Three time probie

As I look at the calendar on the wall here in the station I see my last day circled and fast approaching. This will be my last day at my second fire department. Soon to move on to hopefully my final resting place errrr department.

I look at the last few years of my life as a learning experience. Having the opportunity to work for a fire department in central Florida, I've had the chance to travel the country providing disaster relief to thousands of disaster survivors, work for an upstate South Carolina fire department, and in less than two weeks ill become a probie once again for the City of Charleston South Carolina fire department. A move that needless to say im very excited about. I'll be going back through the fire academy in CFDs recruit school for at least 18 weeks and then the remainder of my year will be spent doing what the probie does. If you aren't familiar with how that goes I'm including a link from the guys at fireopsonline regarding the top 25 things a probie should know and do.

Take the time to read this if your looking into getting into the fire service or already are. Even a veteran could benefit from some of these firehouse behaviors.

25 things a probationary firefighter should know and do

The biggest thing I can add to this is, your probationary year (and even the first few years of your career) boil down to what you make of them.

Our job is hard, and sometimes the guys in your house are even harder. Understand that any joking or hazing is part of the job and comes with the territory. The guys want to know who you are. If you can't take a little joke, then I don't want you backing me up in a fire. If you break easy in the house, you'll break easy in the field.

Learn to joke and keep your nose in the books. Ask questions when you have them. Don't pretend you know how to do something if you don't. Don't brag, the guys will notice if your good at something. Be the first for almost everything, and train, train, train.

Always remember, you have the best job in the world. A job thousands of guys wish they had. Be thankful and always watch yourself.