Ask A Firefighter #3 - Quitting Firefighting, Female Firefighters, Firefighter Age

[@emoryzakin2576]

I went through the academy with a guy that was turned down by 9 departments before one picked him up. He was one of the hardest working, most determined student in the program. So don't get discouraged and keep trying because someone absolutely will notice and hire you

[@christinahubacek1903]

Keep going ladies!!! Lets raise that 3%!!!! Im hired (contingent on passing everything) and in academy now and its a challenge but POSSIBLE!!!!

[@alexandriastime6784]

Needed to see this thank you!! It’s always been my dream to be a firefighter! I had my first child 2 months ago so I’m working hard to get back in shape!!

[@laurensweet4996]

I have my interview tomorrow for the volunteer department by me to get my foot in the door. So excited!

[@FBI_Master]

just make shure that if you dont pass the phisical test dont become a firefighter because that can be the diffrence between life and death not only for the one in the fire but also for you. so even if you dont need to take the phisical test to pass please do it and if you fail hit the gym till you dont to save lives

[@illyaedwards7188]

They lower the standards for women.

[@EbonyPope]

@@illyaedwards7188 I know. That's putting people's lives at risk. I couldn't believe that. For equality's sake they risk people dying in a case of emergency.

[@BrianFDNY]

I've been bingewatching your videos, they have been very useful. Thank you for making them!

[@IZZFC7]

Ditto.

[@indigogaydusek8775]

I'm a female working towards becoming a firefighter! In EMT school now and currently applying for my local fire department for thier trainee position where they send you to get your fire training. Your videos have been really helpful and encouraging!

[@BigDaddy-dr8gf]

The department I retired from required an extensive background check, including financial reports, interviewing references, voice stress analysis, FBI & state criminal and DMV checks, psychological testing and we would check your social media accounts. Very important that you do not post stupid or illegal things on social media.

[@watchthe1369]

I wouldn't dream of joining your fidshbowl department the job is already stressful enough.

[@ludwigL81]

Just want to give you an update on my interview. I got it!!!!!!! Thanks again. Your interview video really helped out. Thanks Mike!!!!

[@happychappers8311]

Congratulations welcome to the Brotherhood.

[@ludwigL81]

@@happychappers8311 Thank you Sir. A little nervous but I cant wait to start.

[@happychappers8311]

@@ludwigL81 I won't lie your basic is hard graft but more than worth it and at the end is a career to be proud of. The things you will see and the kit you get to use are like few other jobs. Its not all good and you will have bad jobs/days but one day you'll be in the sun training with your crew on some bit of kit and you find yourself thinking, "i can't believe some idiot pays me for this".

[@IcedEarth426]

Congrats!!

[@ludwigL81]

@@IcedEarth426 Thank you Sir.

[@gerardodelafuente87]

Took the civil service exam and made the cut to the next step: the physical agility test. I almost didn’t believe it but I’m pumped to get this rolling! Thanks for your videos and best of luck to you on your endeavors.

[@TheJberrie]

You’ve got a great channel here, Mike. Thank you for being so generous with your information. I love the positive attitude and “don’t be a victim” advice...it seems more important than ever these days. Keep the great content coming. 🙏🏻

[@thtboii5884]

I’ve watched a lot of videos of firefighters educating upcoming and current firefighters and in my opinion you give the best tips

[@nellieatkins2]

Thank you so much!! I watched your videos on passing the interview and I took my physical agility test and passed! Your advice was super useful!

[@quinnkerry-rockov4]

Motivation for the women! Beat my CPAT with 1:08 left and that was after doing the first three events 24 hours earlier. (first day ladder raise got me slipping through the gloves SLOW DOWN on the ladder raise!! Those gloves are used and slick, unless you are aloud to use your own)

[@Viiiixen]

As a young woman going into the fire service, it’s genuinely so saddening to see so many comments about how women are too weak to be in the service. Yes, women aren’t the same as men. But that doesn’t mean we are any less capable of doing the job. We want to save people. We want to fight fires. Why should our gender stop us from that?

