I have to agree with the above. I know I"m getting away from the Old Leather Helmet discussion, But first things first. If you do get called and do get through Probie School, you"ll have a tough time working in a firehouse, FDNY or other, telling everybody who you know. It comes down to ONE THING, doing the job. I believe you said that you are a firefighter in NJ. Be Thankful for having the firefighters job already. A lot of people wish they were in your shoes.
I retired from a small dept in Connecticut. Even there, nobody cares who you know. As a Probie in ANY Dept, I suggest you just become familiar with the mops and buckets etc., and when the bell rings, its time to perform. If you get the FDNY job, I certainly wish you the best of luck, but I think you may be in for a surprise when you walk through the firehouse doors. Just an opinion from an old retired guy from a small dept.
I retired from a small dept in Connecticut. Even there, nobody cares who you know. As a Probie in ANY Dept, I suggest you just become familiar with the mops and buckets etc., and when the bell rings, its time to perform. If you get the FDNY job, I certainly wish you the best of luck, but I think you may be in for a surprise when you walk through the firehouse doors. Just an opinion from an old retired guy from a small dept.