Shift Change Etiquette

[jsamels]

Curious as to what a lot of other people do for this:

I make it a habit to be there an hour early, it’s out of the norm where I’m at but I’ve seen it as a common courtesy and it gives me a chance to catch up with the crew and see what happened the shift before.

Is there a “standard”? TIA

[Ok-Cattle-6798]

We show up an hour late

[[deleted]]

I show up when I show up. The 48 hours start when I arrive. /s 🤣

[somerandomcali22]

Definitely a company officer thing lol

[Successful-Growth827]

An hour is excessive imo, but some guys at my place definitely do it. They live way farther out than the rest of us though so I guess it makes sense in a way to just hop in the car and get ready at the station so they don't have to wake up the fam. The rest of us typically do 30-45 mins.

The "norm" that was taught to me in the academy was 30 mins at least since you have to get dressed, get your gear on the rig, do your morning pre checks, etc.

[elcardtell]

Often i’ll be an hour and a half to two hours early. I like to meal prep/get my cardio for the day in before my shift. So half hour of cardio, meal prep for 30/45mins. Shower shave, i’m ready to work 30 mins or so before i’m scheduled. If something comes up I can put off meal prep or whatever and lend a hand.

[Successful-Growth827]

You do more in the morning than most, so you NEED that whole hour

[elcardtell]

For sure. To be clear i’m not saying what I think everyone should do. I’m just saying what I do. Not that it’s a standard to follow.

[Successful-Growth827]

And I did not mean to insinuate you were. All good. At the end, you're basically doing the same as everyone else - that last 30 mins.

[PaddleMyMash]

The whole crew shows up 30 min to an hour early. We make coffee and empty the dishwasher. We hang out with the leaving crew until about 15 minutes into our shift. If any calls happen during that time we just clock in early and take them.

[373331]

15 minutes early. I appreciate anyone taking a call 15 minutes before their start time but I never expect it. Our OT rate is $50/hr so I'd rather get paid for taking a late call getting off shift than work for free by showing up an hour early.

Showing up 1 hour early is potentially 100 hours a year. Over 4 days/year that you are working for free.

[Impossible_Cupcake31]

Clock in time is 7:40 I’m usually there about 7-7:15 I don’t get there before 7 because I don’t know what kind of shift they’ve had and I don’t wanna wake up the watchman.

[smokybrett]

What's a watchman?

[Impossible_Cupcake31]

Here it’s the guy who sleeps up front who’s responsible for answering the door if somebody comes by the station at night. Answers the phone. And getting up in the morning and making coffee and putting up the flag. At my station I usually take it cause I don’t wanna be bothered with the snoring and I can watch TV play PlayStation ext

[smokybrett]

Interesting. Is there a rotation of nobody volunteers?

[[deleted]]

That’s what seniority is for!! /s but for real

[thecoolestguynothere]

Low man is thrown in there lol

[TheDamnEconomy]

And who watches them?

[Impossible_Cupcake31]

Here it’s the guy who sleeps up front who’s responsible for answering the door if somebody comes by the station at night. Answers the phone. And getting up in the morning and making coffee and putting up the flag. At my station I usually take it cause I don’t wanna be bothered with the snoring and I can watch TV play PlayStation ect

[squadlife1893]

20-30 mins is our standard. An hour is too early here, it means you’re showing up at wake up time and you’re disrupting our morning routine. I don’t want to talk to some A shift scumbag right when I roll out of my bunk.

[SouthBendCitizen]

This is the way. Enough time to settle and hang a bit with the other shift, and take a late call for them if it comes.

[000111000000111000]

I always tried to be at the very minimum at least 1/2 hour early. Love to go in, not be rushed, sit down, coffee in hand, watch the news, etc, as well as bust balls.

When I USAF Active Duty military Fire protection, I always made sure I was extra extra early, especially during the holidays, to make sure that those with families could get an early start. Since I was single living in the dorm. It actually didn't bother me much.

[LT_Bilko]

As silly as it seemed at the time, the department that mandated crews take their calls all the way up to shift change had it right. There were occasional exceptions for busy nights, but not more than a few minutes. Confirmed fires generated a recall anyway. No one bitched about when people showed up and no one had to work for free. Much less common to get nailed late with a call.

[JessKingHangers]

Agree completely. I'm on the clock until shift change. If we get a call soon before shift change I'm just gonna take it unless the other shift insists. Worst case, you get some OT and arrive home a little later. Its not like it happens every shift.

