Probationary Firefighter Guidebook

Welcome

First off welcome to A-Shift, we are a family and you are now one of US! There is a long road ahead of you, weather your goal is to get a career in the fire service or something else. We will want to know everything about YOU, yes you! And in due time you will have the opportunity to meet everyone. You will have many, many questions! We know you will because all of us did at some point in time. Please use this packet of information as guide to help you get started as you get acclimated. The lieutenant will sit down with you at some point one on one and get to know you. He’ll cover your wants, needs, goals, struggles, and what brought you to the fire service. And anything else you want to share.

A few of the topics that will be covered in this packet

- Chain of Command page. 3

- Contact Information page. 4

- What to bring to shift / Firefighter Probation Task Book/ Mentor page. 5

- Daily Routine page. 6

- Dinner page. 7

- Tier Schedule page. 8

- Seniority List page. 9

- Daily Duties page. 10

- Probationary Rules page. 11

- General Fire Department Expectations page. 12

- Continuing Education page. 13

- Insight on being a probationary firefighter page. 14-20

- Challenge Coin Traditions page. 21

- Challenge Coin Rules page. 22

There might be questions you have as you continue on with A-shift that might not be covered in this guide book, you need to ask. We are truly excited to have you apart of our team and we look forward to finally having you on shift. Thank you for your commitment so far through academy and taking the time out of your life to be here.

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Chain of Command

A Shift

Chief on Call

Captain

Lieutenant

Part Time Firefighters

Firefighter/EMT/Engineer

Firefighter/Engineer

Firefighter/EMT

Firefighter

EMS ONLY

Probationary Firefighter

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Contact Information

Addresses:Station 618047 Normandy St. SEOlympia, WA 9850Phone: (360) 491-5533

Station 649530 Old 99 HWY SEOlympia, WA 98501Phone: (360) 754-0651

Contacts:Lieutenant

Jerry SmileyE-mail: jsmiley@eofd.orgCell: (360)628-1465

Part-time Firefighters

Gabe LakinE-mail: glakin@eofd.orgCell: (253) 203-8723

Joel BengtsonE-mail: jbengtson@eofd.orgCell: (360)292-9611

Steve RoeserE-mail: sroeser@eofd.orgCell: (253)740-3871

If for some reason you have a change in your schedule please call and notify the A-Shift lieutenant or part timer on duty. This includes being sick, late, canceling shift. Emailing the shift lieutenant is also appropriate, but please make sure you have conformation of your message.

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What to bring to Shift

You might have been wondering what you’ll need to bring to shift. Here are a few things to get you started.

- Bedding for sleeping ie. Sleeping bag, pillow.- Bathroom amenities- We do have extra towels (sometimes)- If you choose to wear shorts to bed, they HAVE to be 100% cotton.- Food*, snacks for yourself if you get hungry.

Food: In the evening there will be shift dinner provided. You will need to plan on bringing food breakfast if you have not already eaten (shift starts at 08:00 not breakfast). You will also need to provide your own lunch.

- Work out clothing and foot wear- If you have any laptops, tablets, feel free to bring any extra comforts from

home within reason.

Don’t be afraid to fall asleep in the evening when everyone goes to bed. Do make sure you set an alarm if you have work obligations in the morning, we will not be waking you up.

Firefighter Probation Task Book/ Mentor

You will be assigned a task book with you name on it. DO NOT LOSE IT! If you lose it you will have to start over. You will have tasks that you will have to learn and then show competency for. There will be no pencil whipping. You will have to get a signature from one of the part timers or Lt.

You will also be assigned a Mentor from the shift. You should at all costs utilize them for questions and answers. They will be there to help guide and assist you with becoming a more competent and confidant firefighter, and signing off your task book.

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Daily Routine

There will forever been changes in our day that are not planned like CALLS, or tasks for the public. Whatever it may be, be willing to adapt to the changes.

- Shift starts at 08:00. Show up early if you can to get your thing settled and gear in service before shift change. 15 minutes early if you can at least.

- Rig Checks should be started as soon as your PPE is in service.

