Permalink Reply by Jason on September 26, 2010 at 8:54am
I have to agree with Robert, I'm a utility person. Our Vol dept has 2 engines, 1 engine/tender, 1 tender, 1 85 foot platform and a rescue, plus brush truck and a Ranger 6x6. I'm assigned to the engine tender but know the functions of each apparatus and actually very rarely respond on the the engine tender. I want to be "in the S#!T" and love doing what ever needs to be done. Can't say i have a fave!
I grew up being too short and too small for hosework, unless I was at the tip... so I think it goes by who's best for the job.
Hosers, (pun intended) can't do an effective job until the truckies have the roof vented, and bigger guys do better on the hose, but the smaller guys are more sure footed on the roof, being they have a lower center of gravity and body weight.
We count on the Hosers to keep things cool so we can do our job, so it's a give and take kind of a deal I'd say....
Of course, I loved truck work, climbing up ladders and jumping into a bedroom to rescue a girl dressed in a sexy nighty is always tops compared to hosing down a room.... lol
I've NEVER heard of a place that likes the bigger guys on the engine and smaller guys on the truck. Truck guys are supposed to be bigger. Being tall does nothing for you on the line.