[@BigIceBoogie]

Awesome content Mike! I've been digging deep in my roots in what I want to do in life that has meaning and purpose! A way of life that gives but also rewards! I just turned 30 last month and there is some fear of not achieving my goals but with commitment I will do my best! Your videos truly help! Thanks Mike 💪🏽

[@kalebbryce]

Thanks for the shout out and appreciation for dispatchers. I’m currently a dispatcher and want to become a firefighter and generally I feel disrespected by firefighters way more than officers… so I just gotta say thank you

[@victoradam8685]

As always, thanks for the info! I was wondering if it would be too much to ask you for a full video covering various situational questions. The department I most want to get into is about to open up their hiring process and their oral interview is apparently what they call a "structured oral process" which are 100% situational questions that are video recorded and scored later by trained non-firefighter community members. The written test makes up 20% of our hiring score, and the SOP makes up 80%, so it's paramount and any additional information you would be willing to provide beyond the couple of scenarios you covered in your oral interview guide would be greatly appreciated! Thanks again for all your work.

[@taylorandres9393]

Thank you for all your videos! I am almost 19 and joined a volunteer department about 6 months ago. I've fallen in love with it and I'm planning on applying for fulltime departments after I get paramedic certified. Also, I'm female and thank you for answering that question!

[@jR-km5vd]

You should start at applying at departments before you get your paramedic. There is a chance you could get hired at a department that will pay for you to get your paramedic. Something to think about.

[@taylorandres9393]

@@jR-km5vd I will look into it! Thank you!!

[@joshuaflores1348]

Love this channel! Has given me a lot of insight on a job I will hopefully have soon. I am currently waiting them for finish all my background info. Thanks firefighter now for all the advice.

[@samfernandez6105]

I’ve had background investigator come into my house before. I wasn’t thrilled about it but had nothing to hide. The guy pretty much came in, took a look around, made sure it wasn’t a crackhouse and left. He didn’t look through cabinets and dressers but I’ve heard of others who have

[@michaelbauers8800]

Damn, they don't even do that for security clearances. They do interview people for some clearances, but they don't show up at your home AFAIK.

[@michaelclose5843]

Not sure if you’ll see this but my name is Michael Close and I just got on my city Fire Department and had a lot of help from your videos. Much appreciation for the videos you make.

[@RPMX4]

Hi Mike. Wickedly great vids my friend. I've been helping my son navigate some of these as he's competing for a full-time paid position in the city we live in. I've had 20 years in and there are many supportive venues on the 'ole Tube! Thank you!! Yours is one of the best! PS: Wish us luck! He wrote the exam today.

[@user-ir4dj8sy1c]

Definitely agree with being as professional as possible! And yes, keep it to yourself otherwise it's gonna spread super fast throughout the department...spot on...

[@mikefargo4339]

Funny question on the D1 baseball. He'd definitely have an advantage with our department years back... our chief looked for athletes, as the department's baseball, basketball, hockey and track team was a top priority !

[@eliastamim2319]

Thank you Sir! We all appreciate the awesome videos!

[@47Mrblade]

I'm new to your channel. I really love your content. I volunteered for about three years and went through my fire academy, I'm going for an interview next week for a career position which I'm feeling optimistic about based on what I've heard from them so far. But your videos will give me an edge.

[@amandavasi1448]

I always appreciate you guys. I don't see you out there killing people and violating rights

[@emmawilliford9907]

I just can’t thank you enough for the content you put out. I hope you are doing well

[@mon8087]

Thanks for answerin my question! Your videos have been super helpful!

[@watchthe1369]

Women are going to be REQUIRED to meet a physical standard that very few can meet. Tthe standard is task based, like running the stars with a firehose pack shown in backdraft, on real daily tasks they have to be able to do. I has nothing to do with discrimination because fire will burn anybody that is not "Able".

[@BryanPerez-rp6fr]

The first station I was assigned at the officer, who was also a paramedic, is a woman. Most of my favorite paramedics to work with are women. The advice on how women have to prove yourself is true. Sadly there are just some men that are so misogynistic still working in the dept. Remember you can’t spell brotherhood without her

[@grantwalter2243]

Your comment was on point till that last bit

[@bryeanarose5753]

Your comment was on point especially that last bit

[@patrick9440]

when the fires come in , the women need to get out of the way so the men can work.

[@hentle262]

Thank you for your dedication to these videos!

