I'm 13, and i have 5 years to go...

[PFVFRWFD1]

If yor state allows for it go take an EMT class and a ff1 and 2 class get ahead of the game....find a junior ff program

[t0asty]

I know that our post can take EMT classes but I don't think they will send us through ff1 classes.

[jrfireemt]

yeah, our state wont let me take it until i'm a sophmore in high school. so i have a few years. and same with ff1 ff2 and haz-mat, i have to pay 6000 to do it when i'm 16, or i can just wait 2 years and do it for free w/ the department.

[NWOhio157]

Our state has a set up with each of the school districts and colleges/universities. It's Post Secondary Options. For example: my school district will pay my tuition, books, and fees for me to take college courses for college and high school credit. I will be taking Fire Science this fall and I will have one semester of my associates degree in fire science tech finished before I graduate high school. Now, when I pass the EMT-B test or FF-I test before I turn 18 (probably not goign to happen), the state will hold my cert for me and I don't have to take the test again when I do turn 18 because I would've already passed it.

[jacklrd]

yeah, our state wont let me take it until i'm a sophmore in high school. so i have a few years. and same with ff1 ff2 and haz-mat, i have to pay 6000 to do it when i'm 16, or i can just wait 2 years and do it for free w/ the department.

I would recommend waiting for the department-your not going to be using the certs with out a department anyway.

Edited to add-$6000 is a lot of cash

[jrfireemt]

i emphsis A LOT as well, because i know i'm not paying that much, ecspecially if i am learning from the guys like i am already

[RFDExplorer]

JrFireEMT:

If you really want to start learning, I would recommend buying the book, Essentials of Firefighting 4th Edition. It's much cheaper than $6,000. Memorizing that book will set you apart from many, and will show you have enough character, motivation, and knowledge to become a Firefighter.

http://www.amazon.com/Essentials-Fir...8488846&sr=1-1

[sparkyatdfd]

My story is similar to yours...but I knew much earlier than 13 what I wanted to do. My first bunker gear was a rain jacket and yellow ski pants with lens repair tape for reflective trim. As I got older I joined the fire explorer program...and bought a Essentials of Firefighting manual.

Now for the "running" part:
You are excited because you found a job you are passionate about and highly desire. Not many people know what they want at such a young age. This is a blessing and a curse...mostly a blessing, of course.
Start running to build up your endurance and stamina because at your age time doesn't fly by AND it will be VERY HARD to get hired at 18. It took me till I was 24 to get my full-time career firefighting job. There are ALOT of people out there for FEW jobs.

Now I run the fire explorer program for my fire department.

HERE IS THE BEST ADVICE FOR STARTING A FIRE EXPLORER PROGRAM:
1) Find at least five other kids who are interested in exploring a career in the fire service. They can be your friends or just people you ask at school...your best bet at getting the fire department to support a program is by showing them that there is a true need.

2) Find a firefighter or two that you know (since you hang out at the station) that would be willing to be "run" the program.

If you can accomplish those two things you have the BEST CHANCE of a fire chief supporting an explorer program.

If I can be of any help, you can contact me at jbarrett@firehousemail.com.

[jrfireemt]

If yor state allows for it go take an EMT class and a ff1 and 2 class get ahead of the game....find a junior ff program

i'm enrolled in the emt-basic, and i'm getting enrolled in the fire acadamey soon!

[jrfireemt]

Our state has a set up with each of the school districts and colleges/universities. It's Post Secondary Options. For example: my school district will pay my tuition, books, and fees for me to take college courses for college and high school credit. I will be taking Fire Science this fall and I will have one semester of my associates degree in fire science tech finished before I graduate high school. Now, when I pass the EMT-B test or FF-I test before I turn 18 (probably not goign to happen), the state will hold my cert for me and I don't have to take the test again when I do turn 18 because I would've already passed it.

how old r u,and what state do you live in?

[jrfireemt]

JrFireEMT:

If you really want to start learning, I would recommend buying the book, Essentials of Firefighting 4th Edition. It's much cheaper than $6,000. Memorizing that book will set you apart from many, and will show you have enough character, motivation, and knowledge to become a Firefighter.

http://www.amazon.com/Essentials-Fir...8488846&sr=1-1

i have it!

[jrfireemt]

hey, does anyone know where i might be able to get some used emt pants, or could i buy some from any of you guys?

[t0asty]

ebay check there.

[NWOhio157]

how old r u,and what state do you live in?

I'm 16 years old and I live in Ohio.
(it has always said Northwest Ohio under my location under my screen name )

PS-

Firehouse.com is not AIM or Yahoo!. Please use proper grammer and spelling. Please act professionally and maturely. No hard feelings. Just a friendly warning. The senior guys will get on you for it.

Man, this is becoming a day-job for me.

[jrfireemt]

yeah, sorry, i was chatting at the same time, and i didnt notice that it said your location there, i just wondered if you lived near me, 'case i wondered if my state would hold my license too.

[HVFD65LRS372]

My question is if you are 13 how are you enrolled in and EMT class? Most states won't let you take the class until you are 18. Mind explaining? Ditto w/ the fire academy deal.

[jrfireemt]

i get to sit in with the classes, because i have experiance in firefighting and medicals, and because i have already read both of the books, so it's not like i'm clueless or anything. oh, and because i'm determenied or something, that's what the instructor said.

[GFD748]

Talk to the Boy Scouts. They do most of the the Explorer Post in my area, may be they can help you find and or start one with the department near you. Just a thought, hope it helps.

[jrfireemt]

ok, i will
and i've been hearing taht there's an explorer program in salt lake, but you have to be 16 i'll see what i can do though! thanks!

[jrfireemt]

cool, i got new pictures!