I joined the department a few months ago, and everything's been going good. I haven't been in a fire yet, but I don't think I want to me, I have no formal training. I've been suited up more times then I can count, and have put a Breathing Apparatus on before, just only under local training with no actual scenario.

So we got into a class which started today, consisting of many sections, completing my first section today. Pretty easy so far. We had to go through the History of Firefighting where we learned about how they came about, what it was like back then, what old helmets looked like, etc. Not to interesting, but whatever. Then we did some Terrorism stuff. Learned allot there, Man its SO easy to bomb someplace! Seriously! A pipe, full of match heads and a charge wire running down (easily purchased online, or anywhere that sells fireworks really) can create a bomb of massive destruction! I guess its just the fear of consequences that stops people aye? Anyways, then we went over our gear. Learning about the different types, how to put on and off (Everyone should have already known this one) and stuff like that. Then we all had to put all our gear (Hood, helmet, pants, gloves, boots, jacket) on in under 60 seconds. Which proved to be allot harder then I thought! It took me two tries to get it, and I still didn't get it perfect. Oh well, that part's over, I don't need it anymore… Then we had to prove our knowing of getting in and out of an apparatus (putting our seat belts on, Getting in and out safely etc) Which again, was harder then I though, realizing the insane risks of just getting in and out of the truck on a scene of a crash or something. Ugh I'm going to be thinking about all this stuff now and be nervous! That was the end of that section, totaling 16 hours over two days. The total course length is some 180 hours and 4 sections. Each getting harder and harder. Its going to get really hard fast…

Anyone else a firefighter? I got to say, you learn so much more then firefighting here. Discipline, Responsibility, Manors, Learning to listen to others, etc. That it so worth the time and energy. Although going to fire school for a week (paying for hotel, food, etc) and Missing a week of work is really sketchy for later training…