Firefighting

[OFD-Lt.Mark]

This thread is for anyone who is interested in becoming firefighter, learning about the profession, telling stories related or asking about what it takes to be in the fire service.

I myself am a Lieutenant at Orlando Fire Department, Special Investigations Division. I am work with Arson and Bomb investigations, as well as internal affairs. I am a certified Hazerodus mateirals technician, fire and explosion investigator ,as well as an Emergency Medical Technician. I am trained but not certified as a firefighters but plan to get certified as soon as I turn 18.

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

[norcaldude18]

Are you in some sort of fire explorer program or something?

[Horatio Nelson]

Are you in some sort of fire explorer program or something?

Probably.

[OFD-Lt.Mark]

No I am not, I hate to admit it to people, but my fathers best friend is the Deputy Chief. When I was 9 I first started to volunteer doing things like washing the trucks, and cooking for them. Then I started riding along, observational status, with them. When I was 14 they offered me a job as an administrative aid and evidence clerk assistant. So that position came with the rank of lieutenant, and now I assist in non-hazerodus fire and internal investigations. I finished EMT school at my school, they offer Tech-school courses as electives.

[norcaldude18]

okay well you aren't technically a fire lieutenant. But that's cool that you get to help out around the station :)

[OFD-Lt.Mark]

I get a pay check every two weeks along with every other firefighter, and I wear a single gold horn on my collar like the other lieutenants. My embrodiered polo shirt says Lieutenant Mark ******. Sooo I would say I am technically a fire lieutenannt

[Haydenn3]

Could you tell me the process you went through because i have wanted to do this since like 13 but i dont know how and every one told me its very hard also what grades did you have to get and did you go to college afterwards?

[OFD-Lt.Mark]

Could you tell me the process you went through because i have wanted to do this since like 13 but i dont know how and every one told me its very hard also what grades did you have to get and did you go to college afterwards?

My process was a little....expidited. I should add that my dads best friend is the Deputy Chief of Special Operations for the Fire dept. When I was 9 years old I started volunteering around the firehouse. Cooked for them, cleaned the trucks. etc. When I was 14 they offered me a job as an administrative assistant for the Special operations division. While doing that my high school offered EMT courses which i took and passed with flying colors. ((EMT school is easy to be honest, at least for me it was.) Then when i turned 15 I transfered to Special Investigative Division. With this comes and automatic promotion to Lieutenant. I am now an assistant Arson/Bomb investigator as well as internal affairs when its needed.

Now in response to your questions.
1. It is a difficult and time consuming path to chose, but a rewarding one. Physical standards are a must. One time when i was interning i had to jump into the water in 60 pounds of turnout gear. Not easy even for someone who has been doing competivie swimming their whole life.

2. Grades need to be very high because entrance for classes are competitive. I had a 3.8 and barely made it.

4. To be a firefighter you dont need college you just need to take an accrediated firefighteter 1 or 2 course. EMT or Paramedic Courses. (Or EMT-Intermediate if your state has that) I recomend taking Fire Science in college (4 year degree) if you hope to become a Captain or Chief one day.

Hope this helps and feel free to ask any other questions you may have!

Shine your light.
~Theme song from Ladder 49

[Haydenn3]

My process was a little....expidited. I should add that my dads best friend is the Deputy Chief of Special Operations for the Fire dept. When I was 9 years old I started volunteering around the firehouse. Cooked for them, cleaned the trucks. etc. When I was 14 they offered me a job as an administrative assistant for the Special operations division. While doing that my high school offered EMT courses which i took and passed with flying colors. ((EMT school is easy to be honest, at least for me it was.) Then when i turned 15 I transfered to Special Investigative Division. With this comes and automatic promotion to Lieutenant. I am now an assistant Arson/Bomb investigator as well as internal affairs when its needed.

Now in response to your questions.
1. It is a difficult and time consuming path to chose, but a rewarding one. Physical standards are a must. One time when i was interning i had to jump into the water in 60 pounds of turnout gear. Not easy even for someone who has been doing competivie swimming their whole life.