[@vitaservo314]

Affirmative action is real. Have a clean driving record, stock up on certs before you apply, don't wait for the department to foot the bill. It also helps when getting hired if you know someone in the department. Then there are cases where you just can't fight it: I've seen a girl get picked up who couldn't drag the dummy or make time in half the evolutions, a black guy that graduated with an 80, and a chiefs son who showed up for half the classes. I would say to do your best because you have to be honest with yourself and eventually you'll get picked up. Put apps in everywhere, cut your teeth, then go where you want. You may even stay at the first place that picks you up.

[@grantwalter2243]

*Ask A Firefighter* Can you make a video regarding online schooling? How time consuming is it? How many classes do most firefighters take per semester? What schools offer scholarships for firefighters? What schools are best for online learning? You said you have an MBA and are in Law School? You got those online? What was your experience like? Do you know of any firefighters that took in person night classes? How many classes did they take per semester? Thanks for answering my other questions!!

[@SpaceCityGuard]

Can you talk more about law school? How are you able to do that while having a full time job? I thought law schools required you to not have a job the first year. What happens once you graduate? What are you going to do?

[@ke0wnenathanmixon400]

Currently putting applications out and the waiting game is really frustrating, any tips on staying focused and motivated? P.s. I love the videos, they are a great help and its nice to have someone on YT who is willing to dish out the advice, experience, and first hand knowledge you have. Stay safe brother 🙏

[@grantwalter2243]

3:53 yeah I was asking about 911 calls.

[@udaymuhammad2851]

I appreciate this vids keep it up!

[@luizamodorcea7986]

Hi Mike, question for you -> can you keep a full-time job and go through the fire academy at the same time?

[@mike_pertz]

Yup - depending on the job and the academy. Some places have weekend academies for the 9-5 people and others (think big city departments) will require you to be there all day Monday through Friday.

[@luizamodorcea7986]

@@mike_pertz thank you so much! I guess I would have to check with the place I am interested in. Thank you so much for the swift reply!!

[@GabrielMiranda-dr7yf]

Can you do a day in the life video?

[@Meredithhaseman8755]

Just got 2 conditional offers to be a firefighter, my dream is coming true.

[@mike_pertz]

Congratulations Meredith!

[@Meredithhaseman8755]

@@mike_pertz thank you for your content, it’s helpful. I also did mock interviews with one of the stations, so I recommend this to others as well.

[@chadbaumgardner9596]

ASK A FIREFIGHTER What are the sleeping situations like if you are working with a co-ed staff

[@funk2744]

Can you do a video that explains what will be in the test you have to take to get a job, and how to prepare for it

[@natedeordio4010]

Click on his channel, he has a lot of videos on test preparation

[@elisharay6175]

The most common one is a civil service exam, I took on for my enrollment. There are study guides and things out there for preparation but make sure it's a legit one, some do cost.

[@BooBear410]

Ask a firefighter: do firefighters get vacation time, other than the days off between working?

[@guido3315]

yes, the time off grows as your time with the department goes on. So a first year might get 3 shifts off and a 20 year FF earns 16 shifts off.

[@latoyaRrogers]

🗣Hey 👋🏽 I’m in the process of being a female volunteer firefighter 👩🏽‍🚒 I’m waiting on my backpack check to come through. so I want to know can you please make a video about the process of becoming a volunteer firefighter. 👍🏽

[@leonardlutskov1256]

should I join Firefighter in further ? (i'm 15)

[@guido3315]

ASK A FIREFIGHTER - WHO DID YOU PLAY PROFESSIONAL SOCCER WITH?

[@mike_pertz]

I was in the USL for a year at Real Maryland FC, bounced around to a few other USL teams and played a few seasons in the PASL (areana/indoor professional league) i think they go by a different name now.

[@Super123400]

Hey Mike! I asked this in the last vid but I think you will be more likely to read it on your most recent vid. How would you say I should go about researching more about a department? I know at the bare minimum, you should review the cities website and also the fire department's subpage on that site, but that isn't always enough in some cases. What would be the best way to go about finding better key details of the desired department you are researching?

[@mr.radical9659]

Ask a Firefighter: I'm in high school right now and I'm thinking about becoming a firefighter when I grow up. Is there anything I can do to prepare myself? Are there any steps I could take right now?

[@brookallan9436]

you can join a Junior program i started at 12 and it was so fun and can get you started on your road to become a firefighter, you can also do some online (Due to covid i have)

[@mr.radical9659]

@@brookallan9436 Oh cool, thanks. I'll look into that!

