Graduation from Academy Outside Vent Tower Ladder To the Roof Drill Instructor Ventilation At the Fire Academy Probie School

"A firefighter is responsible for the protection of people and property. He or she must be committed to the job at all times and needs to be trained in the proper use of tools and equipment used by the fire department," explains probationary firefighter or "probie" Michael Cruise of the FDNY.

Being a probationary firefighter means that Michael has less than one year of experience from the time he started in the firefighting academy. It also means that he is watched closely by senior firefighters who help him adjust to the demands of this stressful job.

"It seemed like a good job and I have always done well in a setting that required action and teamwork," says Michael. Before being appointed he earned a Bachelors Degree from Baruch College (30 college credits are required by the FDNY - 30 college credits are usually earned in two semesters of full time study) and worked hard to pass both the written and the physical portions of the firefighter's exam. He then trained at the academy for ten weeks before being assigned to Ladder 35 on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

Commonly called a "truck" company a ladder company is equipped with one of three types of ladder apparatus. The primary job of the ladder company firefighters is to save lives. They do this through ventilation, entry, and search.

Michael has a college degree in liberal arts, and he majored in psychology. But he attributes physical education and health classes as being most important for this line of work. Since firefighting is a physically strenuous activity it is necessary to stay in excellent physical shape. Michael recommends jogging and weightlifting as good ways to stay fit and tone up.

Besides being fit, Michael points out the importance of being a team player and being willing to put your life on the line to help others. "Bravery is a key component of being successful in the fire department," he points out.