New chic w/ questions!~!

[fireemsmom]

Hi Everyone

I'm obviously new here. I'm hoping to gain some insight into firefighting. I was pretty set on taking the course next summer, but then I went to see Ladder 49 and I'm debating now. I know its just a movie but the concept was real. I am pretty determined to get into at least paramedicine, but fire was just going to be a bonus.

So for everyone who reads this:

What makes you stay on the job?
What is the most memorable positive moment you have on the job?

Just a few questions for everyone!

Take care and stay safe!

R

[Fireknight]

The best reason I can give for loving the job is the people, I look foward to going to work, laughing and joking with the crews there are 8 guys a shift at my station and everyone is a good friend, so much that we even hang out off shift. as for ladder 49 in a word "hollywood" if police work were like every show there would not be many cops out there, our jobs have there tough calls but major stucture fires are far and few between, I have been on the job for 9 yrs and I have seen one 4 alarm call and the people on for 20 yrs had only seen one.

Great job, never give up if it is in the blood

[bestcoast]

Gotta agree with FK. I love going to work everyday. There are 8 on duty at my hall as well and we make the most out of every shift. Constantly joking around and playing practical jokes on each other. As far as the major fires go i quess i have been lucky (depending on how you look at it of course) i have been to a couple 5 alarm's and numerous other multiple alarms. However i'm sure each department has different protocols in place as far as making fire's 2nd 3rd 4th etc alarm's. Those are mostly surround and drown anyway, give me a good old house fire any day of the week!!!

[Fireknight]

Hey BC

a forth alarm at this call consisted of 9 pumps, 5 ladders, 2 heavy rescues,tech rescue, command vechicle and every chief in the city. It was a 18 story high-rise with reported fires on 8 floors and people trapped, it was a major hydro surge that shorted and blew out all the vaults on the floors.....well I guess I should'nt have made my shot about "hollywood" so soon, the only thing missing from that call was someone yelling "cut and print" at the end...;)

[bestcoast]

Man that sound's like it was a crazy fire FK, how long till it was knocked down?? Never been to a high rise fire with that many floor's involved at once. We send roughly the same response to a fourth, anywhere from 10 to 15 rig's and specialty team's if required, tech, hazmat, confined space etc....One thing is the same no matter where you are is having every chief there collecting OT and screwing thing's up!!!!...cheers Brother......

[Fireknight]

It was about 2 hours before it was a "loss stop" the call came in just before shift change, my crew also were assigned to a lower fire floor other crews were heading to the top, no hydro, no elevators, have to love rescue, so we had all the fun, 2 hrs OT and the next shift was stuck doing overhaul until about midnight.

[Sly210]

Hey fireemsmom!

It's all about the people, just seeing the look on their face or hearing them say "thank you" is all it takes to keep you in the job and it's all it should take to get you to apply... 'cause forget about getting rich! ;)

regards

Sly

[fireemsmom]

Hey guys/gals

Thanks for the welcome. I know its not much, but I've definately made up my mind that I'm going to be taking the fire program ASAP. The people sound like a great group (from what I've heard from various sources) and I can't wait to get started.

I look forward to hearing from y'all more!

Take care and stay safe!

R

PS.. Anyone in the Edmonton area here?

[Fireknight]

Great choice, sorry we got off on to our own little chat on you post , but that happens here.

Good luck toward a great career, you will not regret your choice.

[bestcoast]

Originally posted by Fireknight
Great choice, sorry we got off on to our own little chat on you post , but that happens here.

Good luck toward a great career, you will not regret your choice.

Ditto!!!!

[JGallagher]

We here are not going to lie to you. It can be dangerous. Many things can happen. From truck roll overs like this week here in NB to falling through a roof or a floor. To even being hit by a car. I count my blessings every time I come home. I am only a Volounteer but we face the same dangers as the regular fellas. I find it rewarding to do. Even if it is cleaning up fluid after a acident on a back road to a major structure fire where we had to go in and get people.

[fireemsmom]

Thanks for your insight J. That is part of the reason why I was hesitant on getting into firefighting. But I think that at the end of the day, when you look at your day, if you can honestly say that you made a difference, then it makes everything worthwhile.

Honestly, what I'm looking for is a job that I'm going to find rewarding and challenging at the same time. I'm currently a desk jockey and am going supremely nutty sitting here.

Now I need to come up with the cash for the course... anyone know of any scholarships or such that are available?

I'm just full of em (questions that is) :p...

:D

R

[JGallagher]

Originally posted by fireemsmom


I'm just full of em (questions that is) :p...

:D

R

That is what this forum is here for. You ask and say I am first to read and cant answer the next may be able or so on down the line. But if you can come home at the end of the day you have done good. Read my signiture. That is what I belive in!!

[BillyBlazes]

Fireemsmom!

Go for it!!

I love going to work, the 18 guys in my station that I work with make us a great team.

I have had the opportunity to go to some big fires and with our training and teamwork, it is a very safe job.

[fireemsmom]

Just wanted to post an update... I just got the call today that I was accepted to start my EMT-A course starting next month!!! It's not fire yet, but its a step in the direction!!!

Just wanted to share my news! I'm so excited!

Take care and stay safe!

R

[Skidz]

I am just a volly for about a year and a half, and I get so excited about doing things with the dept. Hearing all of you f/t guys just eggs me on to go further and get the training and go f/t. I wish I had joined the dept. earlier!! Does anyone know of any grants that the government might give out for fire collage?

[fireemsmom]

Hey Skidz

I've been hunting around to see what I can find. There's a few listed online for fire etc. but they're not terribly high in amounts. But every little bit counts. There's a couple others listed for other places, but I'm not anywhere near them, so I didn't really pay much attention. You can check out

http://www.schoolfinder.com

Its got all sorts of information on schools, awards and more. Let me know if you find any other sites. This appears to be pretty much the way I'm going too.

Take care & stay safe!

R