- Physical fitness (usually in the morning)

- Morning training

- Lunch

- Projects, Assignments, Probationary books

- Evening Shift change 17:00

- Dinner

- Evening training 19:00

- Personal time 21:00

- End of Shift 08:00 (next day)

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Shift DinnerA-Shift currently does “shift dinners”. The shift has decided that all the members on shift will take turn providing dinner one night a month. On you shift sign up will have the opportunity to select a couple of days that you would be willing to do dinner. Shift dinner usually needs to feed anywhere from 6 to 12 people. The number of people pulling shift that night will be available just ask. Dinner does not have to be gourmet but, REMEMBER you are cooking for firefighters. Bring enough food for everyone that will be on that shift. Dinner does not have to set you back 100 dollars and there are many ideas that can feed many for under 50 dollars.

1. Lasagna. Not store bought. We have all the cooking wear here to make it happen and some things that go great with lasagna are salad and garlic bread. (A-shift loves garlic bread almost any meal can be garnished with some garlic bread)

2. Potato soup. (Zuppa Toscana soup) Feel free to ask for a recipe if you need it’s been done before and it has been loved. A salad and breadsticks goes great here as well.

3. Enchiladas. It’s an easy way to feed a lot of people. Set up a little workstation and build two or so 9x11 glass pans full of enchiladas. Top with a salad and some corn.

4. Spaghetti. AS A LAST RESORT. Anybody can boil noodles and pour ragu in a bowl. We want to see some effort here and expect a good meal. If you must cook spaghetti at least bring in your own recipe for spaghetti sauce.

5. Southwest chicken salad. Grab yourself two rotisserie chickens, some corn, black beans, and tomatoes and you’ve got a hearty meal for many. Add some garlic bread and another side and you have a great meal.

6. Tacos. An easy way to feed your new family. Set up a work station and put the plates at the beginning and let everyone build their own tacos or burritos. A salad and another side will do great.

7. Chili. We have a crock pot at the station if you think you can impress with your chili recipes. Put in some corn bread and a salad and your good to go.

8. Chicken fettuccini alfredo. Make the sauce yourself again ragu does not cut it here.

9. Bbq chicken or steak. We have a grill so feel free to be creative. Corn on the cob and coleslaw are great side dishes here.

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Response Program Tier Roster – A Shift TIER ONE –

Required Performance: Must have completed probation Pull a minimum of three (3) shifts per month Pull one (1) 24-hour weekend shift per month Obtains a minimum 10-hours of training each month

Shift Options: In addition to the one required 24-hour weekend shift a month, any weekend, weekday, or weeknight shift option below counts as a single shift.

Weekend Shift: 0800-0800 Weekday Shift: 0800-0800 or 0800-1700 Weeknight Shift: 1700-0700

TIER TWO –

Required Performance: Pull a minimum of six (6) shifts per month Pull two (2) 24-hour weekend shifts per month Obtains a minimum 13.5-hours of training each month

Shift Options: In addition to the two required 24-hour weekend shifts a month, any weekend, weekday, or weeknight shift option below counts as a single shift.

Weekend Shift: 0800-0800 Weekday Shift: 0800-0800 or 0800-1700 Weeknight Shift: 1700-0700

TIER THREE –

Required Performance: Pull a minimum of 10 shifts per month Pull a minimum of two (2) 24-hour weekend shifts per month Obtains a minimum of 20-hours of training each month

Shift Options: In addition to the two required 24-hour weekend shifts a month, any weekend, weekday, or weeknight shift option below counts as a single shift.

Weekend Shift: 0800-0800 Weekday Shift: 0800-0800 or 0800-1700 Weeknight Shift: 1700-0700

Part Timers – Schedule with Lt.

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Seniority List

A Shift

Fire Chief: Warren Peterson

Assistant Chief: Mark Nelson

Battalion Chief: Andrew Schaffran

Captain: John Ostergard

Lieutenant: Jerry Smiley

Part Time Firefighter: Gabe Lakin

Part Time Firefighter: Joel Bengtson

Part Time Firefighter: Stephen Roeser

Firefighter/EMT/Engineer: Kelly Corey

Tender/Air 6 Operator: Tony Ramirez

EMT Only: Karen Rollman

Firefighter: Allen Buckner

Firefighter: Christopher Crebs

FF/EMT (Probation): Jon Ernst

FF/EMT (Probation): Andrew Rodgers

Firefighter (Probation): Kyle Byers

Firefighter (Probation): Ryan Solmonson

Firefighter (Probation): Esequiel Baxter

New Recruit: Dominique Hester

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Daily Duties

A Shift

The following is to be done before you leave in themorning going off duty. All duties will be followedup to ensure they are completed prior to shift change.It is expected that we turn over a clean house to theon-coming duty crew.

