I want to become a FireFighter

[Chrispy]

Hi, I’m interested in becoming a firefighter. I’m 23 and only have a GED.
I was wondering the best way to become a firefighter. The local community college does have a few options; either credit course or Non-credit. I’m planning to stop by the local fire station and ask a few questions, is their anything specific I should ask? Any input would be nice. Thanks

[BMAIGM]

are you looking to be paid or volunteer? you may have to take civil service exam. where are you looking get on?

[Chrispy]

I would like to be paid. Although I have thought about volunteering until I’m ready.

[Firefighter2230]

Chrispy where are you at in NC PM me if you can if not can you provide an email address i'll see if I can be of any help.

[Chrispy]

Well I went to the local fire department and spoke to someone. His recommendation was to go to a different department in the area and become a volunteer.

[jccrabby3084]

I would say if you are looking to get on as a paid FF...take the credit classes. Most dept's now require a degree to get on and if they don't it will only help you out more. You'll have a degree up on others. The non-credit courses are usually to meet FF certifications, although you would probablly need to do those also. It all depends how serious you are. Also being a volly will help with some experience, but will be tough to go from volly to career with just that experience...you'll need education.

As I heard today...Education is the only investment where you tend to make more than what you put in. (or something like that)

[polecat]

Showing up at the firehall, expecting words of wisdom, in my opinion was not a good idea. I'm not surprised they suggested you apply elsewhere. My advise to you is, stay away from the halls, until such time you bring something to the table. In the meantime, get busy and good luck.

[SWLAFireDawg]

Showing up at the firehall, expecting words of wisdom, in my opinion was not a good idea. I'm not surprised they suggested you apply elsewhere. My advise to you is, stay away from the halls, until such time you bring something to the table. In the meantime, get busy and good luck.

I guess I have just another worthless opinion, but I think going and asking questions to the horse was a great way to get the information straight from the horse's mouth.......And perhaps I interpreted it differently, but being advised to "apply as a volunteer elsewhere" may have been sound advice in directing this interested individual towards a door to gain experience through. Everybody keeps saying you need the schooling and the experience, but the experience is the one thing you have to get by working the job, and it sounds like few paid depts give that oppurtunity.

[RESQBOSS244]

Hi, I’m interested in becoming a firefighter. I’m 23 and only have a GED.
I was wondering the best way to become a firefighter. The local community college does have a few options; either credit course or Non-credit. I’m planning to stop by the local fire station and ask a few questions, is their anything specific I should ask? Any input would be nice. Thanks



Befor I give you some input , i have a few questions for you.

1. I see you live in N.C. , how open are you to relocating a few hours away?

2. If you could choose , would rather be in a slow to moderately busy
station maybe 8 -12 runs per day or do you want to be in a station that
is busy running all day long.

[Chrispy]

I dont have a problem with relocating depending on the location , and im indifferent about how busy we are.

[RESQBOSS244]

I dont have a problem with relocating depending on the location , and im indifferent about how busy we are.


I am happy to give you some info. but if i post it in a forum it will probably
start a sh** storm . If you want to post your e-mail address i will send you all the info. that way. Sorry for the hassle but i don't feel like getting trash talked.

[bdunndchi]

If you are really interested in getting hired, there are several things you could do to make your resume look better.

You could take the classes at your local college.

You could try to get on as a volunteer somewhere.

You can attempt to do some training on your own time and money (i.e. EMT, foreign language, etc).

You can study up on the Firefighter exam so that you will hopefully be one of the higher scoring candidates.

Just a few things to think about.


-----------------------

Brady Lewis
President
Spanish 4 Emergencies.com
Spanish Language Training for Fire, EMS and Dispatchers (http://www.spanish4emergencies.com)

[BCLepore]

This should get you started in the right direction.

Two Year Plan


 Graduate from High School or obtain your GED. (A diploma is much preferred)

 Talk with a counselor at a community college that offers fire science courses.

o Set-up a course curriculum that allow you to obtain a two-year degree in fire science. If the local college does not after a fire science program, find one that does.

o This curriculum should also allow you to complete the required courses for a fire academy.

o Enroll in an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course.

 Find out if your community has either a volunteer program or fire explorers.

o If still in high school look into a Regional Occupational Program (ROP). Many local fire departments have community outreach recruitment programs.

o Volunteering in the community is an excellent way to gain real life experience. This exposure will also allow you to determine if this is indeed the right career choice for you


 Volunteer in your community.

