Uncommon to transfer/change departments?

[FridayStax]

I would like to be a fire fighter for the city of Seattle but I know that it is very difficult to get into. I realize that it may be easier to get a job at a fire department in a surrounding area. I was wondering if it is uncommon or frowned upon to change fire departments. Would people be pissed off if I was to work for XXXXX fire department and then were to apply to work in Seattle when they are hiring (I know they don't do lateral transferring)?

I can't find much info on the subject...

[fireslayer1237]

here's my idea on this don't tell anyone about how you are going to leave as soon as you get a chance to work for seattle. no one wants to hear how their dept. isn't good enough for you. keep it to yourself and when you end up going through the oral boards have a one on one with your officer and let him know what your up too. people change dept. all the time for personal reasons.

[FridayStax]

here's my idea on this don't tell anyone about how you are going to leave as soon as you get a chance to work for seattle. no one wants to hear how their dept. isn't good enough for you. keep it to yourself and when you end up going through the oral boards have a one on one with your officer and let him know what your up too. people change dept. all the time for personal reasons.

Thanks for the info. I'd like to ultimately work in Seattle but I don't think it makes much sense to wait around for years and years and only apply there (especially since I may never get in!). I just didn't want to be a dick and get a job somewhere else and then leave.

[Geinandputitout]

Fireslayer hit the nail on the head. People move and switch regularly for a lot of different reasons. Do your thing, but remember the fire service is a small community and your actions will follow you. Good Luck

[johnny46]

I'd start wearing the uniform of the other department right now.

[BKDRAFT]

I wouldn't tell your company officer untill you got a conditional job offer. Once your department finds out your trying to leave they will make it hell.

[BCLepore]

It is not uncommon for a firefighter to start on one department and then go to another. I did it as did the majority of my classmates. In fact, out of 20 recruits, 18 worked for other fire departments.

It’s important to realize, however, that you start at the bottom. Your new department doesn’t care about your experience. You will hear them say, “We don’t care how you did it on your last department.” Humility is very important, whether you have prior experience or not.

Nobody will look down on you for trying to make a better life for you and your family. Nobody that is, but the department you are leaving. No one wants to become a training ground for another fire department.

Paul Lepore
Battalion Chief
www.aspiringfirefighteers.com

[jccrabby3084]

It is true that this happens everyday. However, what do you tell your interviewer when they ask why you want to be a FF for XXXX dept? Do you say to get experience for somewhere else?

This does happen and I won't fault someone for going where they really want. Although it can be better to give a few years of dedicated service to your dept before up and leaving. You do see more and more depts going to a reimbursement policy because of these actions, making a FF repay for uniforms, training, gear, etc, if they leave within a certain period of time.

[FridayStax]

Thanks for all of the replies. Like I said my goal is to work for Seattle but that's not to say that I wouldn't be perfectly happy working somewhere else (although I'd like to work in the NW). If I were to get hired at XXXXX dept I would certainly stay there for a while before considering "jumping ship". I'd love the opportunity to work anywhere! I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't stuck at one dept "forever" once I was hired. Thanks for the input. :)

Also, I'd assume that your pay/benefits would be back to square one upon entering a new department?

[fireslayer1237]

this is true except if you are hired in the washington the first time. you become part of the leoff 2 retirement they years you add up in this will stay with you when you transfer dept.

[FridayStax]

this is true except if you are hired in the washington the first time. you become part of the leoff 2 retirement they years you add up in this will stay with you when you transfer dept.

Hey, that's great news. Thanks. :)

[plisken]

Done it twice now from 3 diffrent states to get back to the home town. Yes it hurts because you feel loyalty to the departments that gave you the oportunity in the career. But remember you and your family come first the brothers second. Stepping stones to get to reach your dream is how we all got to where we are. But departments understand and your brothers will understand. I have great friend in three different departments and we still share information, they understand its part of the job.

[FridayStax]

Thanks for all of the input, I really appreciate it. My plan of attack now is to start applying anywhere and everywhere while also getting my EMT cert, FF1, volunteer experience, etc in the mean time. I'm sure I won't have a shot for a while due to currently having no experience or certs but running through the application process multiple times couldn't hurt, right?

Anyway, I appreciate the info and I may have a few more Q's for you guys down the line. :)

[plisken]

Even if you don't have the certs, take the tests if you can. It will only help. Get your Certs, Minimum FFI, FF2, EMT also take Hazmat Tech if you can.

[hamiltonbp3]

You just missed it, Seattle just tested a month or two ago, might as well test as much as you can, the experience can't hurt.