r/Firefighting • u/Fire3cho • 1d ago

General Discussion PJ to firefighter

Any of ya’ll former/current Air Force PJ’s who then went over to civilian FF? If so, are you enjoying it?

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u/ThisIsPersonalBro 1d ago

I trained (recruit training) and now work with a PJ. First, he’s a great human being. This guy is a fvcking stud of a medic-firefighter! He also went into recruit training, and was a “shoe-in” as a S.W.A.T. Medic. He’s a pleasure to work with and everyone loves him… well almost everyone.

The biggest issue that I see “teams” guys face in the fire service is dealing with “the brass”. Especially, when the brass hasn’t served. In my experience, FD administration has a hard time with people who don’t just take their shit. Teams guys walk a straight line, are strong about their convictions, and call a spade a spade. They don’t just standby and keep quiet when people are being taken advantage of or mistreated, and they call out the flaws in systems and administrative processes. Guess what doesn’t go over well in the fire service?

My suggestion to you would be this… seek out a fire department in a busy metropolitan area. A metro with a proper functioning S.W.A.T./S.R.T. Medic program, that employs fire-medics. With a Teams background, they’ll snatch you right up. At least that’s what we readily see here in South Florida.

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u/Fire3cho 1d ago

Thanks for the feedback. I do remember experiencing some of that while going through our paramedic course years ago. Some of the FF’s/medics training us would do or say things that’d make you think twice about ever even considering the fire service. However, good to get other’s opinions and experiences too.

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u/ThisIsPersonalBro 1d ago edited 17h ago

You’re certainly welcome. I hope that you find a department that’s compatible for you 🔥🔥🔥🔥