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/teddyswolsevelt1 Career Jul 11 '25

Being “first due or die” has and will continue to get people hurt or killed until officers start getting suspended for reckless behavior. If you’re the 4th due engine assigned water supply, there’s no reason you should be on 2 wheels when you pull on scene trying to stretch past the 1st due company. Do your job.

21

u/reellifesmartass Jul 11 '25

I can speak firsthand about the dangers of this. I ended up lighter in the wallet and lost everything but my job because of the "first due or die" mindset. I've got my rank back, and now, I don't care if it's an orphanage on fire (funny enough, there is one in my current district), if we dont make it there we're beat anyways.

16

u/teddyswolsevelt1 Career Jul 11 '25

We had a company hit someone crossing in a crosswalk. Want to hear the kicker? They weren’t even on the box. Explain that one.

11

u/reellifesmartass Jul 11 '25

Fucking hell, that's awful. The only reason I wasn't prosecuted, much less still have a job, is because no one was hurt. The only reason I can come up with as to why no one was hurt is the Lord watching out for everyone in the car.

I still get nauseous when I have to drive that particular engine.