Academy or Volunteer? Whats a better start?

[DadOf4]

For those of you already being paid for career FF, what is the best start? does a volunteer have a lesser chance of getting picked during testing than some thats been to an academy? I have a few applications in for volunteer, anyone know the requirments for volunteer in Washington state?
Rob

[phireac]

Dadof4,

The answer really is both. I am a supporter of the North Bend Academy. It is an adult-education atmosphere. In ten weeks you will receive 14 live-fire days and receive the best instruction from a hand picked group of guys and gals. (State Certified FF1) I can go on and on about North Bend. Being a volunteer with an active department will keep your skills honed and have an ear to the rail about the jobs out there.
Wash State is a beautiful place to serve the public. Good Luck

[DadOf4]

Thats cool, finally someone local! I have tried to contact Frank Garza for more info but cant ever catch him there, Id like more info, pricing etc. I'd dig the live fire scenario's, I just put in a app. with Maple Valley FD fire Volunteer academy, hoping I have a chance. Any idea what the requirements are? I am 30, 6'2,200, good shape. think I stand a chance? some of these guys i see are HUGE!
Rob

[kghemtp]

You may find yourself needing that great shape for various physical agility tests. I'm not convinced that an academy education is any more valuable than OJT & in-house training with a call or volunteer department. As we always say, it's not all about the certifications when it comes to hiring. When you demonstrate abilities either in the academy or on a volunteer fire or training ground, your reputation will be created. You know that peers & officers of other departments will be seeing you train & perform, and these are the people in oral boards. "Oh yeah, I remember Rob. He didn't like heights, but he knew his stuff." Knowing people is helpful. That's not to say having a neighbor who's chief in the next town will pull any weight. Network, get your face & abilities known. Work on the interview skills & presentation of YOUR package to sell. Read up on the hiring process here, and give special attention to all that CaptBob (Smith) writes on Firehouse. Keep us posted with how things go. Best of luck!

[SAFD46Truck]

Personally I think that if you can find the time, desire and $$$ then definately go through a formal FF Academy. (if you can vol at the same time then go for it) I really belive that the regimented atmosphere of a formal school will give you a better foundation than attending informal "in house" trainings once or twice a month. Also, a formal academy will get you CERTIFIED, and many FD's require that when they hire. Whatever your Fire Service goals are, best of luck to you.:)

[DadOf4]

SAFD46Truck
"in house" trainings once or twice a month.
actually the one Im praying for is 2 evenings a week (4 hours each) and every Saturday, and even allows unlimited ride alongs:D I like that too!Id like alot of exposure and offers more chances to 'HELP OUT' or offer a hand while Im there.

kghemtp
Pay special attention to CaptBob
Dont worry, Im on his shirt tail with all ears:D I see him on another site too. Id like to find a site with more locals too, more job/test info. thanks for the advice guys, keep it comin!


QUESTION:
would it be considered bad to put in multiple apps for volunteer at multiple places and if i get more than 1 offer politely tell them "thanks im very appreciative but I have been taken on by _______"?
Rob

[SAFD46Truck]

QUESTION:
would it be considered bad to put in multiple apps for volunteer at multiple places and if i get more than 1 offer politely tell them "thanks im very appreciative but I have been taken on by _______"?
Rob [/B][/QUOTE]

I think thats a fine idea Rob. Be sure to look at what all the departments have to offer as well as what you would bring to them when you decide. Let us know how things turn out:D .

[Hobbitt]

With how competitive the career service can be, the more experience you have, the more attractive you will be to a department. In northeastern Ohio, alot of departments require you to have formal fire training in order to be hired. As has been stated here already, both can be valuble in gaining experience and forming your reputation. An important thing to note is that when you do get on a department, career or volunteer, don't tell them what you know, rather show them what you know by you actions, job performance and willingness to continue to learn.

[kghemtp]

SAFD, I would tend to be more conservative with what is said. Yes, putting in for a number of departments after researching them can work well. What I would probably do is decline an offer by saying that you're not going to be able to join as you previously hoped.

[SAFD46Truck]

I would have to say that if you apply for several departments and are accepted by more than one to tell the others exactly that. "Thank you for your time and the offer but I have already accepted an offer by the so-and-so FD". The FD should understand and appreciate your honesty, it's far better than making an excuse and having them find out later.

[rwaycasy]

refering to the orginal question. both would be great but, if you are looking to do only one I would suggest that you went with the academy. For the simple fact that it will give you the education that you would need to pass the written tests. Another benifit would be, as some one mentioned earlier, networking, getting to know people alot of the time the instructors work at differnt stations and on the hiring board. After the academy you could always get a voulunteer job and work there while you test at differnt departments. good look!

[SFDredhat126]

I did both before I got hired. I was a volunteer for a couple years, then went to an academy at a local junior college. I then took a lot of classes after the academy. I ended up being a volunteer for 6 years before I got hired in October. A guy once said on here, "you will get out of it what you put into it," and I couldn't agree more.

[CaptBob]

Becoming a volunteer can help you or hurt you. Many candidates want to be a volunteer to gain experience and be able to list it on their resume. But, becoming a volunteer can be a double edge sord because you can establish a bad reputation (probably jealousy from those who never made it to paid) with some of the mal contents that will bad mouth you even if you don't deserve it. Then you might find yourself having trouble getting hired on other departments and you will never know why. Everyone will know but you.

I've also seen volunteers who have not test elsewhere hang on with the hopes of becoming a paid member of their department and because of this bad rap will never get the call. Then, they find out too late they should have been testing every where they could get too.

You can find more on testing secrets in the Career Article section from the Jobs drop down menu just above this posting.

"Nothing counts 'til you have the badge . . . Nothing!"

Fire "Captain Bob"

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