Find something that you are interested in and volunteer your time. Church, sports, hospital, YMCA, Red Cross, etc. It doesn’t matter. Get involved. Volunteering is something that should be done because it’s the right thing to do, not because it will look good on a firefighter application.


o Fire fighters are self-motivated and self-starters that have historically been involved in their community.

o The feeling is if you are helping out in your community now, when hired you will be the type that will continue to stay involved helping out in the various committees and groups on and off the job.


 Start a log that includes everything you have done to prepare.

Include dates, names of instructors. Include any personal experiences that may be pertinent in to becoming a firefighter. A few examples of this could be:

o You witnessed a car accident and were able to render aid.

o You volunteered your time at the Boys and Girls club


o If you experience a life-changing event.

o You were voted most inspirational on your athletic team or your fire academy.


o Your high school athletic team won the championship.

o You were a lifeguard at the city pool.

o There are no rules. Anything that you think might be significant. Write it down!


This information will either go on your resume, or may be speaking points in an interview. This is preparing you to answer those difficult questions in an interview.

A common question in an interview is: Please share with the panel a stressful time in your life, and please share with us how you dealt with it.

o Make it easy and accessible. If you are more comfortable with a pencil and notepad. Use it. If you are more comfortable on the computer then use it to formulate your thoughts and ideas. This should just be an easy memory jogger for you. Keep a notebook or notepad in your room in a convenient spot so you wont forget.

 Take an Emergency Medical Technician Course (EMT).
This will accomplish a few things. First of all, it is a course required by most departments. It will also let you know if this profession is for you. If you find you can’t handle the sight of blood or helping people in during their worst moments, the fire service is may not for you.

 Physical Fitness.
Stay in, or get into shape! Fire fighting is a very physical job requiring peak performance. If you are not in good cardiovascular shape, it will become very evident in the physical agility testing or the prehire medical exam. It also is important to look the part in the interview. If you don’t, it decreases your chances of being hired. If you see an out of shape-looking fire fighter don’t look at him and believe, “if he or she got on so can I”! Odds are he was in better condition when he was hired. You are trying to do everything you can to improve your chances. This is a very important part that you have complete control over!

 Look the part!
The rule of thumb in an interview is to hire someone that you can see becoming a member or your crew tomorrow. A candidate who walks in with facial hair, large tattoo’s or body piercing that is not permitted by the department’s policies and procedures, presents as a candidate who is not ready for the position. Do not make the mistake of saying that you will remove them when you are ready to be hired. You are making a statement. It is important to know the fire department is a paramilitary organization. These will definitely not improve your chances of success.

 Invest in a suit and tie
Although not required for the interview, a candidate who does not wear one stands out. First impressions are critical.

Make sure the suit is conservative, not flashy.

Wear it anytime you will have contact with members of the department. This includes station visits. (Remember it is important to make a good first impression.)

 Enroll in a program that lets you know which departments are testing.

o There are a lot of businesses on the Internet that will allow you to hear the needed information on which departments are testing and what there requirements are.

o Most departments test every 2-3 years. They will then hire from the “eligibility list” until it expires. The window to file an application is usually very small. The time frame to file an application ranges from as short as 1 day to as long as 30 days. Whichever the case, once the filing period is closed, the department will not accept any more applications. If you don’t have a subscription to one these services, you will miss a lot of opportunities.

 Talk to your family
The decision to become a firefighter is a monumental one. It will most likely be a long road that requires a lot of time, and sacrifice. If you don’t have a family or friend support network it will become extremely difficult. Most importantly, if your spouse does not support your decision you are destined for failure.

 Surround yourself with reputable people

Remember a fire fighter position is a life choice, not just a job. You must be prepared to live your life with excellent moral and ethical values. For this you will need the support of family and friends that are good role models. If your friends are not a positive influence in the community, you may want to find a new set of friends. Remember the old saying, “Birds of a feather flock together. Not only will you be scrutinized during your background check, but also so will the company you choose to keep.

 Learn a trade

Woodworkings, framing electrical, plumbing, welding, automotive, are common examples of a trade. Fire fighting is very physical hands on job that requires good psychomotor skills and hands on approach. Typically those that have learned a trade possess these good applicable skills for the job. If you know how a building is built, you will be able to predict how a fire’s effect on it. If you know where the electrical and plumbing is typically run behind the drywall, you will most likely know how where it would be safe to open it up. You will also have become very comfortable with power tools. The importance of being able to work with your hands cannot be overstated.

o If you don’t currently have this kind of experience, the first thing to do is start taking a trade class of interest at your community college. You will at least learn the basics. You should back this up with some real life practical experience. It will be invaluable knowledge and will play out well in an interview. Mechanical aptitude cannot be learned in an Internet class or while sitting behind a computer.