2. Grades need to be very high because entrance for classes are competitive. I had a 3.8 and barely made it.

4. To be a firefighter you dont need college you just need to take an accrediated firefighteter 1 or 2 course. EMT or Paramedic Courses. (Or EMT-Intermediate if your state has that) I recomend taking Fire Science in college (4 year degree) if you hope to become a Captain or Chief one day.

Hope this helps and feel free to ask any other questions you may have!

Shine your light.
~Theme song from Ladder 49

Thanks this helped me i think i might try and get more information about as im in the uk its all different so when i go back to school i might see what options i have and how to go about those things Thanks again :)

[OFD-Lt.Mark]

Thanks this helped me i think i might try and get more information about as im in the uk its all different so when i go back to school i might see what options i have and how to go about those things Thanks again :)

Your very welcome. I am sure you will join the brotherhood and be a great asset. I just hope you remember what this job is about. SO OTHERS MAY LIVE

[Horatio Nelson]

Ah OK, so you got a little help. But if I remember correctly you have to be 21 to be a Firefighter.

[OFD-Lt.Mark]

Ah OK, so you got a little help. But if I remember correctly you have to be 21 to be a Firefighter.

Oh yes I had help. I wouldnt have gotten anywhere further than a station hand had it not been for knowing someone. I will admit it. But I am not a firefighter. Yes i have been trained but I can not be certified till i am 18. I have already passed the FFCT or Firefighter Capabilities Test ,but I can not enter a burning building or any hazerdous enviroment till i am 18.

[Horatio Nelson]

*nods* I know a reservist, but who is now becoming a Deputy Sheriff. Pretty neat stuff.

[norcaldude18]

I get a pay check every two weeks along with every other firefighter, and I wear a single gold horn on my collar like the other lieutenants. My embrodiered polo shirt says Lieutenant Mark ******. Sooo I would say I am technically a fire lieutenannt

Okay, I am going to sound like a complete douche when I say this, but I don't really care cause it needs to be said. Since your dad is great friends with the chief, the chief probably made some sort of arrangement so that you can call yourself a lieutenant and you can feel important. I find it pretty disrespectful though that your claiming to be a fire lieutenant, even though you are only a 15 year old kid who talks about assisting IA and being an administrative aid. The men and women that have died while trying to save other people's lives worked hard to get the title of lieutenant, and for you to state you're at the same level as the them is insulting.

[Haydenn3]

Okay, I am going to sound like a complete douche when I say this, but I don't really care cause it needs to be said. Since your dad is great friends with the chief, the chief probably made some sort of arrangement so that you can call yourself a lieutenant and you can feel important. I find it pretty disrespectful though that your claiming to be a fire lieutenant, even though you are only a 15 year old kid who talks about assisting IA and being an administrative aid. The men and women that have died while trying to save other people's lives worked hard to get the title of lieutenant, and for you to state you're at the same level as the them is insulting.

Nicely said :yes:

[OFD-Lt.Mark]

Okay, I am going to sound like a complete douche when I say this, but I don't really care cause it needs to be said. Since your dad is great friends with the chief, the chief probably made some sort of arrangement so that you can call yourself a lieutenant and you can feel important. I find it pretty disrespectful though that your claiming to be a fire lieutenant, even though you are only a 15 year old kid who talks about assisting IA and being an administrative aid. The men and women that have died while trying to save other people's lives worked hard to get the title of lieutenant, and for you to state you're at the same level as the them is insulting.

For one, you don't sound like a 'complete douche' ,I totally understand where your coming from. And it may be hard to believe that I actually worked for something ,I know heaven forbid a teenager accomplishes something, but in my division (Special Investigative Service) EVERYONE in that division must be a Lieutenant because we conduct internal affairs. And if you look on the website for Orlando Fire Department it says: "The Arson/Bomb Squad, also known as the Special Investigative Services (SIS) division, reports directly to the Fire Chief and is currently staffed by five (5) full-time investigators (one District Chief and four Lieutenants), one (1) Arson K-9 plus one (1) shared administrative assistant." Which can be found at: http://www.cityoforlando.net/fire/sisvcs.htm

But as I said, when I first started I was that shared administrative assistant that is mentioned. After that I took my Fire and Explosion Investigator course with the National Association of Fire Investigators (nafi.org). When I completed that I was promoted to the investigator position. Required by department policy you must hold the rank of Lieutenant. Now let add this, if I transfer out of SIS I will no longer be a Lieutenant. If when I turn 18 I go to full time regular firefighter I will hold no rank. But for the time being, I am a sworn personal ,with the rank of Lieutenant.

