Wow, the buying a 60-70k truck is spot on. Everyone has one, and then there is me putting into the station for shift in my 06 Mazda 3 with 317,000 miles on it.
Here i thought my 05 civic had a lot of miles. Im gonna hit the 200k soon 😅 (I'm not a firefighter yet, but I did see this stuff back when I was driving trucks as a cdl driver for UPS Freight in Mechanicsburg, PA).
I'm at 340,000+ on the trusty 2001 honda civic. We're good to go here brother. Of course all the guys with there diesels coal roll me every morning getting off shift, but we are good other than that 🤣
@@just2botheru Ah, a fellow UPSer (I'm in Preload) I'm going through my fire department's hiring process right now. CPAT test the Monday after next. I think I have you guys beat with my '97 Town & Country though, lmao
Yup your spot on. I served from 05 to 09. I see it alot. I go in walmart and see a private walking around wearing class As. Im looking at the kid thinking your only here for 1 thing, trying to find some tail, lets face it, we all have done something similar in our lifetime. Your proud, your healthy, you got some money, your ready for the world. All i can do is smile. There maybe a small percentage of folks that hasnt done that. Main thing I tell them is dont forget who your representing wearing that. Your not representing yourself, you represent centuries of warriors, brave men an women that gabe everything for your standing here today. NEVER FORGET!!!!!!
@@ChiraqVet brand new privates walking around San Antonio in dress uniforms is far less annoying than the “stolen valor” douches. Idk what that looks like in fire/EMS, but I’m guessing some knob out there is doing it.
I worked 33 years with the LAFD. I worked in Recruit Training for 5 years. I'm now retired and teach Fire Science. This guy is RIGHT ON. I am so impressed with his wisdom. Listen to him, he knows what he is talking about.
I had a recruit in the first week of his academy bragging about getting to the front of the Costco line because he was a 'first responder." When I pointed out that rule was designed for doctors, nurses, and other people whose lives had been turned upside down because of COVID, he shrugged and said that he was just taking advantage of benefits Costco was giving. Needless to say he became a special project of mine throughout his academy.
Best thing to do in academy is shut the hell up. If you brag about something stupid it doesn't just end when you graduate. That will follow you to your station and possibly the whole career. Cocky and confident is one thing, but arrogant and feeling entitled to discounts and all that is another.
Consider taking it easy on the ink also, especially early on in your career. It's been my experience that the most flashy guys that scream out to you they are firefighters tend to be the most useless on the fireground. Everybody knows who I am talking about: full sleeves with firefighter themes, always wearing a fire dept. t-shirt off-duty, having a truck decked out with multiple stickers and quotes, a fire dept. vanity plate, and as a bonus carrying a radio around at all times with the volume way too high so that everyone can hear that you are a firefighter wherever you go. Oh, and the cheesy pictures already mentioned. You should be the guy who didn't get his picture taken because you were inside getting the job done. Another cringy thing new guys do is tell stories ( in a serious manner) about runs they've made to older guys on shift. Do yourself a favor and keep your stories to yourself. Nobody cares at the firehouse. Unless you are funny, that's the only exception. And if you don't receive a discount because a cashier has either forgotten or is new, shut the hell up and pay full price with a smile on your face. Our dept. once had a business stop giving discounts because an idiot complained when he didn't receive his discount. None of us are owed anything from any store and if we do receive a benefit we should be grateful. I've never witnessed anyone using their class A just for shits and giggles. But wearing part on their regular uniform many times. I always called it my monkey suit and I couldn't wait to take it off, shower, and put on some comfortable clothes that would blend in with the general population after shift. Something you have to understand is that when you parade around as a firefighter people will expect things from you if any situation arises. Sometimes you just want to be left alone.
I stumbled on this RU-vid channel by accident. I’m not a firefighter nor am I looking to become one but these videos are interesting and provide insight that us civilians can’t get anywhere else.
As a firefighter sometimes I feel guilty about getting discounts. I know the public appreciates what we do but in my opinion it’s a job that someone has to do and we’re just fortunate enough to do it. There’s been times I’ve been off duty and said no to being a first responder just because I didn’t want the discount.
I can relate. I’m not a firefighter, but I’m a U.S. Army veteran. With the exception of rental cars and hotel chains, I personally don’t go around asking for veterans discounts. I will however accept them if the cashier or waiter (or online form) asks me about my status. I believe you shouldn’t feel guilty about accepting a discount that has been offered to you, because the business owner willingly chose to implement this policy just like you willingly chose to be a firefighter. Thank you for your continued service to your community.
