| Should You Have A Contingency Plan?

by Dean Guccione on March 18, 2016. In this week’s video, Chief Guccione discusses whether or not you should have a contingency plan in the event that you never become a firefighter. For me, there was no going back to being an auto mechanic. There was no way I could work on cars the rest of my working life, so I had to burn the boats if I was going to take the island. And I did just that. But, if things didn’t work out, I had my mechanical background that I could fall back on, and earn a living with that ability. But I can tell you, that would have been devastating to me. Fortunately, I got hired after 5 years, and 30 tests later and it was worth taking every grueling test I could take to realize my dream. If you continue to study and prepare, you will certainly realize your dream! I promise you that! Enjoy!

| The Impact On Family Being A Firefighter - Firefighter Preparation

by Dean Guccione on February 19, 2016. In this week’s video, Chief Dean Guccione discusses the Impact on the Family of Being a Firefighter. There are two areas that your family will be impacted. The first is while you’re testing, preparing and studying to become a firefighter, and the second is when you are hired as a full-time, professional firefighter. Your family must understand there are sacrifices that will pay off big in the end. However, these sacrifices pale in comparison to the benefits of being a firefighter. It’s up to you to have that conversation with your family to help them understand, while there are sacrifices, there is no better career choice you than being a full-time, professional firefighter! Enjoy

| Tattoos And The Fire Service - Firefighter Preparation

by Dean Guccione on February 12, 2016. In this week's video, I discuss Tattoos and the Fire Service and how having exposed tattoos can hinder or outright prevent you from becoming a firefighter. While tattoos are more widely accepted by society today, the fire service still has concerns allowing exposed tattoos on its firefighters, mainly due to the image the fire service wants and needs to maintain. While many departments allow long sleeves to cover arm tattoos, most departments do not allow tattoos on your hands or on your face. This video gives a little insight as to the reasons why fire departments still have fairly strict rules concerning exposed tattoos. Enjoy!

| How To Properly Give A Class Or Drill While On Probation - Firefighter Preparation

by Dean Guccione on February 5, 2016. In this week's video, Chief Dean Guccione discusses how to properly give a class or drill while on probation. Almost all municipal fire departments require their probationary firefighters to give classes or drills on the various equipment that is carried on all of their fire apparatus. Training classes or drills you may give will include, but not be limited to, donning and use of PPE (personal protective equipment) & SCBA, chain saws, rotary saws, Jaws of Life, forcible entry equipment, blowers, rope rescue equipment, Thermal Imaging Camera, and radios, just to name a few of the basic drills you may give. Probationary firefighters in my department are required to give 80 classes and drills during their probationary year. So, for you to give a comprehensive and competent class, I've laid out 4 areas that you will need to cover during your drill. They are the specifications, safety, usage, and maintenance on the tool or piece of equipment. If you follow this simple, but effective plan, you will quickly earn the respect of your shift and crew members, because they will see that they can rely upon you to be able to use that piece of equipment in a safe and competent manner. Enjoy!

| It's Your First Day On The Floor, Now What? - Firefighter Preparation

by Dean Guccione on January 30, 2016. In this video, Chief Dean Guccione asks you to think about... "It's your first day on the floor." "Now what?" As part of your firefighter preparation, you need to be thinking ahead to your first day on the floor, and the things you need to do, to not only be successful on your first day, but be successful throughout your probationary year. There are specific things you will need to do on your first day to be an effective engine/truck company firefighter with your limited experience, as well as start to earn a positive reputation. I made this video especially for those who are just finishing backgrounds, but it's also great information for any new firefighter or those wanting to become firefighters. Enjoy!

| Is Your Car Just For Transportation? Firefighter Interview Preparation

by Dean Guccione on January 22, 2016. Is Your Car Just For Transportation? This week Chief Dean Guccione discusses the advantages of using your car as a classroom and as a venue for you to study, practice and prepare for your firefighter oral interview. You can listen to audio programs, videos, and work on your oral presentation skills that you will use to present yourself to the panel. This is a great use of your car, especially if you have a longer commute. Take advantage of your time in the car. It could mean the difference in how well you are prepared for your next oral interview! Enjoy

| Should You Do Mock Oral Interviews As Part Of Your Firefighter Interview Preparation?

by Dean Guccione on January 15, 2016. In this week's video, Chief Dean Guccione discusses the advantages and disadvantage of whether you should participate in mock oral interviews, as part of your firefighter oral interview preparation. The advantages to doing mock interviews are that you receive feedback in the areas where you need improvement and where you are well prepared. And if you are getting feedback from experienced interview panel members, then this can be a real shot in the arm. However, if the mock panel has little or no experience in interviewing actual firefighter candidates, you could get steered in the wrong direction and unknowingly be given the wrong advice. LET ME BE CLEAR. This is by no means a slam against ANY firefighter. It just means that you have a distinct advantage when you are receiving advice from someone who has sat behind the table in actual firefighter interviews. I hope you like this informative and somewhat controversial video. Enjoy!