Now if I did not know the deputy chief I would not have even gotten an interview. He got me the job, but everything I accomplish from that point forward was my works alone. So I earned my rank, what you think or believe is on you.

[RElk]

I'm going to try to join the volunteer program later this year if they have one. After that try to become a commission firefighter.

[OFD-Lt.Mark]

I'm going to try to join the volunteer program later this year if they have one. After that try to become a commission firefighter.

There are explorer programs that are very beneficial ,as I help instruct classes in fire investigator for the explorers. Sometimes they do as much, if not more than me!

[norcaldude18]

For one, you don't sound like a 'complete douche' ,I totally understand where your coming from. And it may be hard to believe that I actually worked for something ,I know heaven forbid a teenager accomplishes something, but in my division (Special Investigative Service) EVERYONE in that division must be a Lieutenant because we conduct internal affairs. And if you look on the website for Orlando Fire Department it says: "The Arson/Bomb Squad, also known as the Special Investigative Services (SIS) division, reports directly to the Fire Chief and is currently staffed by five (5) full-time investigators (one District Chief and four Lieutenants), one (1) Arson K-9 plus one (1) shared administrative assistant." Which can be found at: http://www.cityoforlando.net/fire/sisvcs.htm

But as I said, when I first started I was that shared administrative assistant that is mentioned. After that I took my Fire and Explosion Investigator course with the National Association of Fire Investigators (nafi.org). When I completed that I was promoted to the investigator position. Required by department policy you must hold the rank of Lieutenant. Now let add this, if I transfer out of SIS I will no longer be a Lieutenant. If when I turn 18 I go to full time regular firefighter I will hold no rank. But for the time being, I am a sworn personal ,with the rank of Lieutenant.

Now if I did not know the deputy chief I would not have even gotten an interview. He got me the job, but everything I accomplish from that point forward was my works alone. So I earned my rank, what you think or believe is on you.

The thing that bothers me, is that you keep saying you are an assistant to everything. You are not an actual arson investigator. On the website, it says the arson squad is made up of certified firefighters, so how can you be eligible? And why is there a separate ranking system for the SIS? I don't think they should be handing name badges with Lieutenant out like candy. It makes REAL lieutenants sound unimportant.

[OFD-Lt.Mark]

The thing that bothers me, is that you keep saying you are an assistant to everything. You are not an actual arson investigator. On the website, it says the arson squad is made up of certified firefighters, so how can you be eligible? And why is there a separate ranking system for the SIS? I don't think they should be handing name badges with Lieutenant out like candy. It makes REAL lieutenants sound unimportant.

I have taken a firefighting course at Central Florida Fire Academy, and I am certified but not licesnsed. I can not under any circumstances enter a hazardous situation. And all SIS members are lieutenants because they do internal investigations, and if we deem a person to be in breach of policy we have the duty and authority to hold them from duty and suspend them. Its a matter of respect of seniority. If they try and walk away from an interview and a lieutenant says sit down they have to, but if another fire fighter says it, they might not listen. I don't care about the rank, I care about what I do. I didn't ask to be a lieutenant , I asked to be an investigator. I at the time didn't know you got promoted, I showed up that day and was handed my new uniform.

[OFD-Lt.Mark]

The thing that bothers me, is that you keep saying you are an assistant to everything. You are not an actual arson investigator. On the website, it says the arson squad is made up of certified firefighters, so how can you be eligible? And why is there a separate ranking system for the SIS? I don't think they should be handing name badges with Lieutenant out like candy. It makes REAL lieutenants sound unimportant.

And yes I was an administrative assistant, but I am not anymore. I do full arson investigations on my own. I can not do bomb investigations on my own because I am not an FBI Certified Bomb tech. In fact only 2 people are. That is a requirement they are quite lax on.