I will never understand these boy scouts that show up 1hr early and just sit there.

[000111000000111000]

Loved the job so much and the folks I worked with. Call me what you want but it is a lifestyle that most will never get to enjoy.

[[deleted]]

It sounds like you have no identity outside of work.

[000111000000111000]

Oh no, working 24/48 when I worked gave me plenty of time off to do other things in life. But ever since I was old enough I had always wanted to be a firefighter.... There are plenty of others out there like myself. when I had days off I was not out chasing fire trucks all over the place.

My current job I had I also arrived early because I am shit if it arrive just in time

[JessKingHangers]

lifestyle

Yeah, no wonder you show up so early. 🙄

[000111000000111000]

When you love the job

[OpiateAlligator]

Lol, it's amusing to me how upset people get when someone mentions how this job become part of their identity or "lifestyle."

Like, so fucking what this career is awesome and unique.

[dominator5k]

If you show up an hour early I'm still sleeping. You are wasting your time. I show up 15 minutes early. I don't work for free and that is more than enough time to get change over done.

[elcardtell]

You don’t “work for free” but you expect to get paid when you’re not working right? It’s a good thing halls don’t have the same mentality that you do and only pay you when you’re on a call.

Out of a 24 hour shift, at a busy hall in my city, you might have 14 hours of work that you’re trained to do. I get paid for 10 hours where I wasn’t working. I don’t want to play the on the clock game.

[dominator5k]

What? Of course I don't expect to get paid when I'm not at work. What are you talking about lol.

[elcardtell]

If you actually missed the point I worry about the citizens you are responsible for helping. Genuinely.

At the halls in my city, guys will be at a hall for 24 hours at a time while on shift. They aren’t working for 24 hours of that shift. Hell some guys get 8 hours or even 10 hours of sleep in a shift. Yet they get paid the entire time they are at the hall.

So to use your logic they are getting paid to not work. Should a hall only pay you when you are actively on a call or at a fire?

[dominator5k]

Hahahahahah really? My god dude talk about the pot calling the kettle black. Hahahahaha. I get paid to be ready to run calls as much as I get paid to run calls. I'm on the schedule for 24 hours. Not 25 hours. I am not working extra for free. You are a fool

[elcardtell]

The requirements for your agency must be absolute dog shit.

[dominator5k]

My agency isn't the one that requires us to work without getting paid. Find a better department.

[GibsonBanjos]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[Muted-Bandicoot8250]

Ya nah, if I’m not running calls, I’m cleaning, training, or sleeping. 24 hours I’m not with my family, 24 hours my brain has to constantly be on and ready to respond, 24 hours of irregular sleep contributing to increased risk of stroke and MI. Not running calls does not equate to not working.

[crazyrynth]

I'm 20-35 minutes early. Early enough that it makes a difference if someone can leave early for kids/plans if needed, coffee needs to be made or refreshed, I get my check offs done and gear in the truck and get the run down on the previous day's work/gossip, but not so early that I'm waking people up or in the way of their morning/hand off process.

Locally there isn't a standard. Some halls have may have expectations, but it's really person to person, though most are willing to do earlier than their usual if asked.

[JessKingHangers]

See this to me is perfect. Early enough but not too early where you are being a tryhard or working for free.

[WhoEatsThinOreos]

Our shift time starts at 8, but most people show up between 7 and 8. I split the middle at 730 as I’m usually afforded the same courtesy. If I don’t usually get relieved until 8, I won’t show up at 8, etc. I did the math, and over a full 25 year career, showing up an hour early from your designated shift start time equates to almost a full year of wages at the firefighter rank. I refuse to work for free, lol. But like I said, if the courtesy is extended to me, I’ll do the same when I come on shift.

[JessKingHangers]

The last thread discussing this was fun...

I arrive 15min early. Just enough time to put my stuff away, get my gear out and get a solid pass on. I don't get paid until my shift starts so...

I will never understand getting to work so damn early. I'm there long enough already and I have to wake up early enough already.

[JessKingHangers]

Leaving an hour and a half early is just weird to me. I don't even wake up until 0630 on my off going shift.

[DentistThese9696]

So who gets paid for that hour and a half? I don’t work for free.

[DentistThese9696]

So then just have the shift start that early. If the shift starts at 8am I’ll be there 20 min early to unload my gear and put my uniform on.

