First Day As A Firefighter: What To Expect

The New York Fire Department happens to be the 2nd largest municipal fire department globally and the largest in the United States. Currently, the FDNY has employed approximately 11,000 firefighters who work tirelessly to keep 8.5 million residents safe.

 


Getting a job in the FDNY is not an easy task; each candidate has to go through rigorous mental and physical tests before they’re finally labeled as 'New York's Bravest.'

However, once you finally get in, there are a few things you can expect on your first day on the job:

Be The First To Arrive And Last To Leave

As a newbie, you’re not 'one of the guys' just yet. Establishing good rapport from the get-go will help you settle in and get off on the right foot. One way you can do this is by arriving early.

This saves you the hassle of getting late if you’re lost or confused, and makes an unforgettable first impression.

You might feel awkward, but no one is immune to first-day jitters. To make your place among your fellow firefighters, engage with people and ask them for tips and tricks that could help you do well. The bigger your networking circle, the easier it’ll be for you to get through the day.

Another helpful tip to make your first day worthwhile is to try not to run out the door the moment your shift ends. Focus on staying back and understanding how the department runs so you can adjust to the same timetable.

Follow The Leader

Your shift commander runs the ship. As someone who has just joined, your best bet is to follow their instructions and direct your queries at them.



Your shift could start with meals, followed by some paperwork and a bunch of chores. A lot of days, you might be working solely on training and inspections. The best way to move through your day is to be flexible. You should keep your mind open to fully understand the pulse of the department you work in. However, don’t take this as a reason not to ask questions. Clearing any doubts will make your first few days less challenging.

Work Hard And Fast

When you’re assigned any work, you should prioritize it and work swiftly. It might not be urgent work, but proving to be an efficient firefighter could help you make your place among your colleagues.

Being prompt with your assignments or chores is important because the life of a firefighter is unpredictable. An alarm or sudden inspection could throw off your plans for the entire day, and you would have to leave the station with your assignment still pending.

Additionally, you could pitch in and help your fellow firefighters once you’re done with your chores. After all, the department thrives on group effort!

It's no secret that NY’s brave firefighters are held to a high standard. If you’d also like to be part of the New York Fire Department, the first step is to ace the NYC Firefighter Exam.

For assistance in performing exceptionally well in the civil service exams, Civil Service Success offers preparatory classes to candidates. The focused study workshops ensure test takers get high scores, guaranteeing a civil service job in Suffolk County.

 

Contact them today for more information on their test services.

 

 

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