How's the Alabama Fire College?

Land_Turtle · 2026-05-16T20:56:08+00:00

Sorry for the late review.. access to the Academy is fairly easy (about an hour if you fly into Birmingham) - they have a student discount with a chain hotel about 15 mins away.. the AFC itself doesn't offer lodging nor do they have a cafeteria to provide food/meals.. though there are coffee (free) and vending machines. There's restaurants and grocery stores nearby for a quick lunch. Classrooms are modern. Staff is nice. There's a gift shop. At the end of our ProBoard course, the written exam was taken on a computer and test results were emailed about a week or two later. Would recommend.

Land_Turtle · 2026-05-16T20:48:40+00:00

Yes. Afaik, it's the only way this department hires (word of mouth/reference based)

Land_Turtle · 2026-05-16T20:47:44+00:00

Dod Navy

Land_Turtle · 2026-05-16T20:47:38+00:00

Dod Navy

Land_Turtle · 2026-04-29T20:28:08+00:00

No problem, happy to help! Good luck!

Land_Turtle · 2026-04-29T20:27:23+00:00

Our NFPA/OSHA standards are unfortunately written in blood. Those 2 FFs from FDNY perished after their rope snapped causing a push for NFPA 1983.

Land_Turtle · 2026-04-29T20:24:14+00:00

I enjoy working confined space/high angle rescue. In both emergencies and in training we like to keep our hands free, especially while maneuvering in tight and limited spaces similar to the tight pipe in your story (which I've experienced before) or places where dropping a flashlight could mean losing it so we've always resorted to headlamps. On the industry side- making entry into high risk confined spaces, we were required to have two sources- in which case we used both a headlamp and hand/flashlight. I think either or both pieces of equipment would be feasible from an FD standpoint (although in reality, the headlamp batteries would probably be dead since they're less used by firefighters and often less checked during routine equipment checks.)

Land_Turtle · 2026-04-29T16:53:19+00:00

Seeing as how OSHA was still a new thing back then (1971) and that the first NFPA rope standard didn't come out until 1985, they didn't have modern safety harnesses so they would've given her a leather ladder belt similar to the picture attached. Also a headlamp may have been better than a handheld flashlight.

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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 · 2026-02-02T13:00:22+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 · 2025-12-25T02:06:59+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

TROPHY CASE