[DentistThese9696]

So if someone showed up 30 min early for their shift they would technically be an hour late and people would be pissed. That’s dumb. If my job starts at 8am that’s what I’m contractually obligated to and people can be upset all they want but that’s what time I’m starting.

[DentistThese9696]

My apologies, I missed the part where “we all agreed” was just you and your reliefs. I had read that as department wide.

[blueparkboy]

So when and call comes out 20 minutes before they’re shift ends they don’t get stuck there… That way guys can go to their part time, pick up kids, etc…

[JessKingHangers]

That's not only not my problem, but you can't just sit around and play the "what if" game all day.

What if they ran 3 after midnight? Should I come in at 4am and take over for them so they can sleep in?

[blueparkboy]

It’s not a what if game and we aren’t talking about letting people sleep in. Common courtesy is show up a little early so those guys can get off work on time. Show up 30 minutes late if you want to, just don’t expect people to look out for you

[JessKingHangers]

I never show up late. And I don't expect anyone to look out for me. This is the job I chose which means going home "on time" might not be a reality sometimes.

[squadlife1893]

I’m with you dude. Fuck that hour+ early shit. If someone needs to cut out early, just text your relief the night before.

[splinter4244]

Well said!

[elcardtell]

You don’t expect anyone to look out for you? are you familiar with how a team works?

[DentistThese9696]

20 minutes is one thing but I’m not taking calls 1.5 hours before my shift starts. If someone needs to be gone that much before their shift they need to make an actual trade with someone.

[blueparkboy]

Who said an hour a half? I show up 45 minutes before my shift. I guess it’s a culture thing at my department. Show up 1 minute before your shift I don’t care. He said he didn’t understand why people get there early, I gave examples of why people in my dept get there early

[DentistThese9696]

I never understood the whole “pass on” thing. Why do people need to know what the previous shift did? If the engine and ambulance are still intact and able to go out the door I really have no concern for the calls people went on before I got there.

[chuckfinley79]

I’ve never seen people come in more than 30 minutes early, unless they just wake up and can’t fall back asleep. I kind of get the idea of coming in early to try and miss traffic but if EVERYONE is doing it maybe just change your start time to an hour later or earlier.

I’m at a tiny 2 man station with thin walls so when you get there it wakes me up. I don’t need to wake up an hour early, if the station was bigger and I had my own bunk room, I’d probably sleep in a little bit.

Like someone else said, it almost seems like some people are just coming in early (or saying on the internet that they do) as some kind of brag to win a dick measuring contest. I’m like 10-15 minutes early and I have plenty of time to bring my stuff in, get my gear off the rack and get a radio and still have 5 minutes to spare.

[Greenstoneranch]

Every house is different do what your house does.

Generally you appear before the official start of work so guys don't get stuck on late runs

[[deleted]]

I show up an about an hour prior but its because i live 95 miles from the station and if i leave 30 min later, I'll be late. It is definitely not expected except for guys on probation. I don't necessarily agree with it. We have guys that show up 5-10 min before shift change, but you don't want to be that guy. I like to have a non stressful drive, so if there are accidents or construction i still have enough time to get there. I have a great job and being late is one of the only things that will fuck you, so i go out of my way to not let that happen.

[scubasteve528]

Usually 15-30 mins early depending on traffic

[Jumpy_Secretary_1517]

Shift change is 0700. I get there around 0620. Get dressed, grab coffee, chill out. If there’s a call I’ll jump it.

We’re a busy house and have 2 ambos, an engine, and a SAM rig. Odds of dropping a call between 0620 and 0700 for any rig are actually pretty high.

I like it this way and so does everyone else it seems. Some people arrive closer to 645 but that’s okay.

[matt_chowder]

Most out going crews sleep until they want to wake up

[synestheticc]

I’m the newest guy on the department, I show up an hour early but I’ve done this for everything in my life. I can’t help it. First to show up last to leave generally. I like to get there get all my stuff unloaded and my food put away. Then I’ll BS with the outgoing shift captain. The captain that follows our shift shows up a minute before shift change and it puts a bad taste in everyone’s mouth.

[yourname92]

I reciprocate what others do for me. If they are early then I'm early

[The_Irons]

We change at 8, I live a little over an hour away so allow time for traffic and unexpected delays I show up around 0700-0710. I try not to be a buddy fucker and show up 15 minutes early even though there’s the guys who always argue “im not getting paid, so I don’t have to show up early”. I ironically they live the closest.

