The recruits have graduated, they will be moving into their first assignments. They have a lot of things left to learn but they have the basics of fire behavior and attack to build from.
Towards the end they started asking questions about firehouse life. Some of the questions had to do with when exactly will they be expected to drive and operate the pump. That is not a set answer.
We still have a patrol desk and a member on “watch” 24hrs a day. So naturally the Probies are expected to learn that first. They are supposed to use the pit as their base of operations, whenever they are done with a task they return to the pit. I personally believe the apparatus has priority over everything else. So my Probie will help check the piece and also their personal equipment first. Other officers think they should do housework first, I think that is a narrow minded view as I believe that teaches the most important thing in the firehouse if mopping the floor. It’s not.
After they learn the pit and get themselves in the watch rotation it’s time for them to start driving back from runs and also practice driving around the district. We do not have a driver or operator position so everybody takes turns driving. From the time they are in the watch rotation and driving back from runs map tests will start in earnest. When they show competency in the district and a few special responses we have then it is time for “The Test”.
Most of the apparatus in our city run a 500 gallon tank. Not a lot.
We Nose into a hydrant and when the probie says go this is what happens:
1: Open up the deck gun
2: Charge a 100′ section of 2 1/2 so we can play water.
3: Hook up the hydrant and get water into the tank before you run out.
It usually takes a couple of attempts, but after they get it they feel confident in their abilities, and we do too.
Questions? Comments?
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Continuing the Discussion