Rookie Do's and Dont's

You made it! You got through the grueling fire academy and now you are starting your first week on a fire company. What should you expect? What is expected of you?
Your company officer wants to see that you have initiative. Your first day you should immediately introduce yourself to him or her and ask if there is anything that needs done. Introduce yourself to the other firefighters/medics at the station. Check out your rig/rigs, check out your protective equipment, make sure your SCBA is operating correctly. If something with your protective equipment is not right, ASK someone to help you. Nobody at the firestation wants you to get hurt at an emergency scene.

The the other firefighters at the station (including your officers) want to see you busy. If something needs done, do it. Do not wait to be told to do something, there is nothing worse than a rookie just standing around at the station. If you see other firefighter working on something ask if they need your help or if you can help. When you are working on a project with the other firefighters be the first one to start working and be the last one to stop working.

Learn your fire apparatus. Know where every tool is, know the year, make, and model of the rig. If it's a pumper know the GPM rating, know how much water the tank holds, know what types of hose you carry, and how much sections of each kind. If you are assigned to a truck, know how and when you use the tools. Know the distance your aerial ladder can reach. Ask what your duties will be at a structure fire, car accident, etc. This could be based upon seat assignment or based upon your company officers discretion.

Do Not:
Be the first one in bed.
Invite yourself into the TV room and watch TV with the other firefighters, when the time is right they will invite you in.
Stand around, instead pick up a broom, clean some equipment, etc.
Wait to be told to do something.

Do:
Ask questions
Help out around the station.
Learn your Apparatus.
Train Hard.
Be respectful, all those firefighters were rookies once too, they have earned their place at the firehouse, earn yours.