In St. Louis...Looking elsewhere!?

[phelly]

I am a licensed paramedic in the St. Louis area, and as many of you know, its not the easiest thing in the world to get on as a firefighter/paramedic at a department in this area...lots of competition. I havent't given up, but... I have also been looking into relocating. I was just curious if anyone has any input on trying to get hired somewhere other than your hometown. Am I at a disadvantage applying somewhere where I dont live?...do departments tend to give local candidates more consideration? I would appreciate any input as I am planning several "road trips" to test/apply at out of town departments and would love to know if im wasting time and money?!!!! Peace out

[chrnea]

I go on monday to for my Medical exam for a dept in the Indianapolis area. I have the Job contingent on passing the medical exam and acceptance by the pension board. I live in Tampico, Il. which is more than 5 hours away. I had good success in the testing with depts around there. If you are willing to travel and move, there are jobs in other places. The area I am going to is growing at a huge rate. they are expected to double in population in the next 10 yrs. So there are lots of opportunities there. Stay strong and don't give up.

[FCDave24]

Ever thought of Chicago? Each suburb has their own department and most of them give preference to paramedics. Your problems will be your out of state driver's license and medic license. Many departments want an Illinois DL prior to exam. However, several of them don't. A National Registry EMT-P might help, but I'm not sure if Illinois is giving reciprocity for Registry medics. Check with the Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) for answers.

Watch these two websites for job postings.

www.suntimes.com
www.chicagotribune.com

As far as preference for local candidates...it probably depends on the individual department. We have a guy that drives almost 2 hrs to work, each shift! He's a good guy and a good fireman.

Dave

[fieldseng2]

Small world....


I am a firefighter in Indiana (near Chicago)..

I am waiting to hear from StL FD when I start the academy next month.

chrnea is right..the Indianapolis area is a good place to look...good pay, good benefits, if I werent getting on St Louis I'd try down there too (my pension would transfer as long as I stay in IN).

I grew up near St. Louis and the city has always been my dream job. I've heard the academy starts the 22nd of August and I'm in it. I'll believe it when I get the final word though...lol...but, it appears I'm living proof that anyone can get in those "impossible" places. I'm even 300 miles away!

I've tested all over the midwest and I don't believe living far away has had any bearing where I ranked on the list. I'm sure it is also possible that a potential FD would be impressed if someone is willing to travel a long distance for a job...especially if there are several phases to be ranked.

Hey chrnea....good luck in the Indy area...they are all good FDs...strong/unified unions too...I do have to say Indiana PERF (pension) sucks! You can retire as the chief, but you collect HALF of what a private makes when you retire. Hopefully, by the time youre done they change that!


fieldseng2