I got on about nine years ago and visiting has been on my bucket list for a long, long time.

In the main open area where you’re in the footprints of the buildings, viewing various artifacts like the steel beams, memorials, missing persons posters, etc, was good, and I was thinking “Ok, fairly hard-hitting stuff”. I believe they just added a short movie with the Naudet brothers’ documentary for the 25th anniversary which was also really good to see.

But when you turn that corner under the stairs to see the ladder half destroyed was on another level for me. And everything that follows was so overwhelming, both by obviously the content, but also the sheer volume of artifacts, stories, audio, and video, it was hard to comprehend.

The rest of my trip was filled looking at the skyline or up at the buildings, thinking what it must have been like that day, things people saw, experienced, and the general awe of what FDNY and the city went through, and how being on FDNY with that history must be a completely different feeling than being on any other department, despite us doing basically the same job.

Looking for some advice from fellow firefighters, especially those who are single and have dogs.
I’m a career Fire Captain working a rotating schedule of 24 on/72 off, 48 on/72 off. I currently have two dogs, but I recently got out of a long-term relationship and sold my house, so I’m trying to figure out my next chapter.

My plan was to move back in with my parents temporarily, knock out some debt, and save money toward buying some land and eventually building a house. The problem is, my parents already have two dogs of their own, and bringing mine would make four.
I love my dogs, but I’m realizing how difficult it can be to manage them on my own with our schedules, especially during 48-hour shifts, mandatory overtime, and trying to maintain some kind of social life outside the firehouse.

I’m 25, single for the first time in a while, and honestly just trying to enjoy some freedom while getting myself financially established. Having two dogs makes that a little more complicated, especially when I’m relying on other people to care for them while I’m working.

For those of y’all in similar situations, how do you make it work? Family, dog sitters, boarding, or something else?

Has anyone had to make the difficult decision to rehome a dog because their living situation or lifestyle changed? I’m not saying that’s necessarily what I want to do, but I’m trying to be realistic about my options and what’s fair to the dogs.
I’d appreciate some honest advice from people who understand the job and the schedule.

Does anyone else change apparatus numbers depending on whats in service? For instance, we have 2 medics at our FD. Lets call them Medic 1 and Medic 2. Periodically, we will switch them around to get them used. If Medic 2 is first due, it becomes Medic 1 and Medic 1 will be Medic 2. This gets super annoying. Chief wants placards put on these to switch out depending on if its first out or not instead of just permanently marking them. My last FD had 3 medic units they shuffled around and one day I went through all 3 of them on the radio trying to figure out who we were that day...lol. I say permanently mark them, respond them as-is and let dispatch make the change on the run.

Anyone else do this shuffling?

If you could do it all again, would you choose firefighting or fire inspection/investigation?
I’m 24 and currently a fire sprinkler fitter apprentice in Portland, Oregon. I have the opportunity to apply for a fire inspector/investigator role, but I can’t help but keep coming back to the idea of getting the requirements done to apply for the fire academy too.
For those of you who are firefighters, if you had the chance to do it all again, would you still choose firefighting, or would you go the inspector/investigator route? Especially interested in hearing from anyone who’s done both.
I also have a 2 year old, so a big thing I’m trying to figure out is how realistic the schedule would be for my family. My partner works a lot of nights, and I’m pretty involved at home. I’m usually the parent scheduling doctor appointments, doing the kiddo’s laundry, and keeping track of those things. I’d be a little nervous about how things would go at home if I wasn’t there to help out for 24–48 hours at a time.
We might be able to hire an overnight babysitter, but I’d love to hear how other parents make it work and how much you’re able to help at home with that schedule.
I also use a CPAP, and idk if that makes a difference when it comes to becoming a firefighter or sleeping at the station.
I do understand that getting into the fire academy and getting hired at a firehouse in Multnomah County is pretty competitive, so I’m not assuming it’s something I could just jump into. I keep coming back to it, though, and want to figure out if it’s something I could realistically work toward while still being the parent and partner I want to be.
I appreciate any advice anyone has to offer me! Especially from people who’ve had to weigh these same things.

Hey everyone! I’m doing an interview for a college class. I’m in desperate need of questions to ask, does anyone need any questions answered? Any and all questions welcome!!

Im on the job in New England, and was wondering if anyone had any tips on training? Apart from physical fitness, knowing your streets, knowing your truck and SOPs. The department I’m on isn’t very training forward, so a lot of the stuff would be on my own. I drive the engine currently. I am working on a personal project to help me study, but I’m looking for more hands on advice or ideas people have come across. Or how to get more people to be engaged in training.

After all those years took a while to get off the "schedule" still dealing with sleep issues. Anyone else having issues after the career ends?

I’ve been a firefighter going on 2 years now and I’ve been loving and wearing Redback Easy Escapes when I’m on duty. Recently got into a motorcycle accident and the little guys got absolutely obliterated. As much as I loved how easy they were to take on/off, I had like 0 ankle stability and basically rolled my ankle every 5 minutes. Looking into getting full-length boots this time around.

I’m between Danner Lookout, 511 ATAC, and Haix Trooper. Wondering if boots with side zips actually work or if they’re more trouble than they’re worth. I generally don’t wear my boots at the station/take them off between calls so being able to take them on and off easy is important to me. I also hate the way the Haix front zips look, but I know they’re objectively the right answer.

Note: I’m more than happy to just buy another pair of Redbacks, but wanted to get some input from others first.

There’s not a lot of jobs where everyone watches you do your job. Does it make you self conscious or more confident?

A couple of volunteer departments around me have exterior only people on their department. Why would they do that and are they looked down on by career guys and or other volunteer people?

