A DAY IN THE LIFE: FIRE OFFICER
Fire
Name: Vance Hassell Job: Fire offi cer
Post: Watch sergeant Company: Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service
Working Hours: Two nine-hour days and two 15-hour nights followed by four days off.
Required Qualifi cation: High School Certifi cate or General Education Development
Salary expectations: $62,142.48 to $73,256.63
What attracted you to your chosen career? The thought of driving a big truck with fl ashing lights, wow! That’s enough to steer any young man into this career choice. I love the satisfaction of helping people and the job security.
How did you start on this career path? My cousin, who is also a great friend, joined the service in 1986. We
talked regularly about his career as a fi refi ghter, and after several talks, he convinced me to join. In 1996, I was successful in becoming a recruit fi refi ghter.
What professional and/or academic qualifi cations or experiences did you need to start your career?
One would need a high school diploma or General Educational Development equivalent and to pass the Bermuda Fire Service entrance exam.
What further qualifi cations might you need for future progression?
Continuing education is important in any career. We are given the opportunity to take a vast choice of different courses, both locally and abroad, in the areas of management, fi re safety and prevention, hazardous material response and emergency medical technician services.
What is the typical starting pay of a job like yours and what earning potential does it have?
As a recruit, the starting pay is $62,142.48, and a top grade fi refi ghter would earn $73,256.63. The only opportunity for increasing earning potential here in Bermuda is to take your promotional exams (which I have).
Describe a typical working day.
We work a 2-2-4 shift model, which means there are two day shifts starting at 0900 hours to1800 hours; and two night shifts starting at 1800 to 0900 hours. Then we have four days off to recuperate.
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The daily watch starts with assembling in the muster bay for an inspection of our uniform and personal appearance. This inspection is done by the watch sergeant, who will give details and assignments, and any other relevant information to crew members.
After parade, we conduct morning checks on the workings of the apparatus (truck) and necessary rescue equipment, including an inventory of the fi re appliances and medical equipment. After completing the daily checks, regular practical or theory training is carried out in order to maintain a high level of performance.
Training can be anything from drills using breathing apparatus in heat and smoke, to road traffi c collision exercises and medical assessments. Other routines scheduled for the day include cleaning the fi re truck, and maintaining equipment and the facility. Firefi ghters are required to maintain a certain level of physical fi tness and at least one hour per shift is dedicated to physical training.
Although there are set daily routines, these are sometimes not completed due to the various types of emergency incidents that we can be called out for. These incidents may include, but are not limited to: brush fi res, fl ooding, road traffi c incidents, hazardous material incidents, medical emergencies, fi re alarm inspections, and providing educational and community services throughout the Island.
What is the best thing about your job?
My job satisfaction comes from the overwhelming feeling of accomplishment in assisting others in need and the camaraderie of the brotherhood of fi refi ghters.
FAST TRACK / Careers module / 2010-2011 45
offi cer
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