Firefighter

Thomas Louis D’Andrea, 41

City of Pittsburgh Firefighter

Years on the job: 9

Prior to becoming a Firefighter, I was a Union Building Trades Carpenter.

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When you were a child, did you conceive of doing this sort of thing when you grew up? What did you want to be?

I never for one moment thought of being a Firefighter.

What training does someone have to have to be a firefighter?

An applicant must successfully complete a civil service exam. This consists of an academic, physical, and background examination. The entire training academy is very valuable to success as a Firefighter.

What personal attributes must someone have in order to be a firefighter?

A will to serve your community and bravery (or as some say, “balls and water”).

“At firefighting, the limit is endless. A lot of things can burn.”

What advice would you give someone interested in being a firefighter?

Come in with no preconception about what you think you’ve heard about this job. Definitely form your own opinions.

What does your work consist of?

I work on an aerial ladder, or “truck.” We are each a part of a team. Four people to each rig. As a firefighter, we are also EMT’s, so we perform a lot of basic life support duties.

How many hours are in your working week?

Typically, 48. However, sometimes 60 or more.

Where are you based?

I am assigned to 14 Truck, which is located in the Oakland section of the city. I do however work in different parts of the city on what would be an overtime shift.

Do you listen to music while you work? If so, what?

No. It would not work out very well.

What do you typically wear to work?

We wear an assigned uniform.

What raw materials do you work with?

At firefighting, the limit is endless. A lot of things can burn.

How does technology impact your work?

We use several technologies that the general public never gets to see. Different thermal imaging apparatus. Different gas and vapor meters. Forcible entry tools. The list goes on. This technology aids us greatly in our work.

Do you use any specific tools?

Many. An axe, Halligan tool, and pike pole, which would be basic hand tools. We also use a thermal imaging camera, and gas meters. A thermal imager allows us to crawl in a vision impaired environment and be able to spot people or fire.

This bad boy 

Have you received any injuries as a firefighter? If so, what?

I have. While fighting a third floor apartment fire, due to lack of ventilation, all of the smoke and combustibles ignited at once. This is referred to as a flashover, or backdraft. My crew and I received mostly second degree burns to our head, hands, and face.

What are the biggest misconceptions people have about what you do?

Many people believe that we are all 300 lbs., and lay in recliners all day and night.

What is the hardest part of being a firefighter?

A really good fire is the most physically taxing things that anyone could ever hope to be challenged by.

What is the most mundane part of being a firefighter?

Waiting for calls to come in.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?

Rescuing a victim, or mitigating hazards that would have otherwise destroyed someone’s entire existence.

What is it you love about being a firefighter?

Basically, everything.

Is there anything else you would like to share with Forte readers?

Peace and Love.