3 answers
Colby
Student
Elyria, Ohio
4
Questions
Asked
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What do you have to do to become a Fire Fighter
Hi I am in 12 grade and this career has been interesting me for a while.I have no definite plan on what to do after school and I am scared for my future especially because my brain is not set just on this career but I just need some clarification
#firefighter #firefighting
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3 answers
Darin Munnell
3rd Shift Custodial
74
Answers
El Monte, California
Updated
Darin’s Answer
Pay a visit to your local firehouse and schedule a time to sit down and talk with them. That would be the best place to start first if firefighting is a career you are considering. My other advice I'd give you is look into a fire science degree. While most fire departments only require a high school diploma and a degree is not really required to become a firefighter it will help you if you want to advance up the ranks.
Thank you for the well need guidance!
Colby
Ryan Pfeiffer, MA
Firefighter Lieutenant / EMT
94
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hello Colby. First, let me say don't be scared about your career! My post-high school career plans have changed at least 2-3 times, and it's changed for most of the people I know as well. You're absolutely allowed to change your mind.
That said, firefighting is an outstanding career choice. It serves the community in a vital way, and there are many perks - the best of which (in my opinion) is not being stuck behind a desk looking at a computer screen 40+ hours a week (been there, done that, and quit!).
See below for what I would suggest as the next steps to take.
Summary: Look for local fire department youth programs, try to take Firefighting of Medical community college classes, look at becoming a volunteer firefighter, stay fit/healthy/studious/clean, and lastly seek to obtain related skills/certifications/experiences.
Most importantly, enjoy your youth. Adulthood, especially firefighting, can be very stressful at times. I started volunteering at my local fire department at age 16....I don't regret it, but I do sometimes wish I hadn't tried to grow up so fast.
Let me know if you have any more questions!
If you're under 18, contact your local fire departments within driving distance and ask if they have any kind of Explorer, Cadet, or Junior Firefighter Program (different fire departments refer to their youth programs as different things).
If no youth programs exist, contact your High School guidance counselor or local community college's admissions department and ask if they have a concurrent or dual enrollment agreement in place. If so, see if you can register for a Firefighter I or EMT class while you're still in High School.
If you're over 18, contact your local fire departments within driving distance and ask if they have a Volunteer or Reserve Firefighter Program. They may allow you to begin working, or at least training, before you've even attended an academy or been certified.
If none of the above options pan out, you may have to wait until you're 18 and/or have graduated high school. In the meantime, work to improve your physical fitness! You will need to be in good shape to complete the academy (and do the job). Don't let your grades drop! You may be asked to share your transcripts when applying, and hiring boards will think less of you if don't put in any effort at school. Lastly, stay out of trouble! To work in public safety you must be mature & trustworthy. Speeding, careless driving, underage drinking or drugs / DUI, or assault charges will end your career before it even begins.
Seek out other related opportunities for your resume, such as: CPR/AED certification, babysitting, lifeguarding, sports, and community service.
That said, firefighting is an outstanding career choice. It serves the community in a vital way, and there are many perks - the best of which (in my opinion) is not being stuck behind a desk looking at a computer screen 40+ hours a week (been there, done that, and quit!).
See below for what I would suggest as the next steps to take.
Summary: Look for local fire department youth programs, try to take Firefighting of Medical community college classes, look at becoming a volunteer firefighter, stay fit/healthy/studious/clean, and lastly seek to obtain related skills/certifications/experiences.
Most importantly, enjoy your youth. Adulthood, especially firefighting, can be very stressful at times. I started volunteering at my local fire department at age 16....I don't regret it, but I do sometimes wish I hadn't tried to grow up so fast.
Let me know if you have any more questions!
Ryan recommends the following next steps:
Thanks I appreciate it,for giving me the clarification I needed!
Colby
Eric Swanson
2
Answers
Updated
Eric’s Answer
I see you are in Elyria, OH. I am also in Ohio, and in Ohio, the requirements are governed by the Ohio Dept of Public Safety. Most people in Ohio start out in a firefighters academy. There is one offered thru Cuyahoga Community College on a regular basis. It lasts around 4 months, and when you finish, you will have the certification to function as a Firefighter Level II. You will more than likely have to take your EMT-B course as well, if it is not included in that course. If you want to work for one of the bigger cities, such as Cleveland or Columbus, they will put you thru their own academy, regardless of what other training you may already have done.
There are also various departments that have youth oriented programs, such as firestarters, fire rangers, etc that can give you an early feel for the firefighting field. Most professional fire departments in NE Ohio will require paramedic training, as well as a civil service test, along with a physical agility test and back ground check. You can also volunteer at an area fire department to get a feel to see if this is something you really want to do. You do need to stay out of trouble as well.
Some high schools also offer the Firefighting program as well as the EMT-B. Medina County Career Center has such a program, and i think the Lorain County Joint Vocation School in Oberlin has such a program as well.
Hope that helps
The future will always be scary, because it is unknown. Whatever you chose to do in your life, make sure it is something you will truly enjoy. Ask any firefighter, they either love the job or hate it. It is a job like no other.
Most of the job is EMS oriented nowadays, meaning most of the calls are EMS oriented, sometimes upwards of 80% of the total calls. Once you get into the field, there are opportunites for further education such as Fire Inspector, Fire Officer, Associates of Fire Science, as well as Continuing Education to keep your skills fresh.
Go to the local FD and talk to the firefighters. Ask questions and go for a ride along if possible.
There are also various departments that have youth oriented programs, such as firestarters, fire rangers, etc that can give you an early feel for the firefighting field. Most professional fire departments in NE Ohio will require paramedic training, as well as a civil service test, along with a physical agility test and back ground check. You can also volunteer at an area fire department to get a feel to see if this is something you really want to do. You do need to stay out of trouble as well.
Some high schools also offer the Firefighting program as well as the EMT-B. Medina County Career Center has such a program, and i think the Lorain County Joint Vocation School in Oberlin has such a program as well.
Hope that helps
The future will always be scary, because it is unknown. Whatever you chose to do in your life, make sure it is something you will truly enjoy. Ask any firefighter, they either love the job or hate it. It is a job like no other.
Most of the job is EMS oriented nowadays, meaning most of the calls are EMS oriented, sometimes upwards of 80% of the total calls. Once you get into the field, there are opportunites for further education such as Fire Inspector, Fire Officer, Associates of Fire Science, as well as Continuing Education to keep your skills fresh.
Eric recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much I appreciate the time you gave to respond to me!
Colby