Well, I'm back out in the field....plus it's the first time I've operated as a Captain on the Fire Apparatus.
I'd like to tell you that my first shift went swimmingly....
.....but it didn't.
Let me see...here are just a few of the things that I need to work on:
1) Entering staffing in the Computer. Fortunately, they put me at a two-rig house, and the other officer was a tremendous help with this.
2) Keeping myself from getting tangled up in my seatbelt (yes, I am 100% compliant) with radio cords, headset cords, SCBA belts, and the like. I will say that the SCBA brackets that are set up in the officer's seat of the new E-Ones that we have are the biggest pieces of S%#t that I've ever seen!
3) Remembering to turn on the siren.
4) Remembering to turn on the siren.
5) Not getting the crew lost in an unfamiliar area.
6) Giving better assignments.
7) Getting to know my first in area--hydrants, occupancies, etc.
8) Making decisions.
I can see now how much pressure is on the Company Officer. Some people seem to really have it together...I am not one of those people But, I am 100% committed to being the best Captain that I can be.
Fortunately, they put me with a great group of guys that know what they're doing. They've been very patient with me. They even busted their asses when we called a "hose-pulling" drill, and didn't complain too much when my Taco Salad turned out costing almost $10 a person.
More later.
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