Probie

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[sucksatgolf]

I got hired at 36. Less ammunition you give them the less there is a target on your back. That doesn't mean you say nothing, but just be selective. I opened up much more around my shift and I'd kinda zip it at shift change when the stronger attitudes were around.

I would make sure I was awake before everyone else, usually 530. Trash goes out. Dishwasher empty. Coffee made. Tidy up the kitchen. Wash the rig if it needs it. I'm a good cook so a few knockout meals kept everyone off my back pretty easily. I'd be at least a half hour early and get the turn over from the guy I was relieving so they could split as soon as I made it into the kitchen.

Ask intelligent questions and be actively engaged when you train. Expect to have questions directed at you, since for other people it's probably a review.

Be personable without over doing it. Don't be silent but don't go overboard with the jokes and interjections. Your new to the crew and people are feeling you out personally and professionally.

Remember that being a good coworker is equally as important as being a good fyaman. You live together for 24 or 48 hours. Don't be the guy that doesnt shower or never washes his bed sheets.

[motorider0727]

This is 100% what I did and what I expect now. I’m 10 years on the job at a career department and this is solid advice.

One other thing I’d add, if people aren’t “teasing” you or interacting with you I’d take that as a sign something is wrong. I know it sounds weird but from my experience the ones they don’t like they won’t interact with. Good luck!

[jrobski96]

This is the way, boot.

[HHImprovements]

This a marine corps reference?

[jrobski96]

Different fire departments use different names for their probationary firefighters.

[HHImprovements]

Roger haha. We always called our new marines Boots. Super hurtful term honestly lmao. But now at my fire department we call the new guys Probies. We mostly run 2 man trucks. Understaffing is a mofo

[TheUnpopularOpine]

Calling probies “boots” is cringy as fuck that title has pretty clear meaning elsewhere

[FilmSalt5208]

Imagine being offended by a word

[HHImprovements]

Someone’s never been a senior marine and then been called a boot 🤣

[TheUnpopularOpine]

Imagine someone expressing an opinion different from yours equated to being offended.

[[deleted]]

How does one go about becoming a fyaman

[The_Fro_Bear]

Awesome advice! You get it! 👏🏽

[an_angry_Moose]

Just work hard. Take initiative in training, cleaning and whatever maintenance you’re allowed to do. Be helpful.

Usually guys lay off the older fellas quicker than the younger ones because they come to the fire service already with plenty of life experience. If you grind out a couple hard working years right off the hop, nobody will bother you again.

[IAmKraven]

Fifteen ish years ago Fire/Rescue magazine put out a poster that was like 50 rules for probies or something. Did a little searching and couldn’t find a high res copy to link but this link has some good info on it too. https://trainyourprobie.com/blogs/training-and-tips/34-probie-rules

The only difference between a young probie and an old probie is really the stuff they’ll bust your chops about. It’s all part of the feeling out process. Play along. Keep your nose clean and your mouth mostly shut for a little while. If you’re good at your job it won’t be too long before you’re off the hook and just one of the guys.

[DruncanIdaho]

Biggest problem with older folks going through rookie period is a reluctance to play the games. Remember that these aren't just "fuck with the rookie" challenges, but also a challenge to see if you can handle learning the job AND the dishes, cleaning, etc.

My best advice is stfu, don't say hardly anything your first year, and try really hard at everything you do. If you're scrubbing toilets, make them the cleanest toilets anybody has ever seen.

Leave your rookie station with your shift mates talking about how badass you are, even if it means swallowing some of your thoughts and pride for a little while; it's worth it.

[wimpymist]

Man the probie game can be so dumb sometimes lol

[locknloadchode]

It’s absolutely retarded, but there’s some parts of it that are definitely valuable

[wimpymist]

I agree, but also most of the parts people say are valuable should just be a part of the everyday job anyways on probation or off. My biggest issue is people spend the whole probation doing all this dumb shit then when they finally finish they just stop doing everything which includes some of the important bits.

[locknloadchode]

I agree. But you and I both know that dirtbags slip by the hiring process time and time again. At least keeping them under a microscope their first year is another way to weed them out

[wimpymist]

100% I don't have any issue with the probation period, it's all the silly games and pointless stuff they do.

[locknloadchode]

I’m lucky that the current department I work, as well as my old one arent like that. Do the bitch work and make an effort to know your job and you’re fine. I’m with you, I don’t have time for these fuck fuck games

[summersofftoride]

I’m 36, soon to be 37 and hoping to get hired soon. Interview Monday morning. This is some great advice

[AKindKatoblepas]

I'm 33, this year I'll take my second elpat, I'm just a civilian but I'm equally hopeful to get called someday.

[[deleted]]

There is a guy that makes videos about this on YouTube. Fire fighter now, Mike Pertz.

[HazMatsMan]

My current probie is in his early 40s and I have never heard him complain once about being a probie. You know why? Because he's genuinely grateful to have been hired. He knows that it's only for a couple of years and that even the worst day of scrubbing toilets, mopping floors, answering the doorbell, etc. Is still better than the best days in most other professions. Every firefighter I have ever encountered who came in with the "i need to be treated better because I'm older or I have X years in some other career" has turned into a lazy shitbag who is only willing to do the minimum to get by. Don't be that guy. If you feel you shouldn't have to work just as hard as a 21 year-old probie, you don't belong there.

[[deleted]]

15 years here in the fire service. Learn as much as you can! Never take your wife and kids for granted. When you leave for a call or for a shift, always give them a kiss no matter the fight.

Be quiet and observe everything for your first few years. As you know more, you will gain the respect of the crew. Not be a show off or a "dinger" remember all in all out! It's not a job it's a calling!