Kitchen

Wipe down counter tops and appliancesClean stoveSweep and mop floorsStart dishwasherPut away dishesEmpty trash and recycle binClean table

Quarters

Vacuum carpetClean bathroomsClean laundry roomsWash, dry, fold, and put away house towelsSweep and mop stairsEmpty trash cans

Training Room and Lieutenant Office

Sweep and mop floorsWipe down counter topsPlace chairs on tables in classroomStraighten tablesEmpty trash cans

Apparatus Bay

Sweep and mop as necessaryWash and dry apparatus as necessaryEmpty trash and recycle binDrop hose tower as necessary

Training Grounds and Station Exterior

Ensure all doors and windows are shut and lockedTurn off Conex lightsClean, cover, and put away the BBQEnsure all tools and equipment are put awayEnsure all trash is picked up

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A ShiftProbationary Rules

1) DO NOT talk in the engine when we are responding to an emergency unless mapping us to the call or you have a safety concern.

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2) ALL chores are YOUR responsibility. People will help, but they are YOUR responsibility!

3) The probie will always eat LAST!

4) The probie ALWAYS wears the Class B uniform until off probation.

5) It is OK to sit in the recliners once invited, but ONLY if ALL chores are done. If there are no chairs available for senior firefighters, YOU will give up your chair!

6) You will be up at 0700 in the morning making sure the station is clean and duties are done. NEVER TURN OVER A DIRTY STATION OR A DIRTY RIG! NEVER!

7) You DO NOT know everything. The information you learned in the academy is just a SCRATCH in the surface of the vast amount of knowledge you will gain throughout your career as a firefighter.

8) You do not have an opinion yet. Veterans have opinions because they EARNED the right to speak up. In the event of an emergency, speak up. REFRAIN from stating “This is what we should be doing.”

9) Always show up ON TIME! Showing up late means disciplinary action. If you think you are going to be late then call the duty officer. ALL IT TAKES IS A PHONE CALL!

10) Your cell phone WILL stay put away during training!

11)Remember that every fire department works and performs tasks differently. Learn the way your new shift works before making any suggestions.

12) ALWAYS learn something new every shift for your entire career. The day you stop learning is the day you need to leave the fire service.

General Fire Department Expectations

Pay attention! This will make YOU a better firefighter!

1) If you open it, CLOSE IT!!!

2) If you turn it on, TURN IT OFF!!!

3) If you unlock it, LOCK IT!!!

4) If you break it, REPORT IT!!!

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5) If you borrow it, RETURN IT!!!

6) If you use it, TAKE CARE OF IT!!!

7) If you make a mess, CLEAN IT UP!!!

8) If you move it, PUT IT BACK!!!

9) If it belongs to someone else, GET PERMISSION TO USE IT!!!

10)If you don’t know, ASK!!!

11)If it doesn’t concern you, DON’T MESS WITH IT!!!

12)Whatever happens in the kitchen, STAYS IN THE KITCHEN!!!

13)A firefighter who shows up at a fire without a tool is just a very well dressed civilian!!!

14)Do not expect to be arbitrarily given respect for showing up. RESPECT IS EARNED!!!

15)Always stay hungry for the job and you will never get full!!!

While this might seem like we are expecting a lot from you, please understand where we are coming from. Our goal is to set you up for success with East Olympia Fire District 6. The training you have received in the academy is just a scratch in the surface of the knowledge you will gain throughout your career as a firefighter. We created this packet to allow you to see where we are coming from and what we expect of you as a probationary firefighter on A Shift

Continuing Education

(5 Year Outlook)

Year One: FF1-Written& Practical (Academy) Haz-Mat Ops- Written& Practical (Academy) Wild Land FF2 NIMS: I-700, I-800b, I-100, I-200 SOG’s / SMG’s Run Books

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Year Two: EMT-School(Medic One) Building Construction Driver training/Pump Ops Extrication Mayday Ops-Self Rescue Rope Rescue Tech

Year Three: IFSAC FF2 Instructor I ITAC Wild Land FFI

Year Four: Part Timer (Qualified) Haz-Mat IC NFA Leadership 1, 2 & 3

Blue Card IFSAC FOI

Year Five: IFSAC FO2 Simulation Training Incident Safety Officer DNR Courses Large Animal Rescue

Insight on being a Probationary FirefighterA Probationary Firefighter (PFF), also known as a Rookie Firefighter, a Candidate Firefighter, or Probie for short, is any firefighter in their first 6–18 months of service in a particular fire department. The title of Probationary Firefighter is generally the lowest rank in a fire department's rank structure.