 Public Speaking. If you are uncomfortable getting up in front of a group, you must take steps to overcome your fear. The largest percent of the testing process (the interview), and ultimately a large part of the job deals with public speaking! No you won’t talk a fire out, but you will talk to different groups about how to prevent them. If you can present yourself well in an interview you are leaps and bounds over the others that don’t. Even if the other candidates have more experience the job will usually be awarded to the candidate who can present him or herself in a clear and concise manner.

o If public speaking is your downfall, it is imperative to join toastmasters or take some courses in your community college. A speech and debate class is an excellent way to get over the jitters. Acting classes or drama classes can also be an excellent way to feel more comfortable.

• A typical question could be “what do you consider a negative aspect about yourself”. (Or a weakness). Your answer could be: I used to feel uncomfortable getting up and speaking in front of a group. I knew this was a very important part of my chosen vocation. I took several classes at my community college to help improve my comfort level. Since then I feel very much more confident in my ability to speak in public.

• You can have all of the best traits in the world but if you can’t effectively convey them in an interview they will go unnoticed. Now that’s turning a negative into a positive!

 Visit the local fire stations
Interview the firefighters and elicit their help in helping plan your career path. It is a tremendous compliment for the firefighters to have someone aspire to be in their position. Visiting the fire stations will help you learn about the job and learn the culture of the fire service. In addition, you will learn of things that you could be doing to enhance your chances of getting hired. Ultimately when the department hires, you will be in a good position since the firefighters have gotten to know you and have taken the time to mentor you. There is nothing better than a: home grown” prospect.

 Maintain a clean driving and criminal record
It goes without saying that firefighters are held to a standard that is much higher than the average citizen. The road is littered with firefighter candidates who have failed their background check due to a poor driving or criminal record.



Paul Lepore
Battalion Chief
www.aspiringfirefighters.com

[jccrabby3084]

Hey BCLepore.....I was just wondering if your fingers are kinda numb from all the typing you did today? You are definately a great source of knowledge and advice.

John

[BCLepore]

Truthfully, I haven't visited this forum until today. I am being Mr. Mom. My 13 year old daughter is sick. Between making hot chocolate and homemade turkey soup I had lots of free time.

Not to mention it's raining and the fish aren't biting...........Yesterday it was 80 degrees. Today it's 61 and the wind is hooting.


I enjoy sharing information. I believe that one can waste tons of time without proper direction.

OK, now my fingers are tired........

[JohnVBFD]

Showing up at the firehall, expecting words of wisdom, in my opinion was not a good idea. I'm not surprised they suggested you apply elsewhere. My advise to you is, stay away from the halls, until such time you bring something to the table. In the meantime, get busy and good luck.

What is a kid or someone looking to get into a fire department supposed to bring, other than initative and desire? Don't show up and talk to people? Maybe you are right, maybe he should go ask his dentist what the local fire department employment is like.

Maybe they are having leadership problems and they suggested he go somewhere else to avoid bad habits?

Maybe there are no positions to fill?

I'd rather someone walk into the firehouse and show effort to get on the job, then fall into this "21st" century method of employment. Lets sit on our ***** and use forums and google to find me my job.

[polecat]

What is a kid or someone looking to get into a fire department supposed to bring, other than initative and desire? Don't show up and talk to people? Maybe you are right, maybe he should go ask his dentist what the local fire department employment is like.

Maybe they are having leadership problems and they suggested he go somewhere else to avoid bad habits?

Maybe there are no positions to fill?

I'd rather someone walk into the firehouse and show effort to get on the job, then fall into this "21st" century method of employment. Lets sit on our ***** and use forums and google to find me my job.

DUDE, THIS 23 YR. OLD "KID", SHOULD KNOW FULL WELL,WHAT THE PRE-REQUISITIES ARE FOR THE FIRE SERVICE. THEY'RE PRACTICALLY UNIVERSAL. EXPECTING ON DUTY MEMBERS TO OUTLINE THE BASIC STEPS,AND PATH TO BECOMING A PROFESSIONAL F.F., IS NORMALLY DISCUSSED DURING FIREHALL TOURS,TO GRADE SCHOOL KIDS.