[norcaldude18]

My process was a little....expidited. I should add that my dads best friend is the Deputy Chief of Special Operations for the Fire dept. When I was 9 years old I started volunteering around the firehouse. Cooked for them, cleaned the trucks. etc. When I was 14 they offered me a job as an administrative assistant for the Special operations division. While doing that my high school offered EMT courses which i took and passed with flying colors. ((EMT school is easy to be honest, at least for me it was.) Then when i turned 15 I transfered to Special Investigative Division. With this comes and automatic promotion to Lieutenant. I am now an assistant Arson/Bomb investigator as well as internal affairs when its needed.

Now in response to your questions.
1. It is a difficult and time consuming path to chose, but a rewarding one. Physical standards are a must. One time when i was interning i had to jump into the water in 60 pounds of turnout gear. Not easy even for someone who has been doing competivie swimming their whole life.

2. Grades need to be very high because entrance for classes are competitive. I had a 3.8 and barely made it.

4. To be a firefighter you dont need college you just need to take an accrediated firefighteter 1 or 2 course. EMT or Paramedic Courses. (Or EMT-Intermediate if your state has that) I recomend taking Fire Science in college (4 year degree) if you hope to become a Captain or Chief one day.

Hope this helps and feel free to ask any other questions you may have!

Shine your light.
~Theme song from Ladder 49

"I am now an assistant Arson/Bomb investigator as well as internal affairs when its needed." Did I read that wrong or did you just say you are an assistant? I know you have to be at least 21 to be an arson investigator in most states, possibly 18 in others. Anyways, I'm not going to argue with you about this. I just recommend you stop calling yourself a lieutenant at the Orlando Fire Department, it's very misleading and disrespectful.

[OFD-Lt.Mark]

"I am now an assistant Arson/Bomb investigator as well as internal affairs when its needed." Did I read that wrong or did you just say you are an assistant? I know you have to be at least 21 to be an arson investigator in most states, possibly 18 in others. Anyways, I'm not going to argue with you about this. I just recommend you stop calling yourself a lieutenant at the Orlando Fire Department, it's very misleading and disrespectful.

Well i am on probationary status for 3 more months so i am sort of an assistant. i have to have the deputy chief on scene at all times until im off.

[norcaldude18]

Well i am on probationary status for 3 more months so i am sort of an assistant. i have to have the deputy chief on scene at all times until im off.

There we go, the true comes out!! :) But even after your probationary period, please don't claim to be lieutenant at the fire department. You should make it clear that you work in a different part of the department.

[OFD-Lt.Mark]

There we go, the true comes out!! :) But even after your probationary period, please don't claim to be lieutenant at the fire department. You should make it clear that you work in a different part of the department.

Ya I see your point...

[Haydenn3]

At least you guys got your post counts up allot ahaa

[OFD-Lt.Mark]

At least you guys got your post counts up allot ahaa

Haha thats really true...wasnt my intention though,,,law on unintended consquences :P

[Haydenn3]

Ahaa happens to me sometimes then realize wow i now have like 10 extra posts because of this argument

[RElk]

I'm talking about joining the department's volunteer and work at the stations for like 24-48 hrs.

[OFD-Lt.Mark]

I'm talking about joining the department's volunteer and work at the stations for like 24-48 hrs.

Currently, there is a federal law that prevents non-staff to sleep overnight at a fire station. I am not even supposed to and I am sworn ,paid personal. So no, I am not aware of any problem like that. Explorer programs you can ride along on the fire truck with pure observational status.

[Jakers61]

I have taken a firefighting course at Central Florida Fire Academy, and I am certified but not licesnsed. I can not under any circumstances enter a hazardous situation. And all SIS members are lieutenants because they do internal investigations, and if we deem a person to be in breach of policy we have the duty and authority to hold them from duty and suspend them. Its a matter of respect of seniority. If they try and walk away from an interview and a lieutenant says sit down they have to, but if another fire fighter says it, they might not listen. I don't care about the rank, I care about what I do. I didn't ask to be a lieutenant , I asked to be an investigator. I at the time didn't know you got promoted, I showed up that day and was handed my new uniform.


I do firefighting and I'm not going into a bunch of details because what I'm saying refers to you.
There's no way you are possibly an investigator like you say at the age of 14. It can't even be legal. And say that you are telling the truth, then I'm sure an investigation of your department would start getting all kinds of people in trouble.

