So you are a new hire/rookie/probies. Well, congratulations on successfully completing the fire academy training. Remember that everyone was once in your shoes. When you are hired into a department. People in this department, with whom you could serve for maybe 10 years or more. To help you prepare for your career in the fire service, here are ten things you need to know. First, respect the work. Firefighting is the most respected career and volunteer field in the United States of America. For the men and women who wear bunker gear, many people wish they could be us, for some reason. Because it is simply an honor to be a firefighter, it is just as much a dishonor to become a person who does not care about his job. So respect it. Second, ask when in doubt. If you're not sure, you'd better ask. It's not really about looking stupid for asking, but about being stupid for not asking. You will quickly get into trouble, if you are not killed. No one knows everything, if you think you're leaving the fire service, you're going to end up getting someone killed, if not yourself. Number three, your ego. Egos are bad, leave it at home. You will never know everything, no matter what you believe. There is always something to learn. You are not better than anyone else, you are a team, so get over it, because there is no “I” in team. In addition to your only asset, there is also your weak point on your crew. Number four, your training cannot fail you, only you can fail yourself. If you were one of the lucky ones to succeed without studying. This is for you. You better practice every day. Your life and that of your crew depend on it. Don't let yourself or them fool you. Number five, before you wash the trucks, check it. Check for damage,...... middle of paper ...... yet another firefighter takes your place and is ready to learn. Read books, take extra classes at the fire academy, and read magazines someone left near the toilet. They contain excellent information for an ever-changing fire department. These ten things are necessary for every new firefighter. If you want to succeed, you must respect the work, ask questions when in doubt, manage your ego, understand that failure means death, how to maintain a truck, handle an emergency, safety, responsibility and keep the open mind to learning new things. It's hard work, but it's definitely worth it in the long run. Remember to be hungry to learn, to study new shooting tactics. Learn by doing, reading and listening. If you are successful, your overall attitude and behavior should not change. Share them with your fellow new firefighters and teach them the tricks of the firefighting trade..