HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE JOB

Begin preparing 6-12 months ahead of time. Timing is approximate and will vary depending on the testing calendar and firefighter experience. The timeline is provided for guidance to develop your FAE skills and make you a stronger candidate, they are not a guarantee of success.  

6-12 MONTHS OUT

• Pay closer attention to the FAE and take note of what they do in their daily routine and on incidents.

• Ask your FAE to talk through their decision making out loud—why did they choose that lane to turn? When does it feel like a tight fit? What portions of the drive are more difficult?

• Find a mentor and learn from them every day. Even though firefighters work next to an FAE, they may not be familiar with all the decisions an FAE makes each day. Topics to start asking about:

  • What is your approach to driving code 3?

  • What does your day look like?

  • What is your job on a fire? What is your job on a medical aid?

  • How does this rig operate?

• Look for opportunities to shadow the mechanics when they’re working on your rig. (“The Mechanics we have here are top notch. If you show interest and appreciation for what they do, they will break it down for you.”)

• Diversify your experience. If you work an overtime, look for a rig you’re not familiar with or an FAE you want to learn from.

• Familiarize yourself with the various systems within all of our apparatus utilizing the mechanical systems guide (Below) as a start.

3-6 mONTHS oUT

• Attend the FAE Development Series .

• Start driving. Once you have your Firefighter Endorsement, you may start driving code 2. Drive back from incidents, to the grocery store, and other opportunities.

3 mONTHS OUT

• Start incorporating yourself into the morning duties of the FAE.  

• Start to pump panels

• Start pulling hose

• If you’re doing other training with hose on the floor, do another rep with you acting as the FAE. 

what successful fae's say...