And also, truly the easiest way to determine if he's telling the truth, make a phone call to the department. And if he's lying then it is a FELONY http://archive.flsenate.gov/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0633/SEC151.HTM&Title=-%3E2005-%3ECh0633-%3ESection%20151#0633.151

So if anyone doubts him, why not just call Orland FD and ask about him and his "credentials". After all, if its true then it should be public record.

[OFD-Lt.Mark]

Your correct in alot of attibutes but left out a few key things:
1. I am a paid SIS probationary intern.
2. I am a minior, and they can not give any information at all regarding it, BY LAW, in florida they are very strict, no public records on miniors without a warrant.
3. I believe the chief is more knowaegable than both of us so if he says its not illegal and hired me....then ?
4. And it is perfectly legal, I am not in a hazerdous enviroment. I dont go near bombs, i dont carry a firearm, I do execute warrants or make arrests, and I dont enter buildings until cleared safe by firefighter command on scene.
5. Florida law prohibits minors from working as a firefighter, which I am not doing.

I do firefighting and I'm not going into a bunch of details because what I'm saying refers to you.
There's no way you are possibly an investigator like you say at the age of 14. It can't even be legal. And say that you are telling the truth, then I'm sure an investigation of your department would start getting all kinds of people in trouble.

And also, truly the easiest way to determine if he's telling the truth, make a phone call to the department. And if he's lying then it is a FELONY http://archive.flsenate.gov/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0633/SEC151.HTM&Title=-%3E2005-%3ECh0633-%3ESection%20151#0633.151

So if anyone doubts him, why not just call Orland FD and ask about him and his "credentials". After all, if its true then it should be public record.

[StoppingTime]

Your correct in alot of attibutes but left out a few key things:
I dont go near bombs

Interesting because you've got this on your profile:

Lieutenant, Arson Bomb Squad


I'd honestly appreciate it if you stopped with all this, it's just sad at this point.

[OFD-Lt.Mark]

Its the name of the damn squad. We have arson investigatiors then we have bomb techs. Jesus christ....if the mods are gonna start critizing me then i should just leave this fourm

Interesting because you've got this on your profile:




I'd honestly appreciate it if you stopped with all this, it's just sad at this point.

[StoppingTime]

Its the name of the damn squad. We have arson investigatiors then we have bomb techs. Jesus christ....if the mods are gonna start critizing me then i should just leave this fourm

I don't really care if you leave or not, nobody's forcing you to do anything either way. I was simply wondering why they would name it an "Arson bomb squad" if you are never in contact with bombs. That makes no sense.
It seems you've tried to call yourself much more than you actually are, so I, nor anyone, should have any reason to believe anything you say.

[Rayquaza]

I have a question, is firefighting brains or brawn? You say you need high grades but it doesn't seem nearly as educationally-demanding as rocket science. And if it is brawn, why are the high grades necessary apart from competitiveness? Just wondering.

[OFD-Lt.Mark]

Well for one, its not high grades persay, its the intelligence behind the good grades. You need the intelligence to assess a situation (fire science) and react just as quickly or you will get someone hurt or killed. Brawns is important to because there is alot of heavy lifting. I say you need alot of both.
I have a question, is firefighting brains or brawn? You say you need high grades but it doesn't seem nearly as educationally-demanding as rocket science. And if it is brawn, why are the high grades necessary apart from competitiveness? Just wondering.

[Rayquaza]

Well for one, its not high grades persay, its the intelligence behind the good grades. You need the intelligence to assess a situation (fire science) and react just as quickly or you will get someone hurt or killed. Brawns is important to because there is alot of heavy lifting. I say you need alot of both.

What's "fire science?"

[Jakers61]

3. I believe the chief is more knowaegable than both of us so if he says its not illegal and hired me....then ?
4. And it is perfectly legal, I am not in a hazerdous enviroment. I dont go near bombs, i dont carry a firearm, I do execute warrants or make arrests.

"I DO EXECUTE WARRANTS OR MAKE ARRESTS".

I am pretty sure that's hazardous. I am an unarmed security officer and I have made arrests, I think that arrests and warrant fulfillment are both hazardous.

