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Firefighter Bassists unite - paramedics also welcome!

#21
Just saw this thread -- thanx DethByDoom and Engine207! Started playing bass in high school, gave the music career thing a shot during college (which didn't work out ) and since then I'm playing with the same band that got together to play a big outdoor party right after high school graduation. We're still playing the same Aerosmith to ZZ Top repertoire too. Had a career in TV/film post production but it seemed more meaningless as time went by, so I made the midlife crisis decision to do something that might make a difference. I've been a firefighter for 17 years now and it is so much better than having a real job. My band, Raw Sewage, plays an average of one to two gigs a year, but I've recently been rejuvenated musically and want to do more with them, learning new songs and maybe playing as many as three to four gigs a year OMG. It's a great hobby for me, and ironically I now have a bass rig that I would have killed for when I was gigging with bands back in my teens! I'm going to post a thread soon detailing the overhaul of my amp and speakers. You guys stay safe!
 
#22
Engine207 said:
Laid off? What fire service is pink-slippin? We took a pay cut and the state trashed our pension, but nobody's looking for a job!

Sorry to hear that bro. Try AZ. We're hiring two recruit classes this year. 20 guys apiece. I guess they're prepping for guys like me to retire.
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11 years with DCFD & 6+ with a private after a move to CA. The private is where I got laid off.
I'm fine with it, teaching EMT full time, PHTLS & PALS on the side. Money's better and it's easier on the knees & back
 
#24
16 yrs + full time with Jonesboro Fire Dept- IAFF local 3718- 7 stations, 24 on 48 off, city of close to 70,000 ( prob closer to 95,000 when State University is occupied)Its a great career- especially all the practice time we firefighters have! I play primarily with a Christian artist- www.timothydavis.org
 
#25
Hi guys, I was a Firefighter/First Responder with a volunteer department for eleven years. I eventually rose to be the Pump Operator/Driver trainer for our dept. The unit was attached to the Tallahassee Fire Dept through a mutual aid agreement, which provided Workmens Comp coverage while on calls, as well as dispatch and communications. I was one of only three volunteer members county-wide who passed numerous tests and driving/pumping challenges to become certified to drive TFD equipment. We are located in a rural area and if the paid FF/EMTs (two per county station)were on a call in the rescue truck, and a fire call came in, the idea was one of the volunteers could respond the TFD tanker. Meanwhile, I was playing with whoever came my way, open jams, front porch picking,, and even sometimes at the station with the paid guys. So, between jamming, the fire dept., the job, and being a single full-time parent, I stayed pretty busy.
 
#26
In my 19th year with the Rochester NY Fire Department (IAFF Local 1071), Paramedic since 1987. Currently assigned as Lieutenant at Engine 5, covering about 3100 jobs/year in one of the less fortunate areas of the City (I call it my "little slice of Lyell Avenue paradise"). I've been singing & hitting things with sticks since high school, and took up bass guitar this year. I have no idea what took me so long.

I agree fully with ejt: There's something to be said about being a musician who's gainfully employed; it sure is easier to pick up those nifty wish list items compared to when I was a kid.

Be safe out there, Kids. Bring us water.
 
#27
Wow awesome post always wondered about a post like this Im Tom a 20 year old Firefighter/EMT on the outskirts of Philadelphia, i volunteer firefight and work for a Private ambulance company(for now) anyhow ive been both firefighting and playing bass for 3 years now not sure which i love more, very passionate about both and both loved by the ladies:smug: lol but its awesome to see some brothers and sisters on here i applaud your services and stay safe out there!
 

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#30
This is probably the mot exclusive club on TB!

I am a 3rd generation firefighter. My grandfather was a volunteer, my dad is a fire captain/medic with 30+ years, and I'm a ff/emt of 5 years. Because of county policy I coulnt work with my dad so I work for the city of newnan while he works for the surrounding county.

My gigging has cut down quite a lot since having kids 4 years ago. I do practice a lot at the station and a going to play a pretty it festival next week so hopefully I won't completely freeze up.

Stay safe.
 
#38
Hello new to the forums and to playing the bass but not to the fire service. I've been putting the wet stuff on the red stuff as a volunteer firefighter here in Pa for 21 years. I started with a small department in Campbelltown Pa when I was 16. I was there For 14 years till I got married in 2003 then I moved to Emigsville Pa (about a 5 min drive to the city of York) where I joined the Alert Fire co./Manchester Twp. Department of fire Services which as you can tell a combination department. We recently merged with a regional department York Area fire and rescue. Still a volunteer till this day. As I stated I'm married with 2 kids. I started playing bass a couple months ago at the church I attend. So I am learning and playing at the same time. For now my gear is a Dean 4 string that I'm borrowing from the pastor and hopefully tonight I will be picking up the Squier p bass I have on layaway at my local music store.
 
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