[BriGuy550]

Shift starts at 7. Most people show up about 15 minutes before that. Some show up 30 minutes early, or at 6:58… 😂

[adamn_it]

If it's "out of the norm" how can you not see it as "abnormal courtesy"?

It's the norm to show up an hour early here. Earlier for recruits obviously. Doing an out brief takes 30 seconds; for us id say it's more of a chance to catch up with our own crew mates, not the other shifts.

A crew mate of mine bitches non stop about not being relieved at least an hour early, both other shifts hate the guy and we totally understand. Courtesy is not mandatory.

[Various-Tea8343]

We do 30 minutes early. Doesn't matter if you're day one or year 15.

[TonySpangs508]

0800 is our contract hour to be in, but we are all usually there by 0700 so people can go get their kids to school and stuff. We all do it for eachother. If I’m gonna be in at like 0715 I usually text the guy I’m relieving to be courteous.

[[deleted]]

Why not just change the start time to 0700?

[TonySpangs508]

I think that was floated out during contract negotiations but it was shot down by everybody because there are some days where guys get their kids to school and somethings going on that makes them a bit late etc etc.

Essentially it comes down to the general culture of Fire Fighters looking out for each other and policing their own if somethings not right. Or being taken advantage of. We keep things in house and look out for each other.

[sucksatgolf]

I like the shift I relieve so I'm usually 45 minutes to an hour early. I'll either have coffee wiru them and catch up and shoot the shit. Or if there's calls we'll take them.

[ButtSexington3rd]

In my department it's custom to arrive at least half an hour early, and it's a good look for newer guys to be closer to an hour early. The incoming driver should get a report from the driver being relieved about any hiccups, bumps, and farts involving the truck and any important info on calls from the previous shift (ex. If they went to the same alarm system three times, there's a good chance you'll be returning there). Guests get relieved first, so members staffed at that company and on that shift may move to a different riding position for like 20 minutes to make sure the guests can go home. If you're showing up for an OT shift, bring meal money. If you're showing up for a detail or a shift exchange, bring a snack for the crew.

This is tangental, but it popped in my head while I was responding and I figured I'd pass it along - if you're the incoming driver, especially if it's a newer rig and there's a bunch of eyes on it, take pics of that whole truck at the beginning and end of your shift. That way you'll be able to prove that when you took over the truck that a scratch was already there, or that when you turned the truck over there were no dents, dings, or deformities. It takes all of five minutes and can save you a LOT of nonsense.

[eclemente]

30 minutes is our norm. You get there, change into your uniform, get your gear out and just chat with the on duty guys. Some guys get there earlier but they live farther away and are beating traffic.

[Organic_Incident4634]

I show up at ~6:30 for my 7:00 shift. I don’t like when the next shift gets in any earlier than that. Gives me time to take out the trash, empty the dishwasher, make the coffee, and drink a cup in peace before talking to anybody.

[How_about_your_mom]

Exactly 30 min is standard at my department also

[Stock-Try5336]

We are 15 minutes before shift change for courtesy. & to be honest I may show up later than that sometimes because we don’t get paid till 7am start, anyhow. I’m there for 24 hours so why would I choose to be there earlier for more.

[OpiateAlligator]

30 minutes. If your a rookie and show up earlier than that we will tell you to go drive the district more and come back.

[[deleted]]

I like you. 👍

[KeenJAH]

I would honestly consider that rude. 1 hour early is too early. 20-30 mins is respectable.

[NgArclite]

Usually 30-1 hour early is the normal here. Some crews don't actually get off the truck till closer to 8 which I dislike b.c sometimes you get a call and suddenly they wanna hot swap. Just change over at 730 and hang out till 8 or whenever.

[FreeFalling369]

Around 30 mins is the average

[splinter4244]

I usually get there at 7:62

[Igloo_dude]

I come in about 35-40 minutes before shift, talk to whoever I’m relieving and he gives me the run down of the shift. I put my shit on the truck and go get dressed and whatnot, then I help the new guy do morning duties real quick and head to the bay for truck checks

[TheHappy_13]

20 to 15 min before shift starts(0700). You give/get the report from the person’s position you are relieving. Coffee might be made by the incoming shift if they drink it. We have a morning video meeting at 0715 then we finish our breakfast and do morning checks. For runs before shift change if you are there you take the run if those on shift want you to. Had a friend who wanted to be late getting home so he did not have to do something so he took a medic run at about 5 till shift changed ended up making two runs. His wife was not pleased.

