New in Fire Service

[sbut]

I am a new firefighter out west and I would like some advice. I am brand new to the fire service, no family has ever been in it, so I have never had any idea of what station life is like in a fire house. I did well in the academy and ended up at a pretty busy station. Lately I have been getting beat on a little bit by the crew for making mistakes, both in knowing specs on equipment and personal issues guys might have with me. I knew coming in I would make mistakes but it is seemingly happening every day. Anytime i feel like I am finally doing well they find something to get on me about. How can I get myself out of this and keep a positive attitude at work? I feel like there is a bit of pressure on me being at this station and I want to do well but its hard to stay motivated when I get beat on so much.

[mynewunit]

There are lots of thoughts on what a New guy should do. Respect, Tribute, service, submission,
First. Don't try to win the room, just try to win a man. Find a mentor. Have them be the lens you see your behavior and treatment through. They will help direct your focus. Find the man who knows where success is found. Expect it to be in preparation, discipline, paper work, clean neat gear.
Second. Don't repeat mistakes. I work in a totally different industry. I routinely make the same mistakes and I find people making the same mistakes. I have lists written down for looking at reports and packing for field work. Maybe a punch list for checking gear would be helpful to you.
Third. Culture matters. Go anthropologist. Watch the group, but try not to influence. Listen to conversation, observe behavior. Take the lowly task. Take out the trash, roll hoses, read the big fat books on the shelves.  

Read through the introductions of the boards.  We have a lot of fire fighters. See if you can connect with them. Keep up the good work.  I know it feels soul crushing, but it makes the victory sweeter.

Victory = "I am glad sbut was here"

[Admin]

Good info by MNU.
I'm coming into my 20th year in the Fire Service. You are not going through anything new, at least for So Cal standards.

The guys at your station are doing this to you because it's tradition in a way. I tell guys all the time not to worry when guys are riding you on stuff, but worry when they are not. Simply put, they do this because they like you and want you to be the best.

So what do you do? You be a fly on the wall. Seen but not heard. Be an expert on every tool you touch. Know it inside and out. Be the first up and last to go to bed. You can sleep on your days off!

Message me directly. I will help you out as much as I can.

[ScottJaxFD]

Both responses accurate and true so far.

Retrospectively you will find that this is the way all rookies are treated.
When the light comes on for you and you are now "just one of the guys" you'll see they stayed on you because they weren't being mean for the sake of being mean, they were attempting to rid you of
Complacency within your work ethic. Your guys want you to
Realize you can't and won't know it all...ever. 20 years from now you will be a good firefighter because you've realized there's that one call you still haven't been to & you're preparing yourself for it today.

So yes... Sit. Listen. Ask questions. And learn your apparatus and every single tool you carry. They will stop busting your balls when they know you have "it". "It" won't be a specific knowledge but an attitude. You'll know this when they start including and asking you to take on bigger tasks and take the next rookie under your wing.
Best of luck & stay safe out there.

[Manny]

One of the greatest bits of advice I give to new firefighters is "You earn your reputation your first year. If you screw it up, it will take the next 29 to change it." You are earning your keep right now. Work hard, mouth closed, and ears open. After you've earned your reputation (which is hopefully good), continue with the same work ethic, respect, and integrity that it took that first year for the remaining 29+

Having one of the noblest jobs ever (in my opinion) comes with high expectations. Choose to live up to those expectations everyday of your career and earn your paycheck! This is a great job and the community deserves the best, so let's provide it for them.

Lastly, what they are doing isn't wrong, and it may not necessarily be right. When it's your turn to be the senior guy, remember how you felt back as the FNG. It's OK to be tough and have high expectations, but be respectful of everyone, always.

Thanks and I'll get off my soap box now.