FIREFIGHTER

• Philadelphia firefighters carry out a variety of services and duties for the city of Philadelphia.
• Such as controlling and extinguishing fires, rescue work, evacuation of dangerous areas, and emergency medical service.
• Firefighters also inspect commercial and private buildings for violations of the Fire Code and education in fire prevention.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Philadelphia firefighters preform a variety of duties and services for the City of Philadelphia and its citizens.
• Such services include controlling and extinguishing fires, rescue work, the evacuation of dangerous areas, and emergency medical services.
• Fire fighters also inspect both commercial and private buildings of violations of the Fire Code such as the number of sprinkler systems and if they functioning properly.
• They also educate people on fire prevention.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Firefighters must be able to perform their duties and operate equipment while under pressure.
• Must help everyone regardless of color, class, or creed.
• Must check equipment daily to ensure that every single piece of equipment works with malfunction.
• You must be able to think quickly and be able to adapt to changing environments.
• Most importantly you must have a strong stomach. You will encounter human waste ,body fluid, and burnt bodies.

SKILLS

• The majority of firefighter's training takes place while on the job.
• They must be able to properly operate hoses and regulate the water pressure of the hose.
• Must be able to drive the trucks and operate the ladders efficiently.
• It helps for a firefighter to know more than one language to be able to communicate with none English speaking civilians.
• They must be in a somewhat good state of physical condition to be able to carry all the equipment. They must also be mentally fit.
• You must also be able to learn techniques taught to you.

INTERVIEW

• I interviewed Mr. Tyrell who worked as a EMT, and a volunteer and professional firefighter for 20 years.
• He became a firefighter to help people and because his family was highly involved in their community and he grew up around firefighters and police officers.
• He has had both good and bad experiences as a firefighter. He enjoyed helping people and the bond between the firemen. But he has been thrown up on and pooped on and hasn't always been able to save everybody.

Philadelphia firefighters in action

EQUIPMENT

• Helmet, fireproof jacket, gloves, overalls, and boots
• Oxygen tank and oxygen mask.
• Power tools used to break cut through metal such as the jaws of life.
• High pressured fire hoses.
• Snow blowers, shovels, and axes.
• All equipment must be maintained and kept in great condition.

HISTORY OF THE PHILADELPHIA FIRE DEPAETMENT

• The Philadelphia fire department has served the city for over 235 years.
• On December 7, 1736 the first organized volunteer firefighting service was launched by Benjamin Franklin and served for 135 years.
• In the late 1860s city officials transformed the volunteers to a professional fire department to meet the demands of the city's growth.
• Volunteers had to come prepared with at least 2 buckets for carrying water, and cloth bags to carry rescued items.

HISTORY OF THE DEPARTMENT PT.2

• In December 1870 the Philadelphia fire department was born.
• Since than the Philadelphia fire department has saved countless lives and prevent horrible disaster throughout the city.

Famous Philadelphia resident, Benjamin Franklin organized the Union Fire Company, a volunteer firefighting service, which was the predecessor of the Philadelphia fire department.

This was the early version of the modern day fire truck. It was originally pulled by horses and the firefighter's would pile in the back with the large tub of water to fill there buckets.

The reason I chose to research the career of a firefighter is because I have always wanted to do a job were I could make a difference and help people, and I feel like being a firefighter would be a great way to do what I always wanted.