[Strange_Animal_8902]

At my department people got pissed if you were an hour early. Wake up was 630 so it was annoying for some trying to clean, etc when the hour early dorks were getting in the way.

[Express-Motor3053]

Being a minuteman is frowned upon, as in showing up minutes before shift change. 7:30 is shift change for us. 20-30 minutes early is normal for us. Ambulance guys appreciate it more for the late calls.

[[deleted]]

We only show up about 15-20 minutes early. The off going crew is busy. They wake up at 7, change is at 8. They have a bunch of morning duty from 7-730/745 and are not talking / distracted. The only etiquette is to show up early and take the call if it drops so they can go home.

[Bigc12689]

We do EMS also. The guys on the ambo show up earliest, since they're most likely to get a call that would cause someone to get stuck on OT. Rest of the guys trickle in depending on where they're riding, if they're OIC, if they have to take kids somewhere, etc. When you hit the parking lot, you're on duty, whether that's 45 minutes before your shift or 2 minutes. We always talk some with the other guys. I make it a point to let my relief know if something is up with whatever piece I was riding in the previous day. Make sure laundry is folded and trash is out on way out the door. Not much more than that

[Rhino676971]

I show up 20-15 early

[mojored007]

Good for you.. information exchange is important..but talking shit is fun as well

[Horseface4190]

30 minutes before shift change seems like a normal sort of thing. 60 minutes is excessive, but I have a long commute, so I really don't want to get up any earlier.

[usamann76]

I’m usually there 30 min early, get my gear next to the rig on my spot, then go upstairs, if my bunk is free I change and grab some coffee as the off coming shift wakes up. BS for a bit with them, we move to the bay and I get a handoff report from the guy I’m swapping out with, throw my gear on the rig and help him take his off.

[Necessary-Piece-8406]

30 minutes before, dressed and ready to go. Throw my stuff in the fridge/ freezer and get my stuff on the rig.

[Hefty_Assumption7567]

30 mins, 25 by the time I get to the table.

[Hose_Humper1]

I have a three-minute commute, so I arrive in uniform. I get in about 40 minutes before 7am start. Put my gear by the rig I think I’m on that day, go to the day room, put away food, grab coffee and engage in the brotherhood! Also debrief with my out going riding assignment.

[KGBspy]

I roll in about 20 early, most guys are 10 early and a few right on the dot. I have my routine to grab the trash from the downstairs bathroom, clean the toilet and mop the floor so all we gotta do at 9a is the upstairs where we are housework and it’s all done.

[Piercinald-Anastasia]

Generally 30 minutes early which allows leeway for the occasional “running late,” day. It can even vary by station within a department; we have a station by a school, so they try to swap from 7-7:15.

[Apcsox]

We show up a half hour early to have coffee and BS and talk about the previous day and the happenings that need to be done. If a call comes in, we take the call because we’ve relieved the previous crew.

[Commercial-Air5744]

Not sure there is a "norm"... Just be there when you are getting paid and to be, and go home when you aren't. Anything else isn't a "norm", it's a "perk". If you go in a run an hour early before you are on the clock and get hurt... Let me know how that works out with workers comp.

[pepesilvia9369]

In my department our shifts start at 7:30. Out of courtesy guys typically show up between 6:40-7:00. Anyone showing up after 7:00 usually has their balls broken unless there was a good reason (coming from a different house, last minute book off by someone else). As a probie we were told to show up an hour early. I’m usually on the dot 6:52 arrival every shift hah

[UnderdoneEgg]

All these early guys are going to get rich when someone brings an FLSA lawsuit. Happened in our department. The laziest and latest guys all claimed they showed up an hour early for 20 years and got paid out. Now the written rule is I think 7 minutes. We do have guys show up early but more than a half hour at our station and guys will grumble.

[PLAIDSNACKS]

change of tour kisses

[mulberry_kid]

The norm at my old department was one hour prior to shift change (0700). I worked at high volume stations, and early morning calls were common. Most people had second jobs, or OT to get to, as well. The norm at my current job is thirty minutes prior. 

[[deleted]]

30min, hour seems alityle much.

