It goes without saying that not all departments, stations, or crews are the same, but all are sworn to uphold the core tenants of Duty, Pride, Honor, and Tradition and a sense of ‘brotherhood’ is a timeless bond that crosses all four. That said, the fraternistic sensibilities of initiation into the fire service have become well researched, with an alarming spectrum of hazing activities still alive and well today.

What happens when firefighters advance to leadership before they're ready? A 2020 study out of Taiwan compared the effects of age, seniority, and tenure on psychological distress. The headline: firefighters who start younger, rise in the ranks faster, and stay in the service longer are the most vulnerable to psychological distress.