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Retirement - Kicking it out of gear (or putting
it in high gear)
Either way you’re at the right place...
THE REAL STORY BEHIND FIREFIGHTERS
For many young men thinking of pursuing a career in the fire
service, it is pictured as an exciting, stuntman like, profession. While climbing ladders and
rescuing people from burning buildings is indeed one aspect of this
career, there are many other tasks involved in the day to day job.
A firefighter doesn't work a traditional schedule, since fires can
strike at any time. When going into this field, your schedule may
vary somewhat depending on your jurisdiction. Many firefighters work
a 24/48 schedule, which means that they are in the fire hall for a
full 24 hour shift, then off for 48 hours. This is an adjustment, as
traditional weekends become a thing of the past. Basically your week
turns into a three (3) day cycle. While the rest of the world,
remains on its normal seven (7) cycle. This can make for some fairly
hectic scheduling problems with conventional family activities.
The traditional perception of firefighters sitting around the
station waiting for that next call, with a Dalmatian dog in close
proximity, is pretty much a Hollywood thing. While not every
minute is spent waiting on the next call and a dramatic slide down
the fire pole, most fire departments have plenty of work to do during
"down time". The crews will often be out painting
fire hydrants, performing building inspections, working with school systems
on fire safety, and even putting on their "dress blues" to attend
public functions. While out doing these community service oriented
activities, fire fighters must always be on standby with a radio,
ready to respond at any time to an emergency call.
Ongoing training is also required within any fire department. Fire
fighters will periodically have to train in carrying the hoses,
practicing raising the ladder and climbing, and checking the
equipment on a daily basis. Other training includes continuing
education classes, in topics such as fire safety or burn patterns.
Firefighters are required to carry and wear extremely heavy
equipment, so the hiring process will involve a physical ability
test as well as interviews and background checks. Once a candidate
has passed the initial process, they will train in a firefighting
school, where simulated fires will be conducted for training
purposes.
In some municipalities, firefighters are required to be cross trained as
an EMT or paramedic. Fire fighters are often the first to be called
upon for any type of emergency. Many times they are first responders
to a medical call, car wrecks and animal rescue.
The fire departments work in close conjunction with the dispatchers
to make sure that the right truck gets to a scene, and a phone call
may not convey the true nature of an emergency. The crew must always
be prepared for whatever they get called to, without having all the
information ahead of time.
Fire fighters must also be very familiar with all businesses and streets
in their jurisdiction. There will be no time to pull out a map in a
real emergency.
One practical aspect of working for the fire department is job
security, since there will always be a need for fire and rescue. Some
municipalities will offer better salary and benefits than others.
Firefighters are paid on what they know how to do (it is not as
simple as holding a fire hose and spraying water out the nozzle), and for the risks
they take. When deciding to pursue this career path, there are
inherent risks to one's life. A firefighter must always be ready to
risk life and limb, as well as working unpredictable hours and
staying over during an emergency.
The reward comes in knowing that working as a firefighter gives you
the opportunity to protect and serve your community in a job that
offers intrinsic satisfaction along with a paycheck. |