The primary responsibility of a Probationary or Rookie Firefighter is to learn how to be a firefighter and they are both mentored and closely inspected by other senior firefighters and the officers. Probationary firefighters can be full operating firefighters, responding to calls and entering buildings, as is the often case in paid departments. Alternatively, they can be firefighters who do not perform interior operations, as is the case with most

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volunteer departments. In fact, PFFs are often given the menial jobs that few want to do, such as station cleanup, salvage operations, and fetching equipment.

Probationary FirefightersSo, you have just been sworn in or given your badge as a firefighter. Congratulations on your achievement. You may or may not have completed your academy training, but you are about to report to your shift for the first time to meet the team of firefighters you will be working with, maybe for the next twenty years of your life. Sure, you are excited, but as you sit and think about everything you “don’t” know, you can feel your anxiety level rising. We can relate. We have been there.

Firefighting in general is difficult, but a firefighter’s probationary period is typically the most difficult part of his or her career. This is the way it is supposed to be, because your probationary period, which usually lasts 12 months, is the period where a good department will challenge you to rise and meet their standards. This is not a time to take lightly, because it is during this period when your actions are scrutinized by upper management, and what you do, or fail to do, can result in your termination, ending your career as a firefighter. If that scares you, it should, but not enough that you don’t accept the challenge. Being a firefighter is all about accepting challenges. It’s what we do.

During your probationary period you're likely to feel alone. It would be wise to remember that the men and women you are working with have all been “probies” at some point. In many departments, each time an individual receives a promotion, they have to complete another probationary period. Why is this? The answer is simple; it’s important to determine whether or not that individual is capable of performing the duties that are required in this new position.

If you have completed the academy, you may be wondering why you are still under the microscope. One of the reasons for this is that the men and women you will be riding with want to ensure that you have retained the information you were taught in the academy. They also want to help bring you to the next level – the street smart level – of firefighting. Yes, you will learn early on that textbook firefighting, and real life firefighting, are two different things.

Being on probation does not mean that others have the right to harass or intimidate you. It does; however, mean that they will push you to see what you are made of. It is their obligation to do so because it is their life that you may have to save one day. This is why they will push you, and evaluate you, and sometimes judge you, but they’ll also do

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more than just that. They will also help educate and prepare you to become a functioning member of their crew.

For now, you are a “probie.” You may ask, what is that, exactly? In layman’s terms, this is the time you gain your reputation – the one that will stay with you for the duration of your career. Do we have your attention yet? Good, because we know what you are about to experience and we want to help. Attached is a list of twenty-five things every probationary firefighter should know and do. As a new firefighter, there are things you should know. For example, everyone firefighter knows the probie’s list of responsibilities around the firehouse could be summed up in one word… everything. As a probationary firefighter; however, you may have tons of questions about, well, everything.

Since we have walked in your shoes, we have compiled the list below to help prepare you for the tasks ahead. Again, we welcome you to the fire service and we wish you a safe and prosperous career.

Your brothers,

25 Things ProbationaryFirefighters

Should Know and Do1. Respect the job: Firefighting is one of the most respected professions in our Country. For every person who wears a firefighter uniform, there are at least ten more who wish they could. As much of an honor as it is to become a Firefighter, it is equally as much a dishonor to become complacent. Those who don’t care about the job are disrespectful to the both profession and their coworkers. Respect the job, work hard, and be proud of the profession you have chosen.

2. Arrive early: Arrive at work at least 30 minutes before your shift begins. This will give you the opportunity to prepare by familiarizing yourself with the apparatus you are assigned to. This is a habit you will want to keep for the duration of your career.

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Preparation for the big fire begins the moment you walk through the door, not the moment your shift begins.

3. Be social: Introduce yourself to everyone you meet. This is especially important on your first day. Greet other firefighters with a handshake and simply say, “Hello, I’m probationary Firefighter _____. It’s nice to meet you.” These are the men and women you will be putting your life on the line with, and for. If you are meeting an officer, make sure you greet him/her by the proper title. It is imperative that you understand the ranking system and address their rank. A simple, “Hello Captain,” before you introduce yourself, would suffice.

