Life inside a firehouse is packed with activity. Firefighters have a wide range of responsibilities, not only to hone the skills required of firefighting, but also for the upkeep of the fire station, equipment, and all the apparatus. All firefighters work a 24 hour platoon shift. Some of the everyday activities firefighters engage in include:

• Maintaining a fire station
• Participate in a voluntary fitness and conditioning program
• Daily training drills
• Attend continuing education classes for EMT, Paramedic and Fire Certifications
• Maintenance of all apparatus
• Maintenance of all equipment
• Inventory of equipment and supplies
• Fire safety inspections
• Public education assignments
• Hydrant flow testing and inspections

This daily work needs to be done, but emergency calls take priority over everything else. Once the holler drops you are expected to be out the door in under a minute, dressed and ready for any type of emergency.

The people assigned with you will become your second family in this home away from home. You will spend 24 hours every third day with them. You will eat, sleep, clean, and train together, but above all else you will trust them with your life and they will need to be able to trust you with theirs.