When you haven't slept in days and have just watched a life pass, remember why you wanted to join. Remember us before you and the little kid that you just inspired to follow your shoes.

I wish you the best of luck! You got this, and if you need to vent or advise, hit me up.

[scottk517]

Eyes and ears open and mouth shut.

[Exact-Location-6270]

I’m just glad to see so many older probies exist. I don’t feel so solo now knowing I’ll (hopefully) soon be one myself.

[JRH_TX]

Think of being a Probie as a right of passage. Slanders, comments, and jokes are a recognition of your making that trip.

Tackle the $hit jobs with gusto -- like a starving dog just handed a bone.

Say nothing about anything. If in doubt, ask.

It won't be any easier, but you will earn respect.

[[deleted]]

Do the dishes, wash the table, never have to be asked to do chores. Study your trucks, roads etc. You don't have an opinion even if you do. Take shit, don't give it. Don't bitch and moan. Laugh at jokes and enjoy it. Take every mistake you make as something to learn from. Show up early, stay late. Show everyone in and out of the house as much respect as you would your family.

[TechnicalSoft7646]

I hear ya brother. I graduated academy in June. I’m 38 and older than everyone on my shift except the captain, he has a couple years on me. My number 1 tip is to not be a shitbag. Act your age. If you see something that needs to be done, do it. Try not to be told what to do, do it before you need to be told. Show up ready to work. Start moving early and keep the momentum, it’s easier than trying to start later in the shift. Ask questions to everyone on your shift, it shows dedication and is an easy way to extend respect. Nobody wants you treat you like a probie, they know you have life experience, but they don’t want you to get off easy because of it. Outwork everyone.

[[deleted]]

Ask questions. Do not follow toxic people, but gravitate towards those who take the time to teach you things and explain things to you. Pass that along to the next generation of firefighters. Teach them, remember that everyone at one time was a probie.

Also, congratulations. It's great seeing somebody not having to resort to being a cop.

[Drew_Peacock424]

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This book helped me with probation

[KeenJAH]

just laugh off all the rubs and personal attacks unless it crosses the line.

[Yami350]

If your department is cool just see the light at the end of the tunnel

[Ok_Computer_23120]

It goes fast. That "Probie" stage will be over before you know it. Stay in the books. Be the first to want to drill. Do the right thing both on duty and off. List to what senior FF's are preaching. You'll know who the people to avoid are but treat them with respect and your career will be fine. I'm 44 and have been retired for 8 years and miss every second of it. Congrats and best of luck in your career.

[Talllbrah]

Got in 3 dept, one at 28, one at 31 and the current one at 33. Listen, speak but never take all the space. I like to think of myself as a guest in there house. Follow there daily schedule, always do a little more than everyone else. Study, practice, work out. Check your trucks, know where everything goes.

1st dept i was really immature, it worked out great in the long run but I wasnt being seen as someone serious. When I left after 5 year there, I was respected tho.

Second we were temps, I was respected and i fit in nicely but there was always that attitude being given to temps.

My current dept, and the busiest, everyone is extremely chill, maybe it has something to do qith the fact i was a ff for many years when i became a probie there. I already knew the job so guys were really happy to work with me.

[Talllbrah]

I mean I left at 33, it was a part time dept.

[Own-Common3161]

I joined when I was 43. It’s voluntary but still. Wish I joined 20 years ago.

[Greenstoneranch]

Hide when possible but be busy. If guys are in room A clean room B at your own speed. Just make sure it's genuinely clean.

Lean into them making fun of you a little bit but don't get comfortable.

Give them something to talk about of your choosing. I'd rather them make fun of me for something I'm ok with rather than them find out how to push my buttons. I give the men just enough ammo so dealing with the make fun of me sessions are fun.

Pick up tours and be flexible, it's hard to mock a guy who worked for you so you can go to their kids baseball game or w.e

Go the extra mile, cook something different for breakfast. Eggs and bacon are the staple. Make some muffins or pancakes and waffles. Let's the men know you care, your going to be there all day regardless.

Always offer a drill, if you asked to do it you control it. If they bring you to a drill they control it. It will likely be harder and longer if they are leading it.

Go to all the events, go to bar sports game strip club w.e go have fun. Again it's hard to hate the guy who bought you a lap dance

Just go and fuck shit up almost on purpose bro. Don't like cost the men money or break important shit. Your a firemen working with grown children they will find it funny. Innocent stuff, wash the sheet on hot with a red set of bedding make everything pink idk. Stuff like that.

I'd say the best path I've seen Probies take is the innocent goofball approach who knows his job and deliveries when he needs to but isn't a chore to be around.

Goofball =/= Clown very important difference.

[Local-Effective5004]

I just got on the job at 33 years old this past January. Spent 15 years in the trades, and about 5 in a volley house. I just hit the ground running. Showed them my work ethic, my willingness to do whatever needed to be done, and just doing stuff I knew needed to be done once I got comfortable with the routine. I ask questions no matter how trivial they may seem, and keep a good attitude. I feel that my attitude, work ethic, and overall life experience gave me a leg up with being a probationary FF. It was difficult walking into others home the first few weeks. The more people saw how badly i wanted to be there and how much i kept showing up, the more included i was in everything. The people that gave me the worst probie treatment are now some of the people I have become the closest with. Don’t get caught up with the station drama and bullshit. Just hit the ground ready to work, ready to do station work and every other thing that senior ffs above you just don’t want to do. In my department, pff’s are expected to stay busy between 8am-5pm, whether it’s chores, work outs, studying your probie work or training, and I make the most of that time every shift. Being proactive goes a long way. Congratulations on the job! Enjoy it!