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Alec
Student
Elyria, Ohio
4
Questions
Asked
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What is the best route to becoming a fire fighter?
I like the idea of becoming a fire fighter and helping people and ping them safe. What is the best route to getting a fire fighter job as well and keeping that job? #firefighting #worker
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1 answer
Ryan Pfeiffer, MA
Firefighter Lieutenant / EMT
104
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hello Alec. Thanks for your interest in firefighting! It's a great career.
The best route into firefighting is to:
1) While in high school, maintain good grades. You don't need straight A's or advanced classes, but you need to demonstrate that you take your education seriously, can follow through on your commitments, and have basic reading & writing skills.
2) Get involved in your local community. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4H, Boys & Girls Club, Explorer Programs, Habitat for Humanity, The Humane Society, Homeless Shelters, National Honor Society, etc. etc. Bonus points if its related to fire / medical (junior firefighter, lifeguarding, etc.) but that's not required. Your fire department will teach you to be a firefighter - but you need to show them you already know how to be a good citizen.
3) As soon as your 18, look at joining a volunteer fire department. Most firefighters I know, including myself, started their careers as volunteers. Get your foot in the door, learn the basics, demonstrate to the career fire departments that you've got what it takes, and you'll get picked up eventually.
4) In the meantime, if you're out of high school but not hired by a fire department yet, start working in the most similar career field you can. Even though your goal is firefighting, don't be afraid of working as an EMT, wildland firefighter, lifeguard, ski patrol, summer camp health officer, security guard, jail deputy, community service officer, etc. Anything that gets you experience working in stressful situations, interacting with members of the public, using good customer service, and or using basic first aid skills will help you.
5) Apply everywhere, and be patient. Sometimes I see young people get set one working for one specific fire department and waste years waiting to be hired. There's nothing wrong with having dreams and goals, but most firefighters I know, including myself, applied for 30+ firefighting positions before being hired. It's a competitive job market. Apply everywhere you're willing to work, and don't give up after a few rejections.
6) Lastly, as far as keeping your job, it's actually pretty easy. A) Respect your officers and chiefs, B) Treat your coworkers and customers with respect, C) Never, ever, lie steal or cheat, D) Stay Healthy! Eat right, workout, stretch, meditate, see a counselor as often as you get your teeth cleaned, wash the smoke and soot off your gear after every fire, and see a doctor regularly.
I hope that helped! Let me know if you have any more questions!
The best route into firefighting is to:
1) While in high school, maintain good grades. You don't need straight A's or advanced classes, but you need to demonstrate that you take your education seriously, can follow through on your commitments, and have basic reading & writing skills.
2) Get involved in your local community. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4H, Boys & Girls Club, Explorer Programs, Habitat for Humanity, The Humane Society, Homeless Shelters, National Honor Society, etc. etc. Bonus points if its related to fire / medical (junior firefighter, lifeguarding, etc.) but that's not required. Your fire department will teach you to be a firefighter - but you need to show them you already know how to be a good citizen.
3) As soon as your 18, look at joining a volunteer fire department. Most firefighters I know, including myself, started their careers as volunteers. Get your foot in the door, learn the basics, demonstrate to the career fire departments that you've got what it takes, and you'll get picked up eventually.
4) In the meantime, if you're out of high school but not hired by a fire department yet, start working in the most similar career field you can. Even though your goal is firefighting, don't be afraid of working as an EMT, wildland firefighter, lifeguard, ski patrol, summer camp health officer, security guard, jail deputy, community service officer, etc. Anything that gets you experience working in stressful situations, interacting with members of the public, using good customer service, and or using basic first aid skills will help you.
5) Apply everywhere, and be patient. Sometimes I see young people get set one working for one specific fire department and waste years waiting to be hired. There's nothing wrong with having dreams and goals, but most firefighters I know, including myself, applied for 30+ firefighting positions before being hired. It's a competitive job market. Apply everywhere you're willing to work, and don't give up after a few rejections.
6) Lastly, as far as keeping your job, it's actually pretty easy. A) Respect your officers and chiefs, B) Treat your coworkers and customers with respect, C) Never, ever, lie steal or cheat, D) Stay Healthy! Eat right, workout, stretch, meditate, see a counselor as often as you get your teeth cleaned, wash the smoke and soot off your gear after every fire, and see a doctor regularly.
I hope that helped! Let me know if you have any more questions!