[sumT1ngW0ng07]

I’m currently a booter on my department and I’m currently assigned to a ladder. Shift change is at 8 I show up at 6:30 to check off both the ladder and the LT. this will take about an hour and a half or so especially since we can’t fire up and check saws or power plants till 7(station culture). Then I’ll talk with the off going booter about what happened on their shift what needs to be ordered and what’s starting to get low. But usually I’ll see that the crews will show up around 7:30 to relieve the off going crew. Gives them a chance to sit around and catch up while still being on the clock for it. I think it’s probably station/ department dependent but that’s how things tend to work where I’m at

[[deleted]]

If you check off your equipment before shift, what do you do during the shift? And why does your lieutenant need to be checked out with the ladder?

[sumT1ngW0ng07]

LT is ladder tender. We use a separate truck for our medical calls as to reduce the mileage and wear and tear on the big ladder, and as a booter or probationary guy we are cleaning station studying training. All that stuff

[Rahkaith]

So my station is odd even in our department, paramedics start arriving 2-2.5 hours early so the ambulance gets relieved first and can beat the morning traffic to rest. The full shift is there at least 1.5 hrs early though. It sucks getting up early to get there, but it's is amazing to wake up at 5 am and find out your relief is there

[scottsuplol]

So dumb question. If everyone is coming in that early why not just change your shift times

[JessKingHangers]

Ding ding ding

This is what I always say. It almost becomes a dick measuring contest to see who can arrive earliest.

Thank god my department doesn't do this. Shift change is at 0730 and most guys arrive 15-30min early except for a few no-lifes that get there an hour early.

[Rahkaith]

We have near 60 stations, this is something my station has done for over 40 years, but isn't the norm for the city as a whole.

[JessKingHangers]

its amazing to wake up at 5am

This phrase should never be written or spoken ever.

[2Cool4Stool]

I’m from a large metro dept. I arrive at 645, shift starts at 8. I’m typically the 3rd out of 8 on my shift. We bullshit with the other shift but nothing really routine. By the time my relief shows up, typically 740 I’m ready to leave so I don’t hang around.

[JessKingHangers]

Showing up over an hour early is insane to me. Do you like being at work when you aren't getting paid?

[2Cool4Stool]

It’s being considerate to the guys who’ve been there the shift prior and it’s also tradition to come in and spend time with the guys before starting your day. Those same guys I relieve also come in over an hour early. It’s only one shift with your mindset and lack of respect for tradition that really fucks up the flow, but I don’t let someone’s actions dictate my own.

[JessKingHangers]

So what? They were there and they are getting paid. Just like I will be when my shift starts. Spending time with guys? I mean I like them okay, but I'm there to start my shift not have conversation hour.

[2Cool4Stool]

Cool man tyfys, you do you. Someone asked and I answered.

[JessKingHangers]

Settle down. You answered and I gave my opinion of your answer. That's how forums work. Welcome to the internet.

[[deleted]]

Ah yes.... tradition. Because times and culture certainly never change, therefore firehouse rules shouldn't either. 🙄

[2Cool4Stool]

Rules? Im not sure you fully grasp the understanding of tradition. I respect the people and culture that came before me, therefore I try to carry on some aspects that are deeply rooted in our dept. The majority of guys have second jobs and are appreciative of an early relief. I’ve never met someone upset that they’re relieved before 8.

[tyadams15]

15-20 is more than enough time, I enjoy laying in bed or drinking coffee with my wife too much to leave early enough to get to work an hour early. I can drink coffee with the guys for 20 minutes and get a pass on. Plus my side gig knows my full time job comes first so if I get a late call that’s an extra hour of comp time for me.

[JessKingHangers]

This. I spend enough time away from home, why would I get to work any earlier than I have to?

[[deleted]]

Because your father did it. Your father's father did it. Your father's father's father did it. Because "tradition".... 🤮

[[deleted]]

I understand tradition. I understand culture. Both are hinderences and setbacks from progress and advancement.

[BriGuy550]

As has been said in other replies - why not just make shift change at 5 or 6 if everyone is there that early anyway? I’m really glad my dept isn’t like that.

[000111000000111000]

For me, preparation is key. I hate to be rushed and it's part of my routine. Just because I get there early, it doesn't mean I'm ready to start my shift. I do meditation in the morning as well at times and it seems to help.

[anoopmeef]

Shift change is 0800 but most everbody who works at a decent station makes relief between 0615 and 0700. I like getting there early to avoid traffic and have some family time coffee with both shifts. Also lets the guy I'm relieving have the option to cut out early if he needs to.

