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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u/ButtSexington3rd Jul 11 '25

I work for an aggressive competitive department. Once the trucks are on scene and positions are established, cut the crap. It's the department vs the fire, not your precious company. Imagine your mom's house catches fire, and afterwards you hear some lunks complaining about how so and so "stole your job". Also if I see any pics of you cheesing in my mom's burnt out kitchen I'm putting you on blast. Act like an adult.

15

u/Jumpy_Secretary_1517 Jul 11 '25

I’m so far the other direction on this. If my rig is beat to the fire or someone snakes the nozzle from me while I’m forcing a door or something I couldn’t give a single fuck. I’ll do a different job. It’s all the same to me; I’m just trying to be effective, clean up, and go home.

But yea, my department does this shit too

10

u/Strict-Canary-4175 Jul 11 '25

This is definitely the attitude I’m aiming for now and trying to cultivate. I do want to be first. It would still bother me if we got beat (within reason). But you’re right, as long as the job gets done, and done well, we should really stop centering ourselves/our companies.

7

u/Jumpy_Secretary_1517 Jul 11 '25

For sure. Certain crews will also get kind of a high-fivey attitude after too and that looks soooooo bad to the public, especially the homeowner.

4

u/Strict-Canary-4175 Jul 11 '25

We have that problem too. It’s gotten a little better in recent years, but…. I hear ya.

4

u/Enfield_Operator Jul 11 '25

Probably a volly problem but it’s even worse when it’s within your own company. Nobody should be too good to ride in the back or pissed that the first out truck didn’t wait 5 more minutes for them to show up.

3

u/sweet_feet90 Jul 11 '25

Gatorades and hi fives baby