Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Patrick on May 17, 2009 at 8:33pm

the biggest thing with driver/operator pumper is the friction loss calculations, once you figure those out oyu are golden. we usually memorize the loss per 50 foot section for quick fireground calculations.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jonathan on May 17, 2009 at 9:08pm

Capt you taking a class or studying on your own with the book? I really wanted to take a class, but can't find one available to fit my schedule. I appreciate everyones comments, and to respond to most of the ones that generally say (too soon/early for instructor/officer certs) I have no intentions of really teaching or being a capt/chief/etc anytime soon. I just mainly want to knock out the certs asap to have them. I'm still young (only 20) and want to be on the end of a hose and on the inside of a structure right now. Its where the excitement and thrill is! Like I said, thanks for everyones replies I do appreciate the feedback

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jonathan on May 17, 2009 at 9:16pm

Patrick, LSU gives us a sheet with most of the calculations already on it, and they allow us to use a calculator as well. So I've been told its a pretty simple test. The book is just so big and full of info that I stopped readin for now.I think (dependin on how i do on my instructor test) I'm going to try for my d/o-pump next month. and then just take a break from studyin. i try out for the citys dept at the end of the month, and theyre academy starts in mid-july. so ill have a good break from studyin during that 3month period since I've already got my base certs and then some.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Paul Everson on May 17, 2009 at 9:30pm

Hey Jonathan, Congrats on FFII. Don't let anyone stop you from taking classes, but also think about a good instructor you may have had. What made that person a good instructor, was it just book stuff or was it the experiences he shared with the class. The lessons learned from past mistakes and accomplishments are the foundation of a good teacher.

Don't let these responses affect your excitement to learn. Take all the training you can and keep on wanting to learn more. I am 47 y/o captain and I still take classes.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Smoke Eater on May 17, 2009 at 10:42pm

I am in a class at my dept. but of course we do have books to study from. Seems pretty easy so far. But then again I have only had 2 classes. Just stick with it man. Doesn't hurt to further your knowledge, especially in this profession.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on May 17, 2009 at 11:27pm

something told me to go to this web post and what do I see? senior bashing! and just for the record, I don't need a walker (yet)...

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Padre Pete on May 18, 2009 at 6:25am

"backing up" an officer sounds like roll reversal.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Padre Pete on May 18, 2009 at 6:50am

Jonathon, Thank God for your passion. I have to believe you are called to teaching. Your joy is contagious. If all you had was fifty years of experience, there would be an entire school of critics out here chastizing you for your lack paper work. So, your attack line is going be charged before its out of the bed. We all know thats not a real good idea. With your enthusiasm, the pursuit of experience wont take nearly as long as some may wish. If you're sharing all that learning with people who dont have any of it, you will be providing a sorely needed service. God bless.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Tony P on May 18, 2009 at 7:10am

So Pete, you want to be taught by somebody with very little experience? Somebody who believes he can teach by "readin out of a book and putting it into use" (sic)? Somebody who believes "anybody can be a teacher"? Good luck to you. Such a person would not be teaching in my Brigade, I can guarantee it.

I too think that Jonathan's enthusiasm is fantastic. I wish him the best of luck in his career. But I think that his method of trying to attain his goal his flawed, simply too much book learning too soon.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jonathan on May 18, 2009 at 7:48am

Tony I have no intentions of being an instructor right now. I just want my certificates. I would rather get all the certs I can now while I'm still fresh at the whole schooling/testing process. I'm out of college and eventually I'll just not want to take tests anymore. I will one day be an instructor and teach from the books point of view, my own experiences, and what others have taught me.
When I said anyone can teach I did mean it. I didnt say very effectively but anyone can teach. I one day would like to be a captain when I'm well into my 20s and early 30s. I've got no intention of being a chief at anypoint in my life. So if I get all of my basics now, when the time comes I won't be last in line for the job. Thanks for the comments though. and Pete thanks for the encouragement. I might have just barely 3yrs of experience, but one day it will be 20+yrs and I'll have the paper behind me aswell to back me up.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Tony P on May 18, 2009 at 8:39am

Thanks Jonathan, that reads much better to me! My replies were because I didn't see that as your plan. No worries, all cleared up. But I still don't believe that 'anyone can teach' - perhaps because in my view if someone isn't effective, then they aren't what I'd call a teacher! Yes, I'm harsh with that comment, but I've been instructing in different fields for years and I simply cannot stand poor teaching/intructing!

Having said all that, my ex-secondary school teacher sister tells me that she saw plenty of teachers that wouldn't fit my standard (nor hers actually). So they certainly exist, but I still won't call them 'teachers', they're just people who accept money under false pretenses.

Again, best of luck with your career!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by daniel s romanoff on May 18, 2009 at 10:47am

Good luck and study hard it will be worth it in end!

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• Next ›
• Page