What are the steps I need to take towards becoming a career firefighter?

Question

I've enrolled in fire sciences classes and am taking EMT training. What other steps should I take to improve my chances of getting hired?

Answer 1

Requirements will vary state to state.

In California:
1. Firefighter 1
2.. EMT or better
3. AA in firescience...or any 2 year or better degree.
4. work experience: volunteer firefighter, resisdent, ambulance etc.
5. Fire Academy

But all this stuff only gets your in the door.

Ultimately you need to test well, be lucky, and most importantly interview like somebody they want to hang around 24 hours with.

Answer 2

you need a lot of things but mostly you need to network. Find out what firefighter associations you can join. Find out what counties accept volunteer firefighters and move to that county. Take on a part time job related like working in an emergency room, 911 dispatcher, or EMT. Most firefighters getting hired today are paramedics, but don't let that hold you back. If you speak a foriegn language this will go along way. You have to get into the fire house and see if you can do a ride along. You need to meet the chief and do your homework. Find out if the chief is involved in any pet projects and see if you can be part of that. Doing well in the written tests and the physical tests is what gets you on the hiring list, however you really need to get your name around with the department, especially a captain or chief. Always bring something when you go visit them like icecream or a pie. Start building your resume with volunteer activities in your community. This is the most difficult job to get, it takes people on average 5 years to get hired. I got on the hiring list within a year because of all the things I mentioned above. You can too, but you have to be smart about it and committed.
Good Luck!

Answer 3

Work out to build strength. Volunteer as a firefighter.