Your First Year: What to Expect

You've made it; you have forged your way through the hiring process and have become a Marietta Fire Department Recruit.

Now the real work begins!

One very important fact every new arrival to the fire service should know: You are not yet a Firefighter. You are a Recruit. You have much to learn in a VERY short three month period of time. It is time to get serious-not just your job, but your life may depend on it.

It is also important for you to understand that the fire service is not a democracy. You will be given orders, not requests, to perform work. As either a Recruit or a Rookie, you will be expected to be the first to work, the last to stop. For at least your first year, no one will ask you your opinion. You will be treated as if you have none. You will fare well if you learn to be quiet, put your heart and head into the job, and work extremely hard. Then you might earn the right to become a Firefighter.