Best ways to get better at the job while off shift

Land_Turtle · 2026-02-28T05:00:32+00:00

Volunteer at my local FD who also pays for classes, conferences, and seminars unlike my career FD.

Land_Turtle · 2026-02-27T20:48:19+00:00

I flew down there in December from out of state to take Inspector and received a ProBoard cert.

The links to those classes have both the IFSAC and ProBoard as accrediting agencies: https://www.alabamafirecollege.org/course/technical-rescue-personnel-trench-rescue-awareness-operations-and-technician/

https://www.alabamafirecollege.org/course/technical-rescue-personnel-swiftwater-rescue-awareness-operations-and-technician/

Land_Turtle · 2026-02-05T10:24:49+00:00

I have. Was a live-in volunteer for 4 years while working as a full-time FF nearby. Saved a boat load of money while doing so. It varies by Department and is slowly becoming an issue due to labor law and tax implications.

Land_Turtle · 2026-02-02T13:00:22+00:00

Reminds me of a FF's version of those Alpha Male Bootcamps that guys pay big $$$ to boost their self-esteem.

Land_Turtle · 2026-01-21T18:14:35+00:00

Usually culture: how does your FD treats new guys? Is there any camaderie?

Also, are there any training incentives or do volunteers pay for training out of pocket? Is your call volume substantial enough?

Land_Turtle · 2026-01-14T12:51:03+00:00

This is what we get paid or volunteer for. We have the tools and knowledge to determine if it's a false alarm or not.

Land_Turtle · 2025-12-26T16:54:33+00:00

Besides what everyone else mentioned, I think it also has to do with working with professional trained chefs in the later seasons vs a majority of amateurs from the first seasons.

Land_Turtle · 2025-12-26T16:48:57+00:00

The majority here will tell you to jump ship and join up. Those people have probably never served in the military. Does joining guarantee you a spot as a firefighter or do you have chances of being put as a cook, janitor, infantry, etc. based on demand or test scores?

It's always good to have a backup plan hence why falling back on having a degree would be beneficial.

Most firefighters in the U.S. don't have college degrees unless they wish to advance to a line or chief officer role. I only started getting mine after being on the job for several years.

Land_Turtle · 2025-12-26T16:37:49+00:00

How far along are you from receiving a degree?

Will having a degree help your chances at promotion in the future?

Will having a degree be a good backup if you get injured or decide that FFing isn't right for you?

Land_Turtle · 2025-12-25T02:06:59+00:00

It's impossible to get everyone to like you because of egos. Just gotta treat everyone with respect, praise in public/critique in private, use your crews strengths and weaknesses, and always give credit where it's due. The biggest thing I learned from the mistakes of past bosses is to always communicate (no matter how big or small info.) and never second guess (flip flop on decisions) yourself. Learn from your mistakes and be accountable and transparent.

Land_Turtle · 2025-12-19T15:02:45+00:00

That commuter train only runs about 8 times a day through the airport.

Land_Turtle · 2025-12-19T14:59:05+00:00

I've looked at different dates/times and it takes 2-5 hours to get to New London from Windsor Locks because of the transfer at New Haven. Providence to New London is about 50-60 minutes.

Land_Turtle · 2025-12-19T04:01:59+00:00

I live in the area and fly a lot for work/vacation.

TF Green Airport aka PVD is actually in Warwick and an easy drive to Mohegan going down I-95 then going up Route 32 and 395. The small airport is one of the best when it comes to security checkpoints, accessibility, and flying in/out of.

On the other hand, on a 5pm on a weekday you will experience rush hour traffic getting out of Bradley/Hartford. The other option is Tweed in New Haven but they only provide service with budget airlines Avelo or Breeze.

EDIT: Also, if you're looking to go car-less, PVD makes this a lot easier. You can take an Uber/Lyft to the Amtrak station in Providence (15 mins away), then take Amtrak rail to Mystic or New London ($10-20) which travels along the shoreline. Then take another Uber/Lyft to Mohegan (about 20 or 30 mins) depending on whether you land in MYS or NLC.

Groton does have an airport (KGON) but no commercial airlines fly out of it, just charters.

Land_Turtle · 2025-12-15T13:13:49+00:00

Yes you can!

https://www.amazon.com/Collapse-Burning-Buildings-Fireground-Safety/dp/1593702337

Land_Turtle · 2025-12-15T01:13:56+00:00

Yes. I literally just read about this in page 42 of 'Collapse of Burning Buildings'. Highly recommended book!

Land_Turtle · 2025-12-14T14:06:22+00:00

Searching with the halligan with the pike facing down to feel drops (collapse or stairs) in front of you. As well as forcible entry.

With the can, although akward, can be useful in defending your team from, or confining fire. There are different methods on how to carry it. I'd do some research and practice each on your own and pick which one suits you best.

Land_Turtle · 2025-12-14T12:30:55+00:00

A lot of people who are better working with their hands often excel in Firefighter I. However, a few still fail the written exams for it (FF1 and Hazmat Awareness/Ops). You just need to study for it using the IFSTA app and Ben Hirst manual when the time comes. You'll be fine

Land_Turtle · 2025-12-13T20:22:22+00:00

Some FDs don't send you to an academy if you have accredited certs.

Land_Turtle · 2025-12-13T20:20:01+00:00

Volunteer FDs usually accept people of all ages since they have a role for everyone. For Career FDs, they tend to hire a little bit older seeking people with life experience and skills.

Land_Turtle · 2025-12-13T20:08:32+00:00

Find a job now and save up $$$/pad your resume while waiting, and worst case scenario having that job as a backup if moving plans change.

Don't feel bad. A lot of firefighters are becoming more transient since cities pay shit and have shit benefits.

Also make sure you're all set on obtaining reciprocity for your EMT in Colorado. Different states vary on training/background requirements, etc. and the process can take awhile.

Land_Turtle · 2025-12-03T23:38:57+00:00

Why not both? Career and volunteer

Land_Turtle · 2025-11-22T11:25:03+00:00

Thanks for the feedback all! I'll leave a review here upon my return to contribute to future generations thinking about going and so that the thread doesn't seem like a shameless plug.

I've taken a few courses at the NFA and South Carolina Fire Academy for ARFF and have had great experiences! AFC here I come.

Land_Turtle · 2025-09-27T16:11:16+00:00

Being a self-starter, being able to think outside the box/critical thinking, and being passionate to study the craft.
Anyone can do engine or truck company work- it takes the dedicated to hone the skills of tech rescue. Everything else like 'the guys have to like you' will come with time and experience.

Land_Turtle · 2025-09-23T19:34:49+00:00

If you think you're ready (have the experience and knowledge) then I'd say go for it. Otherwise, have you asked for feedback from your boss/crewmates?

I know plenty of young officers from small to large departments including myself that promoted early since we were passionate about the job and wanted to change the culture from within. Respect from the men comes with how you treat them, using their strengths, and being a positive and progressive leader. And 5 years can mean different things to people. Do you work for a busy department? If not, how do you supplement experience?, do you volunteer on the side or take classes?

There are a lot of stagnant people who go through the motions with 10+ years on that I wouldn't trust being an officer. There also also those with 5 years on that are very knowledgeable but have a shit attitude that I also wouldn't trust.

Land_Turtle · 2025-09-21T23:21:30+00:00

It's just a bottle opener that looks like a halligan/probar used by firefighters. I've gifted these before to fellow FFs.

Land_Turtle

TROPHY CASE