Hiring a new guy is usually exciting and nerve racking all at the same time. I enjoy taking a probie under my wing and paying it forward, teaching them what I've been taught. Some of the best advice I got as a probie was "keep your eyes and ears open, but your mouth shut...unless you are asking questions.
Some firefighters take the responsibility of training a new hire very seriously, while others do not. I personally enjoy it because I get to pave the way for him and start him off on the right foot. It also gives me the chance to brush up and refresh on things I may have forgotten or haven't done in a while.
Some firefighters I know see it as an inconvenience because they have gotten "comfortable" and now they have to get out of the recliner and do a little training. Then, years down the road they wonder why he doesn't "get it."
Just remember, we have a duty to him, ourselves, and the citizens to make him the best he can be. I hope everyone takes this serious and puts the time and effort into it that it deserves.
I hope everyone enjoyed our talk from "the bench."