4. Find the senior firefighter: A good senior firefighter on your shift/station will be your greatest asset. Ask him/her all of those questions you have regarding your first day. Questions like, “What housework should I do?” (See #5 and #6), or “Which bed/locker is mine?” The senior firefighter is there to answer those questions, not the Officer. The Captain, for example, has greater responsibilities than to show you where the mop is.

5. Be proactive around the firehouse: Don’t wait for someone to tell you what to do. As a probationary firefighter, you basically do everything. If the phone rings, answer it. If someone knocks on the door, see who it is. After lunch, volunteer to do the dishes. If you sit and watch the other firefighters doing these things, they will develop an unfavorable opinion of you early on. As a rule of thumb, if you think you are not doing enough, you probably aren’t.

6. Be the first to rise and the last to sleep: Plan on being the last one to go to bed. This is the time to assure that the firehouse is secured and tidy. This is also a great time to read up on fire related material. Wake up 30 minutes before the others, make coffee, and do whatever tasks are necessary around the firehouse. The others will respect you for it.

7. On your first reporting shift you will be assigned a mentor. Most Firefighters would be honored to share their knowledge and help mentor a probationary firefighter, but you will need to keep an open mind when being taught a certain skill, not everything that you learned in academy will be the same in real life fire ground operations. This is your time to listen and only ask questions if you’re unsure of the task given or skill being taught.

8. Know your riding position and responsibilities: you will be assigned a position by the officer, who will also instruct you on the responsibilities of that position. Everyone on an apparatus has specific duties and tasks that they are expected to know and accomplish

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in order to ensure success at an incident. Understand what is expected of you before you go out the door.

9. Check your equipment: This rule cannot be overstated. Check your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and SCBA. Check nozzles, saws, tools, etc. Starting on day one, prepare yourself by checking to see where everything is located, so when the officer asks for a specific tool, you won’t be foolishly running around the apparatus looking for it. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

10. Wear your safety gear: Contrary to what you might think, you are NOT indestructible. You have been issued protective clothing to help ensure that you go home at the end of your shift. The clothing cannot protect you if it’s sitting in your gear locker. Wear your hood, your gloves, and your mask! Button your collar. Give yourself every chance of getting back home in the same shape as when you left.

11. Ask: When you have a question, ask it. Not asking a question for fear of looking foolish will only get you in trouble. You will be working with knowledgeable firefighters, but to benefit from their knowledge, you must be willing to make the first move. They can’t answer your question if they don’t know what that question is. The firefighters preparing this document have a combined fifty years on the job, and they still ask questions. Twenty years from today, you will be also… if you’re smart.

12. Talk to the off-going crew: Don’t let your counterpart leave without giving you a report. Ask questions that will affect your readiness on what happened on their shirt. Ex: “Has any equipment been moved, replaced or sent out for repair?” Conversely, don’t rush out the door at the end of your shift. Share pertinent information with the crew (and person) that is relieving you. Give them the same courtesy that others extended to you.

13. Lead by example: Yes, even a rookie can display the qualities of a leader. If you do your job well, every time – that’s the first step. On the fire ground, there is something we call “layered leadership.” When an assignment is given, the person receiving the assignment is expected to complete that task. If you tackle assignments with professionalism and a “whatever it takes” attitude, others (even veteran firefighters) may try to reach the standard that you, the rookie, have set.

14. Don’t try to force acceptance: Your actions both in the firehouse and on the fire ground will be closely scrutinized. Trying to get comfortable too quickly will likely work against you. For example, it is wise to bring in the newspaper, but your job is not to kick your feet up and read it. You can do that on your off time. When on duty, you should be reading about one thing, your job.

15. Leave your ego at the door: Don’t think, “Been there, done that.” In this profession, celebrations are short lived. You (and your crew) are only as good as your next call.

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Don’t be overconfident or cocky because you had a fire on your first day. Sure, the experience will help, but remember, there is a lot to learn in this business and you will NEVER know it all. The day you think you do, is the day you should consider another career.

16. Respect your elders: There is an extensive amount of experience and information stored in the minds of the senior members of most departments. To them, you’re the “kid” who just got out of the academy, and some of them may remind you of that from time to time. If so, consider that you may be showing them signs of disrespect. It’s okay to share your opinion, but don’t forget that these men and women paid their dues and have experience that exceeds yours. Respect that fact.