[KevinFFVFD]

2. If you could choose , would rather be in a slow to moderately busy
station maybe 8 -12 runs per day or do you want to be in a station that
is busy running all day long.

haha, we had 3 working fire calls yesterday and that was busy for my station.most of our runs are BS

[JohnVBFD]

DUDE, THIS 23 YR. OLD "KID", SHOULD KNOW FULL WELL,WHAT THE PRE-REQUISITIES ARE FOR THE FIRE SERVICE. THEY'RE PRACTICALLY UNIVERSAL. EXPECTING ON DUTY MEMBERS TO OUTLINE THE BASIC STEPS,AND PATH TO BECOMING A PROFESSIONAL F.F., IS NORMALLY DISCUSSED DURING FIREHALL TOURS,TO GRADE SCHOOL KIDS.

:rolleyes: You are right. I am 30, I should fully know every course I should take to become a teacher, or dentist. Wait I'm neither, so where should I get that info from? I'd better google it with my thumb up my butt. Because we all know EVERYTHING on the internet is true. Oh hey, let me click on this news article "Britney Spears has affair with Laura Bush" Must be true, found it on the internet :eek:

I'm sorry not everyone can be all knowing. Last recruit class here, they had a 35y/o go through. With no prior experience. Guess she should have known everything before she even showed up.

Tell you what, you keep your firehouse doors shut. Places where I grew up in Brooklyn and Queens, the firefighters would always talk to you for a few minutes no matter what your age as long as they had time. I've always been like that. No matter what your age, if you only THINK you want to be a firefighter, or are researching it, stop by the oceanfront firehouse in the Beach. We'll talk to ya.

Having just read the BC's post, guess he is wrong and doesn't know either.

[BCLepore]

Come on PC, how is anyone supposed to know? Most of the time your contributions, albeit harsh, have some element of truth attached to them. Your post is completely off base.

That’s why it takes so long to get a job….there’s so much misinformation out there. In my opinion, candidates waste their time going in the wrong direction.

Doc,
Keep asking questions, you’re doing the right thing. This is the right place to garner as much information as you can. Don’t make a move without being certain it is getting you closer to your goal. Print my Two Year Plan and use it as a road map to getting a badge.

[polecat]

Come on PC, how is anyone supposed to know? Most of the time your contributions, albeit harsh, have some element of truth attached to them. Your post is completely off base.

That’s why it takes so long to get a job….there’s so much misinformation out there. In my opinion, candidates waste their time going in the wrong direction.

Doc,
Keep asking questions, you’re doing the right thing. This is the right place to garner as much information as you can. Don’t make a move without being certain it is getting you closer to your goal. Print my Two Year Plan and use it as a road map to getting a badge.

CHIEF, I'M SURPRISED YOU DISAGREE SO VEHEMENTLY WITH ME, ON WHAT I THOUGHT WAS SOUND ADVISE. IS IT SO UNREASONABLE TO EXPECT A 23 YR.OLD TO PICK-UP OR DOWN LOAD AN APPLICATION PACKAGE, THAT SURELY WOULD SPECIFY THE MINIMUM AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS ? I AM ALL FOR TRYING TO ASSIST ANYONE, WITH A SINCERE INTEREST IN A FIREFIGHTING CAREER, HOWEVER THIS LAD IS NOT MAKING A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION, BY CANVASSING FIREHALLS WITH-OUT A SINGLE COURSE UNDER HIS BELT. BY THE WAY CHIEF, YOU'VE BEEN CRANKING OUT SOME EXCELLENT MATERIAL LATELY, AND IF CHRISPY CREAM WAS WISE HE SHOULD FOLLOW YOUR ADVISE, EXCEPT THE PART ABOUT HANGING AROUND THE FIREHALL.

[TeayotaSoupra]

polecat... there is a key on the keyboard labeled Caps Lock.. push it...


I think it's good the guy got out and tried to seek advice from someone he KNOWS is a firefighter. Coming on here will give him mixed opinions like are offered in this thread.

Personally I think it's always good to volunteer first. This is one of the few careers that you can try out before waiting someone’s time and money. Well.. money.. volunteering you'll waist someone’s time if you do the training and don't stay. BUT volunteering will show you a lot but not everything.
Hell I didn't know I was going to love it as much as I do. And I spend a lot of time doing nothing but cleaning the station and cleaning trucks! I volunteer and try to get all the training I possibly can. Now i'm thinking of applying for a paid position in another town when the time comes for it. I'll have a few more months to get more training under my belt, even though they'll redo it all...

