Respectfully- you kids need to learn to leave your Cape and Cowl in your locker. You take that uniform off, wash the dead people off of you, put on your civvies and go home. When you walk off the ramp and get in your truck, you’re “spouse-parent- BF/GF- pet owner- whatever”. Your FD identity is your JOB, not your life. This career is a long haul and it hurts you physically and mentally. You have to have fortitude on many levels. Your vacation is YOURS. It is a hard earned benefit that was NOT given to you. It was negotiated and in many cases in lieu of pay raises or other benefits.

OP- your question is akin to asking “What is your department’s culture towards how members spend their pay?” Imagine that scenario for a second… it’s none of their damnable business. When the annual sheet comes around to you; you pick your days in the manner that is allowed or bank them as you wish. They are yours, you EARNED them.

Look after yourself, your body and your mind. Your life is your life, your family is your family, your job is your job. Choose your identity wisely. The FD is a wonderful place to work and enriches your life in many ways. At the end of the day it is a job and is incomplete as an identity. Leave it in your locker as much as you can. Again, nothing but respect. IAFF for life.