17. Stay physically fit: Firefighting is one of the most physically demanding jobs in the world. Consider the fact that a significant number of firefighters die each year due to stress induced heart attacks. Some of those deaths may have been avoided if the firefighter ate healthier, worked out more consistently, and was proactive with regular physical and cardiovascular exams. In short, Stay Fit! Your life depends on it.

18. Stay mentally fit: The most important tool you have is the one under your helmet and in between your ears. You have to exercise that tool daily by attending as many classes and reading as many books as you can. There is an endless supply of educational materials out there. A smart firefighter will understand that the day they stop reading about the job is the day they should retire. If you think you have run out of things to study and learn, you have greatly underestimated the complexity of the job.

19. If you feel stressed, tell your officer: While on duty, you will see and experience traumatic occurrences that exceed what the average person will see in their lifetime (Multiple alarm fires, serious injuries, death, etc). In time, you will become partially immune to most of this, but you will always be affected to some degree. Some people are good at hiding their stress, but this will catch up to you and affect your personal life as well as your professional life. Don’t be foolish enough to hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

20. Have fun: You may be saying, “Fun? Nothing I’ve read so far sounds like fun,” but you will discover that life as a firefighter can be just that. If of course, you learn how to take a joke. The fact is many firefighters like to test the sense of humor of probies early on. Don’t take things too personally. Have fun, if you don’t have a sense of humor, it would be wise to develop one. Survival in the firehouse depends on it.

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21. Be a team player: Firefighting is the ultimate definition of the word TEAM. Individuals rarely get credit for a job well done, but your crew will be judged by how well you work together. Remember, when things go bad, all you have is your team. Crew continuity is built in the fire station, but teamwork is fine-tuned on the training ground and at the fire scene. It also helps to get involved with off duty, non-firefighting activities as well.

22. Be accountable: The only person responsible for your actions is you. If you make a mistake, own up to it. Your co-workers will respect you more for admitting you were wrong then by trying to hide or justify your actions. Accountability is also important on the fire ground. If your officer asks you to do something, do it, then immediately report back to him. Freelancing at a fire is a major problem that could end up costing someone their life.

23. Respect the public: Being a firefighter is an honor and privilege. Being issued a badge doesn’t mean you deserve special treatment. On the contrary, firefighting is a business of service. When people have problems, they call you for help. They let you in their homes because they trust you and believe that you are a professional. Treat them with the same respect you would want others to treat you, and your family with in a time of need.

24. Make safety your priority: No matter where you are or what you are doing, think safety. On the fire ground especially, it is easy to get so caught up in the moment, that you forget the basics. Take a moment to think about what you are doing before you do it. In that moment, think, “is this the safest way I can accomplish this task?” The job is dangerous enough. There is no room for poor judgment and unsafe practices.

25. Pay it forward: As the years go by, you will move from probie to experienced firefighter. One day you may be the senior firefighter, or even the company officer. Don’t ever forget what it feels like to be the rookie shaking in his boots. The probies of tomorrow deserve the same respect and tutelage that you will receive. If hazing and condescension were your tutors, then you be the one to break that destructive cycle. Be a dedicated firefighter, and help out the rookie, even if you weren’t helped. Individually we can get better, but only as a whole can we become great.

As you can see from what you have just read, being a probationary firefighter is hard work, but if you weren’t up for the challenge, you would never have chosen this profession in the first place. Accept the challenge, work hard, and stay hungry to learn. When someone is giving you advice, listen. Remember, you have one mouth and two

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ears, use them proportionately. As human beings, it’s important to understand that we don’t learn anything by talking. We learn by listening, reading and doing.

After you successfully complete your probationary period, your attitude and behavior should not change. If you take the advice we have given you above, you will have established some great habits. Keep them and they will serve you well.

The Challenge Coin TraditionMembers of the U.S. military have a long-standing tradition of carrying a special coin symbolizing unit identity and esprit de corps. With bonds forged in battle thousands of miles from home, these custom coins minted for military units – each bearing their own revered symbols and mottos – capture in metal the essence of their affiliation and their fierce pride. Known to generations of American military personnel as challenge coins, they are a vital part of military life today and are revered by troops in every branch of service.

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Today, challenge coins are carried by soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines, as well as lawmen and firefighters. These coins identify the bearer as a member of a particular unit with a well-defined history and mission. And, wherever warriors gather, they challenge each other by “coining.” The group’s unique coin is slammed on a bar to challenge all in the group to display their own coins; he who is last must pay a penalty.

