With A New Dept...

[Jedimike007]

I just got on a new dept. and have had about 4 yrs of previous experience. When the fire fighters that don't know about my previous experience start explaining basic stuff like opening a hydrant, should I butt in and tell them I already know? Or should I just let them explain what to do?

[Smoke20286]

Personally I would listen to them, SOP's are often not the same in different Dept's

[Dalmatian90]

Let 'em show you again.

It's good practice for both of you...and like Smoke said, each department may have their own peculiar quirks.

[Weruj1]

annoying as it may be ............those really are the best answers and will remove the "know it all" label from you........ and they may just have a different way of doing things.

[mcaldwell]

I have to agree with the above. Let them show you again, and then re-enforce your abilities by getting it right the first time. It won't take long for them to realize you're not a probie, and in the process you will benefit from better understanding thier methodology.

We recently had an individual move to our area who was fresh out of Texas A&M. I was a litle nervous that we would get the "know-it-all" attitude from him, but he patiently and attentively participated in all of our basic training, and then impressed us by acing the skills courses on the first try. It didn't take long for the guys to begin to trust him, and in the end he fit in very well.

I've seen it go the other way several times before, and it definitely would have been different if he had just showed up and tried to "train-the-trainer".

[Jedimike007]

Okay thanks. That's what I have been doing and although it's sometimes a little boring it keeps me from coming across as a know-it-all. The last thing I want to do is be the guy everyone doesn't like from the getgo. I've seen that before at my old dept. The first couple weeks this guy was at training we ere already getting annoyed with him. He acted like he knew more then the officers.

Thanks for the tips.

[firenresq77]

Just wanted to echo what everyone else said. We all hate the know-it-alls. I have much more respect for someone who will take the time to listen, even though they know......... Plus, as was said, you will be a fast learner for them.....

[btsavage]

I'm in the same boat...13+ years..career/call/vollie and an academy instructor...hired two weeks ago..first shift was this past Monday.

Our situation is that the shift commander has been given a short time to get everyone proficient on 3 apparatus (Engine, Rescue, Tower) within 60 days..working 24's and in house 9 days a month makes it tough. But, they hired us, knowing we all have experience..

So, basically, I listen..listen...listen, but my shift commander usually starts with, "Tell me what you know about..." That saves us alot of time and we skip the "this is a tire, this is a nozzle..." kinda stuff.

I tried to stay "low profile" but my problem started when one of the first guys I met on my crew remembered me from an academy class he attended...everyone has been awesome though...and I'm happy to be the first to admit that I'm the new "rookie". :-) (although I ended up on my first run the first day 15 mins before my shift even started..11 runs the first shift...what a day!)

-Brian

[Smoke20286]

It's nice to enjoy coming to work, isn't it.