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  1. #1
    Arena Senior Member Crazed Rabbit's Avatar
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    Default Re: First Day on the job with Fire

    Sounds like a sweet job, DA. Keep up the good work and stay safe!

    Crazed Rabbit
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    Master of the Horse Senior Member Pindar's Avatar
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    Default Re: First Day on the job with Fire

    So, you're a bus driver?

    "We are lovers of beauty without extravagance and of learning without loss of vigor." -Thucydides

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    L'Etranger Senior Member Banquo's Ghost's Avatar
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    Default Re: First Day on the job with Fire

    Well done, and I'm pleased to hear that you are enjoying the job so much!

    I'm a bit concerned that your superiors would put you in such situations without appropriate training, so make sure you don't overstretch yourself through enthusiasm. But that's probably me being Euro-cautious.

    Be careful. Have fun. Long may it continue.
    "If there is a sin against life, it consists not so much in despairing as in hoping for another life and in eluding the implacable grandeur of this one."
    Albert Camus "Noces"

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    Probably Drunk Member Reverend Joe's Avatar
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    Default Re: First Day on the job with Fire



    You have lights on your feet.

    I thought only dorky byciclists did that. (Actually, that's not entirely fair... they usually just strap flashers on their ass.)

  5. #5
    zombologist Senior Member doc_bean's Avatar
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    Default Re: First Day on the job with Fire

    Something I've always wondered about firemen: what's with the 24h shifts ? Is there a reason they can't work in 12h or even 8h shifts ? 'cause I ain't seeing the point...
    Yes, Iraq is peaceful. Go to sleep now. - Adrian II

  6. #6

    Default Re: First Day on the job with Fire

    Quote Originally Posted by doc_bean
    Something I've always wondered about firemen: what's with the 24h shifts ? Is there a reason they can't work in 12h or even 8h shifts ? 'cause I ain't seeing the point...
    Good question. There are several reasons. Fires don't last only eight hours. Some wildland fires can take days. That would be alot of overtime (and it is alot when we go on strike teams). Secondly, manpower requirements for eight hour shifts would be overwhelming. Think about it: We work 24 on, 24 off. That means one station only needs two engine companies for a total of eight guys. If we ran 8 hour shifts, we would need no less than 3 crews, and that would be with a seven day work week. Nighttime is slower, so we are just hanging around on-call or sleeping. Why pay a full time rate or overtime rate for this time? We get an on-call rate which is a little less than than the regular rate since we aren't actually "working".

    Fot he type of work this is, 24 hour shifts are the way to go. I can't imagine doing this 9-5. That would be insane. With all of the gear maintenance that has to be done daily and especially after a fire, it would be overwhelming. Besides, the opportunity for an end-of-shift overtime event would triple. Instead of one changeover per day, you have three. That means three chances for an end-of-shift call and massive expenses in overtime.

    It's better for organizational expense and it's a better quality of life for the crew. I love it now, and I loved it when I was an investigator in the Corps.

    I hope that answers your question.

    Quote Originally Posted by Zorba
    You have lights on your feet.

    I thought only dorky byciclists did that. (Actually, that's not entirely fair... they usually just strap flashers on their ass.)
    It's reflective tape. So we can be seen at night, especially on the highway. The camera flash made it light up.

    But some guys like to stick flashlights up their ass you know. That way others can see the road in front of them when walking in a single file line. Plus it feels good.
    Last edited by Divinus Arma; 09-08-2006 at 20:03.
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  7. #7

    Default Re: First Day on the job with Fire

    Quote Originally Posted by Crazed Rabbit
    Sounds like a sweet job, DA. Keep up the good work and stay safe!

    Crazed Rabbit
    seconded.

  8. #8
    Philologist Senior Member ajaxfetish's Avatar
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    Default Re: First Day on the job with Fire

    IMO among the noblest professions on Earth. My dad's been a volunteer firefighter for years and occasionally semi-professional. Hats off to you for the risks you take for others, good luck, and God bless. I'm glad it seems a good fit for you, too.

    Ajax

    "I do not yet know how chivalry will fare in these calamitous times of ours." --- Don Quixote
    "I have no words, my voice is in my sword." --- Shakespeare
    "I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it." --- Jack Handey

  9. #9
    Boy's Guard Senior Member LeftEyeNine's Avatar
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    Default Re: First Day on the job with Fire

    I think your choice is one of the best for a retired soldier, pumping enough action altered according to your profession and age.

    Do well be well
    Last edited by LeftEyeNine; 09-13-2006 at 02:27.

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