[@tryhardcrusader2658]

How do you deal with the wait in the hiring process?

[@ke0wnenathanmixon400]

I have the same question

[@po3ticjusticemusic381]

Do firefighters have height restrictions? I know it might be different here in the uk but over where you are, does it matter on height?

[@robbland5088]

Ask a firefighter. I have a question not sure if you have the answer. First how to fire departments feel about firefighter who are active in the army national guard. Also if that same person wants to be army special forces in the national guard which is more 4 days a month plus extra training how would a fire department feel about all that time doing something else. And how would some one balance that life style. Thanks. Keep up the great work.

[@CD-kt5lo]

You touched on how to quit, is there a time frame you’d recommend giving notice? Typical two weeks? I work for a large department. Has about 4,000 firefighter.

[@mike_pertz]

Just because the hiring process takes longer than most places I think 30 days would be good, however if you do 2 weeks that’s certainly standard

[@CD-kt5lo]

@@mike_pertz Got it. Thank you!

[@macliamphotography1571]

Ask a firefighter- what would ur top advice be for a new recruit on station

[@sergeantb708]

If you do have military service, could that be used to waiver the age limit?

[@tylercarter7464]

Ask a firefighter: Do you have any tips for getting scba don and doff time down for either method?

[@retireeslife4013]

Practice is the key. Everyone has there way.

[@hicksonff3459]

Repetition! Do it, then do it again. When you get to one level consistently try to beat it.

[@rogerdat5361]

Hey friend I took the firefighter trainee exam yesterday here in Hawaii. It was a timed 2 hour test and 100 questions. I was very disappointed to only get through 50 of the questions. Got my score back today and scored 48%. I'm curious do you think it would of been smart to leave the questions I didn't have time to answer blank or fill them in? Thanks

[@bigholli8449]

You spent to much time on each question. You have a 100questions so a minute per question. That leaves you 20 minutes to go back on the questions you struggled with. How was your study prep before the test. If you put in the time studying it will cut down the time you need for each question.

[@leaveittodiah3393]

Always better to fill them in. All unanswered questions are automatically wrong, a guess is better than a blank.

[@TwiztidPain]

Can you give an insight on how incident command works on scene, and how the call out work on scene.

[@danielruiz6285]

Ask a firefighter: What if I want to move states and continue being a firefighter?

[@guido3315]

you can, two ways you can do it. Test as an entry level and start from the beginning or look for departments hiring lateral positions. there are many factors to lateral entry. Experience, training, qualifications and etc..

[@hunterelderkin6928]

I’m currently 16 and I’m a cadet and go to tech school to study public safety and plan to do an internship with the fire department but do you think I should join as a volunteer at 18

[@taylorandres9393]

Hey hunter, I joined my cities volunteer department at 18, have only been on for 6 months and I love it! I think you should join any fire department if you can and have the time. If you are looking for a different type of job in public safety, you can always be a volunteer firefighter on your off days. Take as many opportunities as you can!

[@squirtkdw4766]

Do you think you would be able to gather information on what it's like navigating the fire service at a trans individual, specifically a trans man?

[@leaveittodiah3393]

How would anyone know that's your or anyone's identifier, do you tend to introduce yourself as trans, otherwise it seems no different from navigating as a natural born man

[@olivialane505]

I am 15 and I want to be a firefighter as soon as I get out of college. What do you think I should major in for college that would be most helpful towards being a firefighter and when I get out of college what is the first step I take to get on the road to becoming a full time firefighter? # askafirefighter

[@grantwalter2243]

Just do community college

[@wahlo7272]

Can i Star firefighter career after do volunteer?

[@brookallan9436]

I had to work 1000% harder as a female firefighter in something the was built for men

[@Newgennay]

How was your experience? Im so interested in joining but being a female i have doubts

[@brookallan9436]

@@Newgennay I say just go for it, there will be lots of people who think you are stupid (I had no support from my family) and it is way harder on a females body then mens but its the funnest, best thing you could do and the firehouse is such a amazing place to be, i love it and would not change it for the world :)

[@Newgennay]

@@brookallan9436 you’re the best! Thank you.