I like to take what someone has decided to do in support of what I do and then I immediately leave an extra big tip, give money to the homeless or just buy someone a meal who doesn't have money. I am a firm believer in never rejecting kindness because the one who is offering it may have a very good personal reason to do it. Pass it on and make the kindness grow because in the end, we are all we got.
I personally don't like asking for discounts either because it makes me feel cheap and dickish and a little unnecessary. I only asked one time and that's when my dad sent me with his card to buy subway for everyone that was helping put new flooring in a house and I wanted to try and save him a few dollars so it wasn't even for me
I would also recommend staying off of your phone during your probationary period. Of courses if something comes up and you need to take a call from family or address an important issues that comes up while on shift, do so. Don’t spend hours sitting in a chair scrolling through social media or playing games on your phone. Instead, read protocols, SOG’s or get out and do some hands on training with the crew.
Great Great Tips! Just to tac on.. 1. Humility is a must on probation. DO NOT buy a flashy car, truck or toy your first year. It shows a level of cockiness. You will put a target on your back. 2. If you came from another Department… no one should ever know unless they specifically ask you about it. NEVER EVER EVER say “Well at my last department we did it this way” again…. target.
What I hate more than the "Can I get a discount cause I'm a firefighter" crap, are the guys who didn't even go to the academy yet and play firefighter. I remember we had a guy who went into a store bragging saying he was a firefighter wanting discounts and didn't even get sent to the academy yet. One of the workers knew some of the guys at the fire house and complained. The guy was an embarrassment.
I have never asked for a firefighter discount anywhere... until I found out you get a whopping 50% off at chipotle. Sorry but a half off burrito is just too good of an offer to stand up!
Hello sir, I’ve been following your videos for the past couple of months and I finally got an invitation for the chiefs interview!! I wanted to say thank you 🙏🏽 Whatever happens tomorrow is all in the hands of God Update: July 20th Passed the cpat with a time of 7:55, but failed my first nremt exam so for the next two weeks that is what I am going to focus on.
I worked with a guy that had a very old Toyota Corolla, his little girls glued sea shells and various other plastic toys to the old car and he did not mind one bit. Same station had another guy (Brand New Expensive Pick up) had it stolen right next to the station. Toyota guy said that's why he drove what he did, car was so ugly with all the stuff glued to it no one would ever think about stealing it. Great memories
Anybody else here feel super awkward when someone thanks them for their service? I don't even know what to say back most of the time. I start stuttering and just say "YOU TOO!!!" lol 😆... Great videos Pertz.
Bravo! Brother, this should be material that they cover explicitly in Boot Camp. I wish I could be your agent and hire you out to talk about this whole thing. It’s such a big part of being in the fire service but it seems like so much times focused (rightfully so) on the actual fire fighting.....But your “new guys” information you’re putting out there is simply awesome. Thank you. Now we should do some retirement mistakes. I’ve seen some old-timers make some mistakes when they retire both financially and psychologically as well as socially.
That's hilarius. I'm a career Firefighter in Germany, for a little bit more than 10 Years. Every year we have a guy, who is exactly like you had described it. Nice to see that we have all the same little Problems around the World 😅
Thanks for the pointers! I start my new career July 26th after a long 6 months of applying, testing and interviewing!! Like I’ve commented before, your channel has helped me out in so many ways! All these are Pretty much common sense but I mean I’m sure more than we know go and out do this.
Heyy!! Just got my offer to join the PWC Fire Department. I want to thank you soooo much for all your knowledge and help, the process was long but it was easy because of you. I appreciate you guy. I’m always tuned in💯
Every video is always so informative! I'm planning on applying to some local departments next year when applications open back up, and I've been training my ass off and learning a lot fromm your channel/website. Thank you, Mike! You are making my task of training and learning much easier over these months.
USAF firefighter here, also fellow Ohioan! Just wanted to say I really appreciate your videos brother, they’re very informational and I’m sure they’ll be a big help when I transition back into the civilian world. I’m not sure if you know this but would being a prior military firefighter deter employers from hiring me? I know some friends that were military police and some departments back home frowned upon it. I appreciate all you do! Stay safe and god bless
Hey Michael! Glad you like the videos! I've never heard of it hurting anyone trying to get hired. In fact, all i've heard is that it helps. Given your experience I don't see how it would hurt at all! Good luck man, and keep me posted!
