Tower Ladder Ladder Company St. John's Fire Equipment Hurst Tool Ladder Trucks

Thomas is a proud member of the FDNY, working with Ladder Company 30 on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. His responsibilities vary, but each requires training and alertness. When responding to a fire, he is the chauffer, or driver of the truck, and as such has a defined role upon arrival. He ladders the building, enters, vents and searches. The inside team of the ladder company forces entry if necessary and the outside team enters from fire escapes, windows and ladders to also vent and search.

Besides being in good physical shape, firefighters need to be able to work as part of a team and help each other whenever necessary. "You must be able to trust your fellow firefighters," says Thomas. "In a firehouse you are basically living with 12 to 15 other firefighters, so you have to be able to get along with all different types of personalities. It's almost an extended family. It helps to have a sense of humor."

The team spends a great deal of time together. Firefighters work two 9-hour shifts, and then get 48 hours (or 2 days) off. Then they work two 15-hour shifts followed by 72 hours off (or 3 days). The shifts are long and the time off is important to make sure firefighters are well rested.

On a typical day, Thomas arrives at work at 8 am, changes into his uniform and gets his gear together. At around 9 am, he checks the various equipment. Then, on the day tour, he may do building inspections in the morning and take part in practice drills in the afternoon. Of course, all of this is interrupted if an emergency call comes in, to which his engine company must respond.

Thomas was inspired by a friend in Engine Company 91 in Spanish Harlem. He says that if this career appeals to you, then you should stay in school so you can meet the educational requirements (which include 30 college credits). You should also stay in top physical shape and if there is a volunteer fire department in your area, you should join.