The tradition of challenge coins can be traced to World War II when American forces deployed to the far reaches of the globe securing the nation’s freedom. Soldiers back to World War I and the Civil War left for battle with a coin from home in their pocket and kept it after the conflict as a lasting remembrance of their wartime experiences.

American soldiers stationed in Germany after the war adopted that country’s popular “pfennig check.” The pfennig was the smallest unit of German currency. When someone announced a pfennig check, a soldier who could not produce one had to buy a round of drinks for his buddies.

The popularity of challenge coins spread during the Vietnam War, inspired by Special Forces that minted coins to express the unique identity and strong bond forged between them. Other units wanted their own coin to build camaraderie and symbolize their pride of membership in an elite group.

A challenge coin is not merely a token. Challenge coins today are a tangible source of pride for America’s warriors at every level in the chain of command. Commanders use them as on-the-spot awards. Senior military leaders often dole out their coins as gifts to foreign dignitaries or civilian VIPs.

Most important, a challenge coin is carried at all times. Coin checks are still a part of military life, and various penalties are still handed out for those found without their coin. (Some cruelly choose locations apt to yield a victory. Rules commonly followed specify that the coin must be carried at all times; neither shower nor latrine exempt one from producing his coin.)

“Challenge Coin Rules”1. RULES:

A. The challenges are initiated by drawing your coin, holding it in the air by whatever means possible and state, scream, shout or otherwise verbally acknowledge that you are initiating a coin challenge. Another, but less vocal method is to firmly place it on the bar, table, or floor (this should produce an audible noise which can be easily heard by those being challenged, but try not to leave a permanent imprint). If you accidentally drop your coin and it makes an audible sound upon impact, then you have just "accidentally" initiated a coin check. (This is called paying the price for improper care of your coin.)

B. The challenge applies to anyone in the room or in reasonable distance of the ”initiated” challenge, and will only have 53 seconds to produce their coin.

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Initiated: A sound that can be easily heard by means of verbal/audible noise from challenger (specifying coin challenge), or coin hitting the surface in which the challengers coin produces an audible noise also easily heard.

Challenged audience: Anyone in the direct room of challenge or in line sight of group being challenged.

C. The response consists of all those persons being challenged drawing their coin in a like manner.

D. If you are challenged and are unable to properly respond, you must buy a round of drinks for the challenger and the group being challenged. (While on duty other means of payment may be requested by winner(s) in place of drinks.)

E. If everyone being challenged responds in the correct manner, the challenger must buy a round of drinks for all those people they challenged. (While on duty other means of payment may be requested by winner(s) in place of drinks.)

On Duty: A credit may be requested by the looser(s), at the end of challenge if looser(s) wants to by a round of drinks for winners instead of completing optional request.Credit: Loser(s) will write an IOU to each person on anything like a piece of paper, coaster, text, or napkin. IOU will have “I owe you one beer, NAME/Date”. IOUs will have no expiration, but shall be completed ASAP!

F. Failure to buy a round of drinks for winner is a despicable crime and your BROTHERS will be DISAPOINTED in your COMMITMENT, VALUES, and HONOR to the BROTHERHOOD.

2. WHEN - WHERE:A. Coin checks are permitted, ANY TIME, ANY PLACE.

3. EXCEPTIONS:A. There are no exceptions to the rules. They apply to those clothed or unclothed. At the time of the challenge you are permitted 53 seconds to locate your coin. If you still cannot reach it you owe!

A – Shift Bulldog Award

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The Bulldog Award is a firefighter excellence award for being a certified bad ass. The award stays on the firefighter. on the rig. or on the gear locker. The award NEVER goes home with the firefighter. It cannot be stolen. It cannot be shared. It cannot be sold. It is earned with blood. sweat, and tears. The Bulldog Award is given each year on the first shift in January. It is passed from one firefighter to the next during the chain gang ceremony. It is not a f@&#ing popularity award. It is a reminder of the standard that we all should strive to achieve. It is a reminder of the no bullshit and no excuses pathway to fire enlightenment. It is a reminder of why we signed up to do this job in the first place. The Bulldog Award is the trophy dog. The dog on a chain that is just aching to go do work at a moment's notice. The Bulldog Award is yours to keep for the next year. You have earned it today. Prove that you have what it takes to carry it through the year.

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