[@alexanderberki]

You look like Henry cavill from the man of steel superman movie lol

[@1aquilinor]

The city I work for will come in and check the inside of your house to prove u actually live there. Cause it mandatory you have to live in city limits. So I wouldn’t just say no to that they are just doing there job.

[@ConflictedBacon]

Any tips for Veterans leaving the service and looking to go into Firefighting? I’d love to here your take or experience with guys like this. I have 5 months left

[@jordans1917]

Same here! I get out next year but this would be dope

[@leaveittodiah3393]

Typically there is a 5 point advantage on the civil service exam (written test) for dd-214 that you can look forward to.

[@mplslawnguy3389]

I got on a big city department after leaving the service. If it weren't for veterans points I wouldn't have made it. I lucked out on the timing quite frankly. The city was testing basically right after I got out. I had to wait for 2 years before they hired me though, and I was in the first class, so be patient. Everything went right for me, and I still had to wait.

[@Clare-t8r]

Sorta danced around the "women" question. If one of my loved ones were trapped and possibly dying on the fifth floor of an apartment building and a ladder carry must be done .... does the typical FD send the 130 lb female that scored perfect of the academics and did not have to pass the same physical requirement as men up the ladder to rescue 200 lb + persons ... or the stronger male? The FD Captain should not be saddled with politically correct decisions when lives are at stake.

[@nickbevz4885]

You should do a video on how to separate yourself as a candidate

[@irenemeehan533]

Got let go from probation can I still get a job

[@bettysmith4527]

What happened?

[@vanessatorres8630]

Ask a firefighter - have you heard of any successful firefighters with fibromyalgia? I'm still in the army reserves, wildland firefighter certified and stay extremely active. I've been able to manage it with a nerve medication, yoga, stretching and a specific diet. However, I feel like I'll still be labeled as unfit for duty :/

[@ledzepp56]

Why are you in law school ?

[@PaigeWeso]

I’ve heard that since women in fire push themselves really hard incidents of injury tend to go up.

[@patrick9440]

hahahahaha women get hurt more often because they are not men.

[@texandy89]

I got a question I'm a former volunteer firefighter do you think the Civil Service testing should be not a written test instead should be just the physical testing

[@PentaRaus]

Didn't they lower the standards to allow women to pass? Can you sign up to not have them in your fire dept so you don't die because they can't drag you?

[@justinmason6897]

Can you address this I was wondering what is the difference between a pre service firefighter collage course and the fire academy is there a difference or do you need both

[@unknownguest4575]

cant believe you're doing law as well, wow! thanks for the videos!

[@watchthe1369]

Anything betond a basic check for criminality like a stock broker or security guard gets woulod be overkill beyond basic ability to do the job.

[@halcyonzenith4411]

You bust your ass to live the dream, then it turns out to be a nightmare. If I could go back I would never choose a career in the emergency services. Get a low stress job that pays the bills, and collect toy fire trucks or something instead.

[@bettysmith4527]

LOL, this is funny. What else would you do? I am working as a nurse and HATE it, hoping to get back on my ambulance ASAP!

[@trevorhabermehl9565]

Pretty sure age limits would fall under discrimination clauses of federal law; Equal Employment Opportunity Act, as long as you meet the standard set forth AGE plays no role in the hiring process legally. Just saying.

[@jaredhutsell2595]

How old is too old to pursue a full-time career firefighter career?

[@mike_pertz]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3jCfKGnnah2oM0

[@skyelynnae]

My city department literally has 5 women in it total and a strong mentality of the "boys club" 🥴

[@skyelynnae]

@John Cocca I disagree. There a women that are completely capable of the responsibilities physically of a firefighter without any modifications. I am fitter and more physically capable than a lot of the firefighter men I know, and any male I know in general, and that's not to toot my own horn, that's a fact.

[@illyaedwards7188]

@@skyelynnae I'm always reading a lot of negative comments about female firefighters like there not good enough or strong enough. If the woman passes the same physical standards as men then there should be no argument about women joining. I'm a man and I couldn't do what you do. And I think it's great that you're better then a lot of the male firefighters, because it shouldn't be about if you're a man or a woman, it's about how good that individual person is at that particular job.

[@xanderLudahl]

Pretty sad that any fire department would hire women. Period. And ahead of qualified men? Don't tell me you want to see lady firefighters showing up to rescue you. They simply can't