I plan on being a USAF. What’s it like? Do you get involved in giant wild fires like civilian firefighters do? I have a lot of questions but that’s my main one.
I’ve been watching all of your videos. I’m currently a candidate and a volunteer fire department I personally take a lot of pride in being a first responder and helping people I was wondering if you could make a video of workouts or things you could do at home to help me train so I can be the best I can be when & if I do get voted on in 4 weeks, it would really help and greatly appreciated. & thank you for all the videos to you do make they are EXTREMELY helpful
I’m an army veteran looking to become a firefighter. Currently in a EMS course taking the steps I need. Haha I’m glad I got all the new guy stuff out of my system years ago😂 it got to the point where whenever I’m off duty I never speak or wear anything army related. I’m hoping I’ll fit in wherever I go!
About the "war stories", if you are troubled by the things you've seen in the first three months don't keep it in. Please do talk about it with your loved ones (not in grose detail) and your peers. They need to know what is bothering you and your peers will help you to cope with it. Don't be the rookie that ends up wit PTSD.
Everything you mentioned is spot on. I guess the best advice is stop and think about how it may be perceived by others. Our pride will often tell us we should be able to do what we want without being judged. However, there is a reality attached to our actions regardless of what we may think the outcome should be. When you join a team of any kind, you become a representative of the entire group. Your mindset and actions should always be to make the group better. We should never be self serving and prideful to the point that we embarrass our teammates. Also, if you want to be firefighter so others will acknowledge your service and buy your meals or give you discounts, please find another career. The fire service does not want you.
Really good stuff. I’m 18 and an active volunteer in a combination department in Texas. This was really good and super applicable. Some things I’ve learned so far is definitely the part about not wearing your station t-shirt outside of shift hours. You are literally asking people to pay attention to you as you represent the department. So if you screw up just one time while wearing a silly t-shirt, you could be in huge trouble. Channel scanners… having your radio on scan so you can hear everything that’s going on can piss off the higher ups. It’s not your district, not your responsibility. Chasing calls POV while off duty has been something that’s happened to our volunteers. That’s really bad Addressing the higher ups by their rank. Even if you know them by first name. The seniors will tear apart a rookie for doing that. Especially to a Chief Definitely social media. That’s super embarrassing to be caught showing off for the Instagram.
I’m a volunteer, recently we started staffing our station on our days off (we just crash on the couches in our lounge). I really don’t even like going out in public with my 5.11 pants and company shirt because I feel it screams for attention I’m wearing it to look professional if we get a call. Even though I’m volunteer I can see why you brought that up and I respect it!
Another thing I would have also said is don't do be playing activities off duty where you're clearly asking to get hurt because there are Departments out there that can cut you loose if you get injured while off duty on probation
Just wanted to drop by and say thank you for all of your advice and answering my questions! I got offered the full time position job for the august academy!
I really appreciate this channel. I've been watching the entire time I've been working toward the Columbus fire department and am now on the eligible list. Your guidance is definitely something I've kept in my back pocket and I just want to thank you for the work you do in and outside the station.
One big, and I mean BIG, one to add. Dont be a t shirt firefighter. I will elaborate on what I mean by this. Every single department has these and as each department grows, we add more. If you want to be a firefighter, be a firefighter. If all you want is the ability to wear fire related t shirts off duty to boost your self worth to others, do all of us a favor and dont apply. As an officer, I will expect you to learn what you are taught and develop into a contributing factor on a fire. It is ok to not be a heavy hitter as I dont always need that. There are tons of jobs that need doing on a fire or other incident. Also, DO NOT be a "bumper sitter" or "rehab attendee" throughout the incident. This is what I mean by a t shirt firefighter. Bumper sitter should be self explanatory, rehab attendees are those who work for about 15 minutes and spend the next four hours in rehab talking, drinking water and watching everyone else work. Sorry, but over the years we develop pet peeves. The above are some of mine.
I know one that is a topic at my department is getting custom license plates. Career firefighters are eligible for custom license plates in my state. Which isn't a bad thing. But we've had people go get career firefighter plates without even finishing recruit school or probie year. Small thing but usually shows that they are more "team look at me" than ready to learn the job.... sometimes the 70k truck and career license plate come at the same time. Lol Great list
When I was a Captain (retired as a Div Chief) the one thing that stuck in my craw was seeing guys on their cell phones (when they first came out) while on a wild land fire telling their significant other how bitchen they are. It got worse with the advent of cameras in the phone. If they were on their phone they weren’t paying attention to their situational awareness. My company knew how I felt about this and at least didn’t have them out while I was nearby knowing I would crawl up into their grille when we got back to the station. Oh yeah, I drove a 1970 VW beetle and didn’t have any of the toys FF’s usually buy. My opinion was and still is firefighting is the best job in the world. I enjoyed my time off and worked ot when needed for emergencies not so I would have to pay for my boat.
