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Permalink Reply by FETC on October 8, 2009 at 9:39am

Hunter,

Been there bro, I worked a full-time temporary firefighter position with another department back in the day.

Here is my two cents: Be respectful of everyone. Stay busy, show respect for the job, the tools and equipment you got, and the time in which you can invest into your education or future employment opportunities.

Big Rule: Listen more then speaking is a good sign of someone really wanting to learn, and with that said... Don't be too overly aggressive to try an establish that you are "the man". Understand, by telling you understand something over and over, or being labeled as a "topper" in a conversation can come accross as "un-teachable or a know it all"

New guys are expected to be just that new... Even if an FDNY guy came to my department, seen a boat load of fires, he is still new and is expected to have to learn the little things that we do or how we do differently. Example, we might do ALS Transport, and never ridden on a bus before.

When anyone comes in too "I gotta prove myself" it can be a respect / relationship short fall.

Respect will come with proof of good deeds or "deserved respect"

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Permalink Reply by Smoke Eater on October 9, 2009 at 8:29pm

Like FETC stated, one of the biggest things you could do is listen more than speaking. Another thing the "old hands" like is for you to pull your weight around the station and on runs. Help with meals and doing dishes after meals. Jump in on housekeeping chores, don't wait to be told to do them. Practice with equipment and ask questions if one crosses your mind. Show these guys you are serious about learning from them. Follow some of these suggestions and you should be able to make some new friends and possibly have some more pull when it comes to hiring a new full-time firefighter.

Stay safe and good luck!!!

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Permalink Reply by Hunter S Woldseth on October 10, 2009 at 2:53am

Thank you. (more for you on my comment to Captain 703 (below).

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Permalink Reply by Hunter S Woldseth on October 10, 2009 at 2:57am

Thank you both very much. I am going to work my hardest and go beyond there expectations they have for me. They have a probie right now who has set the bar really high. So I do have someone to talk to and help me out with this. But I know my place, I have learned to listen alot more than speak. But thank you, ill do my best to represent all Firefighters, because I know that even though not represented by the union's I will still contribute to your image as firefighters.

Hunter Woldseth

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Permalink Reply by Mac Conant on October 10, 2009 at 8:13am

Your one lucky S.O.B

Id give my right nut to be able to fill a position on a Career dept. Hell..Id even do it for free! Just to get the chance to run with the guys and know what its like to get to run in the 'big city'.

Good luck bro!

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Permalink Reply by Hunter S Woldseth on October 10, 2009 at 12:34pm

Thanks bro,
I was so glad to hear they chose me out of the seven people who applied. Im pretty sure im going to have to give my right nut during this though. Ill be scrutinized by the crew during this to see if im worthy of looking at as a potential hire.

Be safe out there..

Hunter Woldseth

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Permalink Reply by Smoke Eater on October 11, 2009 at 7:37pm

Hey Hunter, just want to wish you luck bro!!! I learned alot just riding one weekend with Wayne Township fire dept. here in Indiana. They are on the west side of Indy. It was very exciting to say the least. That's where I learned the most about being a new guy in the fire house.

Stay safe brother and keep us updated!!!!

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Permalink Reply by FETC on October 11, 2009 at 9:14pm

Hunter,

I have one more thing as I was thrusted into the mix back then... If the department is union, just keep your nose to the grindstone. Don't get caught up in the downtime drama and there maybe some if you are hired as a non-union temp. My position back in the day was, they were trying to justify the manpower to the town with the temp position for data purposes. The temp spot didn't take away OT because the temp position didn't exist but some guys felt it did anyways.

Remember this... brothers will like you if you work out to be a good firefighter that can pull his weight in the trenches. Just stay nuetral with the politics... the union will expect things and so will admin. Your answer to all of them should be, "Just hope I can be afforded an opportunity to be a full-time member."

Best of luck.

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