WHAT MAKES A FIREFIGHTER GREAT?

The road to becoming a successful firefighter can have its challenges. As a firefighter, or firefighter candidate, you should know the most important traits needed in the fire service and begin working towards them! 🔥

From the rookies to senior members, you see a variety of personality traits in a fire house. While there are tons of essential traits that firefighters should possess to thrive on the fire ground and in the firehouse, we’ve compiled a list of 10 important traits that all great firefighters have! 👇

#1: Team Player

Let’s face the reality, there is no “I” in team. One person cannot do a firefighter’s job. You need to have your crew’s back and they’ll have yours.

#2: Effective Communicator and Listener

If you're talking more than you're listening, you're probably not a good communicator. As a firefighter you’ll need to communicate with your crew; teaching fire prevention, handling citizens and distraught family members, and even relaying important information to paramedics and hospitals.

#3 Adaptability

Firefighters need to know how to easily adapt to new people, new settings, additions to your job description, and the changing conditions under which you perform these jobs– especially in high stress conditions.

#4 Compassion

As a firefighter you deal with the public every day, and in a lot of cases, they can be in distress. You have to know how to handle people, calm them down, and understand what they’re going through.

#5 Situational Awareness

As we all know, there is generally low visibility in a fire scenario. You need to know what’s going on around you and your crew when in dangerous situations.

#6 Physical Fitness

Firefighter PPE is heavy. Depending on what PPE a firefighter is wearing and what tools they are carrying, all that gear can weigh more than 70 pounds. You face all kinds of obstacles in the field that force you to run up stairs, crawl, and squeeze into tight places.

#7 Honor

To the fire service, your department, civilians, and your crew members.

#8 Accountability

You need to have accountability for your actions, decisions, and performance.

#9 Commitment

To continued learning and education, to the safety of yourself and others, and to your passion for the fire service.

#10 Respect

As we all know, there are A LOT of personality types in a fire department. Have respect for your crew and their opinions whether you agree or not. After all, these are the individuals that will have your back and stand by your side throughout some of the toughest times.

What traits do you feel are most important to be successful in the fire service? Are they changing or have they remained constant throughout history? 

We want to hear from you! Tell us below in the comments. 👇