Hit the nail on the head. Back in ‘78 when I started, I treated the job like I was back in the military. Yes sir, no sir, when asked to do something by an officer, or a senior FF, get it done yesterday. Treat the veterans of the job with the respect they earned. I sat on a mess hall chair in the TV room until the older guys told me it’s alright to sit in one of the vacant recliners.
I’ve been an EMT for 6 years and don’t bring up work when I’m home or out with friends. I don’t even tell people what I do for a living unless they specifically ask.
This is great advice and I'm glad to see someone actually putting this out there for people to see. Sometimes people need to hear it from someone other than someone they know. Every single one of these things is spot on!
Only ever took photos of the aerial and pumper units because I am still a huge dork that loves talking about all forms of heavy equipment. :D Obviously only when it was appropriate though.
Good to know. My cousin is 7 months in as a FF and I’m in the academy. I’ll just act as if I’m still in the academy being respectful and the “Yes Sir” and “No Sir” to the ones I’m working with
I’d like a truck, but I want something that’s reasonable. One that can pull a fishing boat and haul wood for projects, etc. But I don’t need anything too flashy.
As a retired Captain,I think your videos are great,especially for the new guys the " rookies" one thing that always bothered me,was when the younger guys got a few months under their belts & thought they knew more than the guys that have 5,10,& 15 years of service & a rookie trying to show the old man how its done! I hate that attitude! I don't care how many C.E.'s a new guy has or how much stronger & faster than the old guys they are; show some respect to the older more experienced guys! I think training is one of the most important things a firefighter can do!; the fire service is constantly changing,newer better ways of doing things,new equipment to learn on & new ideas are a constant ongoing thing; but all the training in the academy, will never replace the on the job experience an older firefighter has! Show them respect & don't get mad when the old man shows you up & teaches a hard lesson! Too many times younger people don't think the older guys know anything! Listen to the older guys; the reason they've made it this far in the fire service,without getting killed, is because they listened & learned from the old guy in their day!
This stuff is also the same for privates just out of basic and AIT. Lol you can tell the ones who just finished bc all their war stories involve a drill sergeant or instructor. The other one- in the same vein as the truck thing is the noob who goes full metal and has so much tacti-cool crap hanging off their uniform and gear it’s an extra ten lbs of usually crap. And it all still has the “new car” smell.
I havent seen all the video and you are absolutely right Sincerely like a FF Volunteer I had made some of these mistakes. Selfies at all. I hardly try to wear and behavior in the right way. I really appreciate all your hints. Regards!
I am in the dive team, and all of us wear our dive shirts constantly. I have never had someone thank me for my service or anything like that, I did have some divers ask me about what that is once and that was it. The shirt just looks really awesome.
My old man swore by the discounts and all of that, one thing that made me not want to follow in his footsteps. But I joined with a different department this is actually my first official week but I’ve been at the station getting to know everyone and sticking around for the past two months. I’m just thankful to have the group of guys I do around me, being able to learn as much as possible before I get sent to the academy definitely is something I truly appreciate and enjoy
My department has a strict social media policy. Cannot post anything in which the department's name is visible without an officer's permission. Also cannot put on your social media that you're with the department. First time is a written warning, second is a suspension, and so on from there.
Brilliant, sage, and solid advice from what is clearly a wise and experienced Public Safety perspective. ALL of those points also extend to new Police Officers... and I imagine it translates to many other Public Safety careers. For Police... I would stress his advice on wearing your uniform to get attention or gain advantages which can get you fired and taking or asking for discounts. Both of those can end your career in a giant hurry. Great video.. I wish more senior guys would take time to mentor and offer non-judgmental advice to the new guys BEFORE they screw it up.
my fire district and not saying all but some wear theirs around often. this is no big deal to our department especially if you're volunteer so that you have an identifier if you respond to a medical emergency they prefer us to be easily recognized like that
When I came in in 1981, all the guys personal pick-ups were older and/or used. Now, when I drive by the stations, I see big, newer model 4x4s. Best advice is "Fly below the radar", maintain a low profile and willingly take on the s__t detail that comes along.