You should get your wording right if you're going to be persistent with this charade. A minor cannot execute a warrant. It would be deemed illegal by the state for being a hazardous working condition not suitable for a minor.

AND public record means public record, if you are an employee of a company they must have your information to give if someone asks. ESPECIALLY for a public service company.

If you're not lying why don't you give me your last name and the next time I'm at the office I can pull your information on our Police Data Terminal. And that will bring up your occupation if you've legally submitted for taxes and everything.

What's "fire science?"

Fire science is the study of fire behavior and safety conditions of a fire and so on.

[OFD-Lt.Mark]

You have my word I meant to write DO NOT. I DO NOT EXECUTE WARRANTS OR MAKE ARRESTS. I have no law enforcement authority nor am i a Licensed LEO. I am not a fire marshal. I am an investigator with no police Powers.
And no you are in Ohio you have no authority over FL databases. you are not a cop at 17 and you know that unless you lied on here. And two in florida any inquiry about a minors name, DOB, occupation, or any other information like that is protected and required parent approval to access that. Trust me my friends have tried they basically were told to come back with a warrant. BTW I have no state certification so there would be nothing to cross reference.
"I DO EXECUTE WARRANTS OR MAKE ARRESTS".

I am pretty sure that's hazardous. I am an unarmed security officer and I have made arrests, I think that arrests and warrant fulfillment are both hazardous.

You should get your wording right if you're going to be persistent with this charade. A minor cannot execute a warrant. It would be deemed illegal by the state for being a hazardous working condition not suitable for a minor.

AND public record means public record, if you are an employee of a company they must have your information to give if someone asks. ESPECIALLY for a public service company.

If you're not lying why don't you give me your last name and the next time I'm at the office I can pull your information on our Police Data Terminal. And that will bring up your occupation if you've legally submitted for taxes and everything.



Fire science is the study of fire behavior and safety conditions of a fire and so on.

[OFD-Lt.Mark]

Fire-science covers all aspects of fire prevention, control, response and postincident investigation.


What's "fire science?"

[StoppingTime]

. I have no law enforcement authority nor am i a Licensed LEO. I am not a fire marshal. I am an investigator with no police Powers.


Define "investigator."

[Rayquaza]

Fire-science covers all aspects of fire prevention, control, response and postincident investigation.

Really? It sounds an awful lot like what I study in chemistry to be honest. What a fire needs to burn, fuels that burn efficiently, complete and incomplete combustion. I never knew fire science covers investigation, considering those two things have no real link unless you're studying criminal investigation.

[norcaldude18]

I do firefighting and I'm not going into a bunch of details because what I'm saying refers to you.
There's no way you are possibly an investigator like you say at the age of 14. It can't even be legal. And say that you are telling the truth, then I'm sure an investigation of your department would start getting all kinds of people in trouble.

And also, truly the easiest way to determine if he's telling the truth, make a phone call to the department. And if he's lying then it is a FELONY

So if anyone doubts him, why not just call Orland FD and ask about him and his "credentials". After all, if its true then it should be public record.

Jake, I do not think you should be calling him out about lying. You've done enough of that for the both of you.

You have my word I meant to write DO NOT. I DO NOT EXECUTE WARRANTS OR MAKE ARRESTS. I have no law enforcement authority nor am i a Licensed LEO. I am not a fire marshal. I am an investigator with no police Powers.
And no you are in Ohio you have no authority over FL databases. you are not a cop at 17 and you know that unless you lied on here. And two in florida any inquiry about a minors name, DOB, occupation, or any other information like that is protected and required parent approval to access that. Trust me my friends have tried they basically were told to come back with a warrant. BTW I have no state certification so there would be nothing to cross reference.

I think you should probably stop with all of this now that you can't even keep track of the lies you've told. I mean come on man, who do you think you're fooling? Is your self esteem really so low that you need to decorate yourself and make yourself out to be some hero on an internet site full of teens you're never going to meet face to face? On your first post, you claimed to be a CERTIFIED Hazerodus mateirals technician, and it's spelled hazardous materials technician if you want to sound even remotely educated.

[Hank Hill]

Well I'd like to say that this was one of the most interesting threads I have ever read.
Kudos to everybody. :D