Am I on the right track? California FF

[pappaly]

Hey everyone,
I joined this forum a when I was in high school looking for more information on becoming a Firefighter, and now I am getting closer and closer to my goal. I just wanted to get some input and advice, and also see if I was moving in the right direction.

I am hoping to become a Firefighter here in California, from what I understand and here it is extremely competitive. So I am just trying to soak up as much info as I can to better myself.

About me now, I live in the bay area, I am finishing up all my general education at Solano Community College. I graduated high school with a 3.5 GPA, I have finished 3 semesters at Solano Community with a cumulative GPA of 3.5.

So what I am planning to do is, I plan on taking an EMT-B course this summer, and afterwards hoping to get a job with an Ambulance job here in the bay area. Then this coming fall I am taking some fire technology courses at Solano Community College, and plan on attending Solano's Fire Academy next spring. Once I finish the Academy I should have an Associates in Fire Technology.
From then on I plan on applying for some volunteer and full time firefighting jobs.

Does it sound like I am on the right track? What else can I do to better my chances of getting a full time firefighting job, or even just a volunteer position at a Fire Department?

Thanks everyone,
Anthony

[fire49]

check any departments that are testing now and in future to see what the minimum is to apply and test.

If you have the minimum test, test, test!!!!

stay out of trouble to include trafic tickets, get into shape

check this program::

http://www.eatstress.com/firezine_signup.htm

[pappaly]

Thanks Fire49.

I am working on getting in good shape, I am not in terrible shape, or overweight or anything, but I need to get better physical condition.

Also, I haven't ever been arrested or done drugs, or anything like that, but I have ONE traffic violation. Would even just one hinder me a whole lot? It was a handsfree violation, I was on the phone, stupid mistake on my part and I have learned my lesson. The violation didn't add a point to my driving record, insurance didn't go up or anything, but I still got the violation. Would that kill my dreams?

Most departments in my area require at a minimum an EMT-B/EMT-1 cert to apply and test for a volunteer position, and to apply for a full time position, most require EMT-B, CPAT, and completion of a Firefighter 1 Academy.

So once I get my EMT-B I guess I'll start looking into volunteer positions, and I plan on getting the Academy started by next spring.

[fire49]

no the traffic ticket will not hurt you

sounds like you are on right track, would go for the minimum first, and then start testing while you add to the those certs.

I keep hearing that calif is very competitive, lots of people testing for few postions.

if you want to come to texas plenty of places testing, would suggest get paramedic if you do:::

http://www.tcfp.texas.gov/job_postings/jobs.asp


http://www.tcfp.texas.gov/certificat...ansferring.asp

[pappaly]

no the traffic ticket will not hurt you

sounds like you are on right track, would go for the minimum first, and then start testing while you add to the those certs.

I keep hearing that calif is very competitive, lots of people testing for few postions.

if you want to come to texas plenty of places testing, would suggest get paramedic if you do:::

http://www.tcfp.texas.gov/job_postings/jobs.asp


http://www.tcfp.texas.gov/certificat...ansferring.asp

I'd like to focus on California as much as I can, but if need be I would be open to moving.
Does firefighter certs transfer over in Texas? Like would a California Fire Academy transfer in Texas.

[fire49]

http://www.tcfp.texas.gov/certificat...ansferring.asp

check this link and call the commision direct.

we do have people from calif apply here, so my guess is yes

[pappaly]

http://www.tcfp.texas.gov/certificat...ansferring.asp

check this link and call the commision direct.

we do have people from calif apply here, so my guess is yes

Thanks Fire49. Relocating won't be an option for me anytime soon, but its good to know. Thanks!