1088. A Day in the Life: What's It Really Like to Be a Firefighter?

“The kind of person that succeeds as a firefighter is typically a Type A personality: motivated, competitive, achievement oriented. You obviously have to make on-the-spot decisions—you can’t be wishy-washy. It’s far better to deploy a poor plan well than have a perfect plan executed poorly. Often people’s lives are on the line. The training that each individual receives at the intensive, four-month long Firefighting Academy covers all the basics: building construction, fire science, how the different apparatuses work, how to use tools and raise ladders, how to deal with motor vehicle accidents and much more. There is also a thorough Emergency Medical Services (EMS) component. The typical schedule for a firefighter is one 24-hour day followed by three days off. It is a very challenging occupation to say the least, but it is equally gratifying on so many levels. I am proud to have served the Paterson New Jersey Fire Department for the last 9 years and honored to now be a Captain.”

Jonathan Salmond offers two decades of extraordinary success in a series of high-level roles as an Inspirational Speaker and as a Fire Captain. Jonathan’s invaluable expertise and broad business range have powered a history of developing successful process improvements that drive productivity, reliability, and client satisfaction. Upon beginning his career as an Inspirational Speaker, Jonathan has the innate ability to inspire people to do their best with their most valuable asset: action. He has dedicated himself and his vision as a leader who engages in projects with an “All-In” attitude. Jonathan is able to help other people due to his adeptness in Leadership, Team Building, Teamwork, Customer Service, and Overcoming Adversity.