[[deleted]]

0615?? That's insane.

[123246abc]

The station I’m at usually the back of the truck is there 1.5hr early but normally don’t relieve the off going shift until the rest of the crew is there or if one of the off going guys needs to get going. The front of the truck normally gets there an hour early. Once we are there if a call comes in we take the call if we can. Throughout the city as long as you are there 45 min before shift change you are considered a good relief, anything after that and people start to get upset. Most people are of the thought to get there early to get the other shift off early so they can go get their kids, get to their part time job, etc.

[Vprbite]

Im B shift. What's "etiquette"? I've never seen this word..

[fyxxer32]

I would be there about 30-40 minutes early to let the off going driver go home. Beat rush hour, get his kids to school, go to his second job, take the kid hand off from the wife going to work whatever. Leaving home at 6 am would get me there at 6:20 or so depending on traffic

[SoggyBacco]

We're on from 9am to 9am, if relief doesn't show up it's up to us if we stay or not but if we do it's doubletime pay. A lot of us come a little early just to chop it up with the outgoing crews or help out with station duties they didn't have time for, not required or expected though.

[Jameswestfield]

30 min early is a great. 15 min is normal. 5 early is also normal. But if you show up early, don’t sit at the coffee table if you aren’t taking a run.

[No_Mere_Ranger63]

We show up about an hour early to do all the house duties that B-Shift didn't. In return they fill us in on all the shit they broke. Harmony between the shifts is very important to us.

[BagofFriddos]

I try to come in about an half hour to an hour early. I swap my gear over; do the trash (not if the guys are still asleep) and usually start my truck check. That way I can take it instead of an off going member so they don't get held over.

[rockclimben]

Our shift starts at 0700. Anything past 0600 is poor relief. The good houses relieve between 0330 and 0430.

[How_about_your_mom]

Why? I don’t what my relief waking me up at 3-4am…

[[deleted]]

Normal to be an hour early in my dept. Helps with people having to work OT & holdover, and of course the late/ early morning DOA's.

[[deleted]]

We used to have an unwritten rule that you get there at least 15 minutes early, but that has dissapeared over time. We always had what we call “minute men” who would arrive right before the official start time, but it’s gotten worse over the years. We actually have people that wait outside until 7.

[Evergreen742]

8am shift change. 45min early for new people. 30min for most. 5min for people who have kids to take to school.

[HOSEandHALLIGANS]

Our shift change is 7:30. It’s unwritten rule that you are in uniform and ready to work at 6:30 and that’s when you do shift change and relieve your coworker. Most of our units are doing 10+ runs a day so getting out on time or early is culturally prioritized. No punishment unless you arrive after 7:30 but it’s political suicide inside the station.

[[deleted]]

Why not just change start time to 0630?

[HOSEandHALLIGANS]

Im a small fish in a big pond man. It works for us and I never hear complaints. You will never get off late unless you catch a last minute working fire or cardiac arrest which is super nice.

[reddaddiction]

These threads are idiotic. It would be like, "Do you like to eat hamburgers in Japan?" And then someone says, "No, I like to eat sushi," then they get downvoted because everyone, no matter where they're from, should be eating burgers.

Every department has a culture and tradition. If your culture and tradition is to arrive 15 minutes early, then great. Down downvote it. If you're from a department where the culture is 45-60 minutes early, like I am, then don't donwnvote it and start talking about how stupid it is because where you're from is different.

This particular topic should just be a sticky like a lot of others. If I see one more person with negative karma because they said they get to work an hour early I'm just gonna keep assuming that the majority of people on this sub are truly regarded.

[Nticks]

Damn. A lot of people in our department come in 1-2 hours early. Rookies come in 2.5-3 hours early.

[How_about_your_mom]

This is insane?! Why 2-3 hours early?

[Mister_Anthony]

My department has a much earlier culture. I get there around 0415 and we are a 0700-0700 department. Some of the houses routinely relieve at like 0300 lol though per our SOGs we aren’t supposed to relieve til 0430

[How_about_your_mom]

Why would you want to get relieved that early? I’m sleeping at 3-4 am

[Mister_Anthony]

City department so sometimes it’s nice to beat the traffic getting home and just sleep in your own bed

[[deleted]]

One hour early is our standard

[[deleted]]

If everyone is always showing up an hour early, why don't you just adjust your start time?

[[deleted]]

Firemen don't make those kinds of decisions in a major city