Figured I would update this thread....3 years later!!!!!
Well right after I last posted up about driving all over hells half acre trying to get picked up somewhere, being broke....back in the spring of 2011, I got a phonecall from a place I had applied to 2 years prior in 2009.....the Baltimore City Fire Department, offering me a position.
I hestitated a lot about acccepting the position, and talked it over with my father for a long time. He is a retired professional full time firefighter. He told me it wouldnt hurt his feelings in the least if I decided to keep on trying and applying for apprenticeships, but that I would have to understand, that I may never get another offer like this one to be a professional firefighter ever again, especially in a huge city like Baltimore. After weighing my options about what was best for me at the time, I decided I would rather have a job doing something I could definitely enjoy, rather than keep on applying for empty promises, hopes and dreams, living off of small cash paying jobs and the occasional storm job as a grunt.
So off I went. Started the academy on March 31, 2011 and got assigned to an Engine company in July of 2011. Worked there for a year and a half, and then a year ago, I transferred to Truck 5, the busiest truck in the city on Baltimores east side. Got a lot of fire, and ran a TON of BS medic calls. And after 3 years, I can honestly say I've had a lot of fun, fought more fire than most guys from departments in better areas will see their whole career, and I've met a HUGE group of awesome guys......
.....but it isnt' what I want to do forever.....I don't look forward to going to work anymore and often find myself wondering "what if I had stuck with trying to get into the spprenticeship?"
So I think starting this summer, I'm going to keep on applying, and now that I have reliable transportation and some decent money for travelling rolling in, I'd actually be able to go to places like Mountain States or Northwest if they call me up for an interview.
It's gonna be tough leaving the fire department, but this is what I want. Plus, I hate the DC/Baltimore area. Ridiculous traffic, ridiculously overpriced, and everyone always seems pissed off. I'd love to be able to travel around, and I really miss working outside.
I'll keep you guys posted on what happens...