[Chrispy]

Well I took the advice of the guy at the first Fire department and went to the other and spoke with someone there as well, I ended up filling out an application to become a volunteer there. I had an interview I also did a bit of training with them and was invited out by a couple of guys for some wings. While talking with them I found out one of them was a teacher at the academe and what he said was along the lines of what BC said, From what I understand, after going through the academe all I would need is 2 semesters to get a 2 year degree, They also said that I was most likely to get the position there. I find out for sure tomorrow.
I want to thank everyone for helping me out, and say I think going to that first fire department was a really good idea, and I was encouraged to stop by the fire house and ask to do some training with them, ask what things are how they work and what they are used for. In any case I’m very excited about the possibility of getting on as a volunteer and start working on my career. Again thanks.

[BCLepore]

PC,
I am the first person to speak up if I believe someone is taking the easy way out. Not everyone grew up in a firefighter family (I did not), and not everyone has a friend, relative, or neighbor who is a firefighter.
Many people have no idea where to turn to get GOOD information on how to get hired in the fire service. More confusing is the fact that two firefighters sitting side by side at the kitchen table often don't agree on what path an aspiring firefighter should take.
I encourage people to come to these forums to ask questions. The best way WE can help them is to give the QUALIFIED information to popint them in the right direction.

Stay safe,

Paul Lepore
Battalion Chief
www.aspiringfirefighters.com

[JohnVBFD]

CHIEF, I'M SURPRISED YOU DISAGREE SO VEHEMENTLY WITH ME, ON WHAT I THOUGHT WAS SOUND ADVISE. IS IT SO UNREASONABLE TO EXPECT A 23 YR.OLD TO PICK-UP OR DOWN LOAD AN APPLICATION PACKAGE, THAT SURELY WOULD SPECIFY THE MINIMUM AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS ? I AM ALL FOR TRYING TO ASSIST ANYONE, WITH A SINCERE INTEREST IN A FIREFIGHTING CAREER, HOWEVER THIS LAD IS NOT MAKING A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION, BY CANVASSING FIREHALLS WITH-OUT A SINGLE COURSE UNDER HIS BELT. BY THE WAY CHIEF, YOU'VE BEEN CRANKING OUT SOME EXCELLENT MATERIAL LATELY, AND IF CHRISPY CREAM WAS WISE HE SHOULD FOLLOW YOUR ADVISE, EXCEPT THE PART ABOUT HANGING AROUND THE FIREHALL.

Single course under his belt? Since when does one have to be qualified before talking to firefighters? Holy shinikes. Does anyone meet your lofty standards for a recruit firefighter?

An application packet can tell you what they are looking for and what you have to do. However, NO peice of paper can describe for you the accurate day in day out lifestyle of your local fire department. Paper can not describe moral, leadership, vision or anything like that. Only a LIVING BREATHING person can do that.

But hey, like I said. Keep your firehouse doors shut. Go tell everyone who stops by to go download the application packet. Just don't come crying back on these boards when your staffing is down to bare minimum because you couldn't recruit interested people.

[Chrispy]

I’m sorry I think some of you have forgotten what this thread is about. “I want to be a fire fighter” again I thank those who have helped, but debating about if going to a fire department to ask questions was a good idea or not is not what I asked.

[jerry4184]

The thread is, what it has become.

I do agree with many here though. Going to a firehouse with no training or certifications is how most of our firefighters started. The best way to get to know what to do, what you need, and what it's like is to talk to those that do it. Our firehouse doors are always open (figuratively of course, it IS a volunteer station). If nothing we view that station as not only our home away from home, but the publics place to come look at their fire department, see what we do, and see whats going on in their neighborhood.

[JohnVBFD]

I’m sorry I think some of you have forgotten what this thread is about. “I want to be a fire fighter” again I thank those who have helped, but debating about if going to a fire department to ask questions was a good idea or not is not what I asked.

Some of the conversation is not what you asked no. But this is what firefighters do. We don't spend "x" amount of time in our lives together, talking and agreeing about everything.

So while some of this might be helpful to you, some of this might be helpful to others. Espically to someone who might be made to feel like an idiot, or get the wrong impression about asking current active firefighters about the job.

As I tell my wife quite frequently, "It isn't all about you" :D

[Chrispy]

Well im now a probationary fire fighter at a volunteer fire department :-)