r/Firefighting • u/Launch_Rockface • Jul 10 '25

General Discussion Unpopular Opinions In the Fire Service

I am curious what other peoples unpopular opinions of the fire service are? I know there are alot of things we are doing or trying to do to improve the fire service as far as training and wellness, but I also know alot of it is just not that great in my opinion.

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67

u/Imaginary-Anybody542 Jul 11 '25

Promotions should be based on merit and skill not memorizing a book some guy wrote 20 years ago

45

u/ThePhilJackson5 Jul 11 '25

Although using "merit" without any sort of rubric leads to cronyism. Which is my dept

7

u/Green_Statement_8878 Jul 11 '25

The downside to pure merit is backstabbing buddy fuckers that everyone hates who test well end up as your leadership.

I’ve always thought there should be a line vote on the promotions. If you get more than a 10% blackball rate, you’re off the list.

3

u/Imaginary-Anybody542 Jul 11 '25

That is definitely a concern but there are ways to objectively measure merit.

5

u/SmokeEater1375 Northeast - FF/P , career and call/vol Jul 11 '25

Although newer, you mean you don’t like the book endorsed by the NFPA on Engine company operations that just has tons of safety and paragraphs full of buzzwords? Oh and nothing but repetitive and ambiguous explanations of firefighting and conditions to the point where it might actually hinder a young guys decision-making because it makes no fucking sense?

Oh and that Engine company book is written by a retired truck captain…got it.

1

u/proxminesincomplex Button pusher lever puller Jul 11 '25

Link please; I came in under the yellow book and I am curious.

1

u/Strict-Canary-4175 Jul 11 '25

Yes! And no seniority points.

1

u/Famous-Response5924 Jul 11 '25 edited Jul 12 '25

As a guy who helped write a few of those books, I agree. Book knowledge is no substitute for experience and leadership ability.