pot of coffee, walk around humble but looking like you know what you’re doing, then the guys/girls at the station will take notice.
Whenever we get a probie firefighter at my department, the whole crew sits down with him or her and discusses what is expected of them. If your department does not do this then just ask. Look for a senior firefighter to help you out, these guys will be your biggest asset.
My advice: Walk in your first day, or every day showing the guys you want to be at work. Sometimes you have to read between the lines when a senior firefighter is saying something to you: “You look comfortable” is never a good saying. Like is said, try to find out what’s expected of you and try to find your groove early on. KNOW YOUR POSITION!
#2. Stay fit
This one is pretty self-explanatory. It’s an important part of our job to be fit. To be honest, I get pretty lazy at times. There have been many times when I’ve been at work and just too lazy or not motivated to work out. That being said, I still work out on my days off and play soccer 2-4 times a week. Most men and woman inspiring to become firefighters usual know this one, but I thought to put it on the list because of how important it is.
My advice: If you’re a probie firefighter, workout every morning (or whenever you departments works out) with your crew. When you are working out, actually try to workout. It’s easy for your other co-workers to see if you’re unmotivated. This is one of the few times you can show off your strength, just make sure you do it in a humble way. It’s a nice feeling to know my partner could drag me out of a burning building if it came down to it.
Note: Watch your lower back early on in your career, one bad jerk and you could have pain for years.
#1.Have a great attitude
No department is perfect. There are problems anywhere you go and whether they’re big things or small you should always have a great attitude toward the job. Don’t get caught up with all the bad things your department is doing, you have the best job in the world so don’t forget that. I’ve fallen for this mindset a couple of times at my current job. Most of the time it’s just not even worth the stress.
There will be those people who complain about everything. Take what they say with a grain of salt. As a new employee you should be focusing on becoming the best you can be. Learn what you can from others and do it with a smile on your face.
My advice: Periodically just take a mental step back and look at the big picture. Is what you or your coworkers complaining about really that bad. If you are not directly in the conversation then just leave, respectfully of course. These arguments can really hurt you later on, don’t say anything you will regret later. Your attitude at the station can be your biggest asset or your worst nightmare.
So there it is, my list to make you a better probie firefighter. I really do hope you like it and implement what I said. Don’t agree with something? Or just want to add your own thoughts? Please Comment below. I’ll be eager to hear what you have to say.
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