Thank you for this TALK for Newbees. The First Day. Bring DONUTS for ALL the crews, yes including the Ladder company. Listen carefully to all the older FF. Take notes. Go over the compartment Lay outs. Memorize your Rig. Look at Pump panal. Ask Engineer (Driver) questions about Pumping, slide under Engine, Look at the plumbing from the underside. How does it route inside the pump panel. Don't get overwhelmed by the Ladder Rescue, the other Equipment in your station. Learn your assignment, let that piece of Equipment be your focus.
All are spot on besides the selfie one you earned your right to wear the uniform as long as it is not on a scene or in a combat zone and has good taste 🤷🏽 if a guy wants a picture in his academy uniform, or his cammies, or his gear he earned the right some may not like it but def worse things you could be doing 😂 and not everyones opinions should always matter as long as your happy
It’s funny in the last one I wear my district shirts almost everyday I hav about five different ones but they are just really comfortable and breathable so that’s why I wear mine everywhere
I got made fun of all the time because of my 99 Camry with almost 200k miles. They call it shit box. But I know where I’m going and what I want. Im not there to impress or to keep up.
I’m saving up for my dream car (Mitsubishi evo 8) and want to make sure I can afford everything at the end of the month and be able to chip in to my pension nicely
I agree with everything but the first responders discount, in the economy/rescission we’re in now (2024) I ask everywhere. A good 80% of places I go have first responder discounts.
First Brushfire in Central Texas, Chief told me not to go off the pavement! But another chief from another department was on scene and in command. He tells me to go down this side of that fence, I’ll go down the other side and we’ll work it. Fortunately when the sugar sand ate my truck it was close enough to the road that the tow could get a cable to us. Pumped off all the water and learned a lesson costly only to my ego.
We had a guy bring his certificates in the first day and lay them all on the table for all to see…he was put in his place real quick unfortunately for him. Good for You buddy…no one cares..lol
I shouldn't even say this, but this is totally my friend. With the selfies, and always talking about the job, and posting a million pictures, and the giant truck and now motorcycle. It's like, believe it or not, we already all know you're a firefighter. xD He's a good dude, just kind of like, ooooooook then.
The safest thing you can do as a first responder is: GET OFF OF SOCIAL MEDIA. Delete all your accounts or keep them dormant. I can't tell you how many colleagues have gotten in shit saying stupid things on those platforms.
So I'm the ute(truck) and motorbike one...😂 But in my defence I have had the ute since I got my licence, and my crew love it because it's ancient and they're mostly older guys so it's a blast from the past for them. And I'm getting a motorbike so I have transport for when the old ute is off the road for repairs. ...no stupid spending for me, thanking you kindly! Except for keeping a golden oldie on the road. 🤣
If you're active or honorably retired Fire Fighter or EMS you're welcome and encouraged to wear dress uniform at my wedding.(same with police and military, you guys ROCK!)
I work with a 21-year-old just hired and first thing he does is buy a brand new truck ($600/month) Then he buys a brand new motorcycle ($400/month) $1,000 a month before we even consider his rent ($600) gas, electric, etc. I told him so. SMH
I had a question regarding class A’s one of my best friends will be graduating a police academy is it frowned apon to wear my class A to his graduation? I’ve only been a probationary fireman for 3 months
I don’t think so since it is a formal event and most likely there will be officers there in their class As as well, now if it was just a high school graduation or something yes it would be frowned upon lol.
I don't recommend to wear your Class A to your friends graduation. The chief is not there or your crew. It is not necessary and you will have the awkward look to those who are in uniform. "You will be a fish out of water" Also, the uniform should be for your department details only. Just wear a nice suit and tie.
You should ask your immediate supervisor if it’s ok. I wore mine to my brothers police graduation…the police chief walked up to me afterwards and offered me a job. (I politely declined). It’s an official ceremony and shows respect for the moment…
Our state offers personalized tags as well, it's a minimum of 1 year of service before they are eligible for one on our dept......humility is an important trait to cultivate.
I'll add another. If a senior firefighter or officer is showing you how to use a piece of equipment and you already know how it works or is very familiar with it, please just say, "I have some experience with that," and that's it. Don't go on about stories and how you are amazing with that tool or piece of equipment to impress them. Show respect and let them show you what they know. You might learn something new. Then, when it's time to use that tool, let your actions show that you have experience. Please just shut up and actively listen when a senior ff or officer teaches you something. Also, be honest when you don't have experience.