Hey I was wondering if any of you guys have taken a promotional exam administered by Jones and Bartlett? I feel pretty confident on the oral exam portion but was wondering how in depth the written exam will be. I’ve read the required books twice and have been using firedup promotional to prepare. Any pointers would be appreciated!

Hoping for advice on improving my firefighter rescues during SAR. I've done it a few times so far blindfolded and I'm gassed every single time. I'm the smallest person and the lightest in my class by a good 60-80 lbs even as a guy, but haven't had any issues keeping up for any drill or ladder throw except for firefighter rescues. I'm in good shape but I do have to do some throws/drags my own way since I don't have the size/strength of the rest of my class.

I've figured out my technique for going down stairs and regular rescues, but yesterday had to drag out the heaviest guys by their legs. It was a miserable and pathetic time dragging them inch by inch out of the building. I was specifically made to pull on the leg end for the scenario so I couldn't grab their SCBA. I tried using my weight to fall back but couldn't get the leverage or force since I had to be on my knees. I tried to use my legs to push forward but either I was too tired or weak because that barely worked. I somehow managed to complete the drill but probably only because I had multiple instructors screaming at me the entire time.

I know the academy is designed to push you to your limits, but between the burnout and the constant pressure by the instructors to be faster and be perfect, it's really hard to feel like I'm not cut out for this. We move on to hoses soon, but the instructors have only promised things to get harder.

Made the mistake of interacting with a page on Facebook, "Fire Out". Claims "Fire Out supports firefighters with inspiring books and firefighter-inspired apparel."

Literally as soon as I commented, I get a private message from the page, "welcoming" me to the group, and asking me to "buy them a coffee" Told them to go do something anatomically impossible, and got an almost immediate, clearly AI response.

Blocking the page, and encourage everyone else to avoid it at all costs. Fuck that bullshit.

I’ve been a full time firefighter for 10 years. Fairly busy department, have gotten some years at a busy house, I feel I have proven myself as a fireman, and I am good at my job.
I have cancer and have had some medical problems. I’ve gone to the hospital more than a few times. The other day we were doing some basic shit at work, nothing strenuous just walking around a block, and my BP shot up, they sent me to the hospital.
I’m so tired of the hospital, I hate that fucking place.
I’ve fallen out at a fire or two. It’s like when everyone wakes up in the morning, their body starts at a “1” but due to cancer mine starts at a “zero” it’s like I’m playing catch-up.
I work out. Im in better shape than 90% of my department I would say is a fair estimate. But they don’t fall out and I do. It’s very frustrating.
I don’t know what else I would do if I wasn’t a firefighter. I’m half way to being vested.
I’m unsure about what to do or where the line is when I say “my body can’t do this anymore, and I need to do something else”. I definitely don’t have the qualifications to do much else so I would have to go back to school.

For anyone who is interested in becoming a firefighter, what YouTube videos would you recommend watching as a beginner? I’m interested in learning more about firefighting, the fire academy, and what firefighters do on a daily basis.

What do you put on your axe belt and scabbard to protect the leather?
Also looking for tips for the axe handle for stain or protective coating

Im looking for some advice. I’ve been a volunteer firefighter for a few years now but over the years I’ve noticed that I just can’t keep up with everyone else. I get winded my heart races and I feel very out of breath and like I have no energy even doing very moderate work such as a car fire. I have a fast heart rate to begin with which I take medication for however it’s not enough. I don’t want to quit because I love it but it’s hard to accept. I want to say something so they are aware so that I don’t have to be first due or if I am that that they at least know not to give me the toughest job but I don’t know how to bring this up without them losing faith in me. I went through all the classes with no issues, I pass my yearly physical with no issues but no matter what I do it just doesn’t seem like I am cut out for this work. Does anyone have any advice for me? Is it time to throw in the towel and call quits? Quite honestly am I really a firefighter if I can’t go up a flight up steps in full gear and be a nozzle man and then work for 15-20 minutes or am I just fooling myself.

I'm 34 with almost 4 years at my current department. I genuinely love where I work, the culture, my crew, and the opportunities I've had. I'm a HazMat/TRT Tech and eventually want to promote. The current department I work for is relatively slow and non-transport. Good pay and good benefits.

The problem is my commute is 3.5 hours each way on a 24/48 schedule with a 3 week kelly.

I'm considering moving fire departments, one in which is much closer to home (20 mins) and potentially offers better long-term retirement benefits. However, I'd essentially be starting over with seniority, pension service, and promotions. The department is bigger/busy. A lot of opportunities...

But...they transport and are crazy busy.

I'm trying to think about what this decision means 10–20 years down the road, not just right now.

**Has anyone left a department they loved for better work-life balance or retirement benefits? Did you regret it?**

Would you sacrifice a department you love for a shorter commute and potentially better financial future?

Hey wildland folks! I have some questions in regards to your gig.

To start, I'm a 25 y/o volunteer firefighter from lower NY, Currently have my state level stuff as well as my NREMT and pro-board FF1.

I'm comparing options on where to start "professionally" and I think I'd like to take a crack at wildland, even for just one or two seasons, before moving to a city/county gig somewhere on a full-time basis. Mainly to see the country a bit and build my resume.

Whats the best direction to go for this? Where do I search for jobs/openings, and how does an entrance-level person get into wildland?

Any and all help is appreciated!

Could a Tiller Truck, technically get a tower bucket attached to it for a custom order? Or is there a reason this doesn’t happen

I know we every tiller that’s out there (atleast that I’ve scene) is a stick or some of them have a nozzle attached to them, but I was wondering why a tower bucket isn’t attached, wouldn’t it be more practical?