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Quiz: How well do you know the newest firefighting generation?

While many fire service leaders still consider millennials to be the latest department newbies, it’s those in Generation Z that are peak-rookie age

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In recent years, the term “millennial” has become a catch-all for anyone considered to be young, and is frequently misused by the media, politicians and others in high leadership positions. In reality, the oldest millennials are on the cusp of turning 40, and a new generation of firefighter rookies are knocking at the fire station door.

The oldest of this new cohort, dubbed Generation Z and known as Zeds, are at least 20 years old, and differ widely from their millennial generational neighbors.

What should fire service leaders know about the Zeds, and what is the best way to reach them? Take our quiz below to find out.

Rachel Engel is an award-winning journalist and the senior editor of FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. In addition to her regular editing duties, Engel seeks to tell the heroic, human stories of first responders and the importance of their work. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, and began her career as a freelance writer, focusing on government and military issues. Engel joined Lexipol in 2015 and has since reported on issues related to public safety. Engel lives in Wichita, Kansas. She can be reached via email.