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Firefighters: "Do the Right Thing"

Ethan Vizitei

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Ethan Vizitei

Ethan Vizitei is a hardened veteran of the Software industry, and a raw recruit in Missouri. After years of working in stuffy offices, he's decided to take on a different challenge and is experiencing a whole new world as a probie firefighter. Ethan's articles will take you through the experience of just starting out as a Firefighter, including everything he learns along the way, and will provide you with information that you won't have to figure out the hard way. After all, there are too many mistakes out there for you to make all of them yourself, why not learn from a few of his? Ethan lives in Columbia, MO, with his wife Charvel and 2 dogs. (his technology blog is located at codeclimber.blogspot.com ). Ethan's fire blog is located at fireable.blogspot.com . Add Ethan Vizitei as a "FireLink Friend"

More articles from this author:

• Trama - Not a Television Show
• Firefighting and What It Means to Put Family First
• Rules of the Radio

So what does that mean? How do you go about practicing that “right thing” attitude that you’ll need in emergencies? In its simplest form, it means that when you see something that needs to be done, you do it yourself, and you do it now. Parents need help moving furniture? Drive over and lend a hand. Wife has a headache? Have her lie down while you fix dinner. Grandma’s grass is getting long? Mow it. Neighbor’s dog running away? Chase it. I could go on with examples all day, but you get the idea.

Do Firefighters Really Need a College Degree?

More and more departments are requiring that their firefighters have college degrees. By having a degree, you are more capable and valuable to a potential employer. Learn about degree programs here. Recommended degrees for Firefighters: Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services, or Fire Protection Engineering

Being a firefighter is more than getting dressed fast and knocking down the fire. I know now that when I run my first call as a probationary firefighter, I’ll be expected to be in the habit of doing the right thing all the time.

So, that means I start practicing now.