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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273

u/Strict-Canary-4175 Jul 11 '25

I don’t like fucking with the new kids that much. I expect them to do most of the work, let them take a nap and eat first.

I believe in being good at EMS. Yeah I don’t like it either, definitely not my first choice. But it’s so much of our job and there’s really not an excuse to be shitty at it.

I don’t believe in wearing fire gear for things besides drill and fire runs. I will never force my guys to wear bunker pants on EMS runs because they have shorts or sweats on because they were working out or sleeping. The gear is killing us and people don’t want that dirty shit in their house anyway.

This job can’t be your whole life, and personality. Leave your whacker t shirts at home and get a hobby that doesn’t have anything to do with the job.

27

u/locknloadchode TX FF/Medic Jul 11 '25

In regards to your first paragraph, do you work at a department with high turnover? I felt like this at my first department because I was always having some new rookie to mentor. I hated it because I swore I would never become that guy when I had first started, and that I would always be a senior man that a rookie could come to with even the dumbest questions.

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u/Strict-Canary-4175 Jul 11 '25

There is almost zero turnover. MAYBE one person separates per year, and we hire 100ish people per year. So there are lots of new guys because there’s a lot of guys in general.

I feel the same way. I remember the people who answered questions, supported me, helped me when I was new. I will always try to be the person that new kids can come to as well. Not only that, but in my opinion if the only thing I see a guy saying to the new kids is to put them down or roll a ball, I automatically think that he’s only saying negative shit because he doesn’t have anything to teach them. And they don’t have anything to teach them because THEY don’t know their job very well.

24

u/tacosmuggler99 Jul 11 '25

I’ve always felt I work for my probies. What I mean by that is a huge factor in whether they’re good or not is what myself and the crew teach them. You’ll always get some that just dont give a shit, but most are open and receptive. If I’m being a dick I’m doing them, myself and the department a disservice.

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u/Strict-Canary-4175 Jul 11 '25

Yes. That’s a super good point. You ARE a factor in if they’re good or not. And then when you send them into the world, and they take details everyone else will see how they behave. And the boys will know who trained them!

14

u/mad-i-moody Jul 11 '25

As a probie myself I appreciate people like you guys. The guys who have been on for years and “recline by 9” and heave a giant sigh when I ask for simple help or explanation on something just suck.