2 answers
Tyrese
Student
Miami Gardens, Florida
9
Questions
Asked
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Where do I begin to become a firefighter?
#firefighter #chefs
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2 answers
Ryan Pfeiffer, MA
Firefighter Lieutenant / EMT
102
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hello Tyrese!
There are a variety of ways to get into firefighting! It almost always depends on where you live.
In some communities, fire departments will post a job opening just like any other business would. You apply, and if you're hired, the fire department will pay you to attend a ~16 to 32 week-long firefighter academy that teaches you everything you need to know. This is risky for the fire department though...what if you can't pass the academy, or decide you don't like firefighting?
For these reasons, many fire departments expect you to have firefighter training and/or experience before you apply for their job openings. If this is the case, most community colleges offer a one or two semester firefighter academy. You learn all the same skills, but unfortunately you're paying to be there instead of being paid to be there.
Especially in more rural areas, it is possible to be hired as a volunteer firefighter before receiving any firefighter certifications or training. In exchange for your volunteer time serving the community, many of these volunteer fire departments will put you through an internal fire academy that they run, or pay your tuition for you to complete an academy at the community college. That's how I got my initial training and certifications!
The best course of action is to stop by a local fire station. Ask the firefighters on duty if they could tell you what the local options for fire academies are, and what local fire departments use volunteer firefighters.
I hope that information helps! Please let me know if you have any more questions.
There are a variety of ways to get into firefighting! It almost always depends on where you live.
In some communities, fire departments will post a job opening just like any other business would. You apply, and if you're hired, the fire department will pay you to attend a ~16 to 32 week-long firefighter academy that teaches you everything you need to know. This is risky for the fire department though...what if you can't pass the academy, or decide you don't like firefighting?
For these reasons, many fire departments expect you to have firefighter training and/or experience before you apply for their job openings. If this is the case, most community colleges offer a one or two semester firefighter academy. You learn all the same skills, but unfortunately you're paying to be there instead of being paid to be there.
Especially in more rural areas, it is possible to be hired as a volunteer firefighter before receiving any firefighter certifications or training. In exchange for your volunteer time serving the community, many of these volunteer fire departments will put you through an internal fire academy that they run, or pay your tuition for you to complete an academy at the community college. That's how I got my initial training and certifications!
The best course of action is to stop by a local fire station. Ask the firefighters on duty if they could tell you what the local options for fire academies are, and what local fire departments use volunteer firefighters.
I hope that information helps! Please let me know if you have any more questions.
Suzanne Swain Brint
Nursing
169
Answers
Santa Monica, California
Updated
Suzanne’s Answer
Hi Tyrese M.,
There are a couple of great ways to get yourself ready to become a firefighter. The very first is getting in really good shape. You can aim to take fire science in college in preparation for your career. Additionally, you can volunteer locally!
Please read through this basic information (copy and paste the URLS into your browser):
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/service.page?Mduid_service=ser1471551242298814
https://www.miamidade.gov/fire/library/employment-info.pdf
https://www.mdc.edu/justice/fire-science/fire-fighter-certification.aspx
https://www.myfloridacfo.com/division/sfm/VOLFF/
I hope this information is helpful. Best of luck on your pursuits!
Sue, RN, MSN
There are a couple of great ways to get yourself ready to become a firefighter. The very first is getting in really good shape. You can aim to take fire science in college in preparation for your career. Additionally, you can volunteer locally!
Please read through this basic information (copy and paste the URLS into your browser):
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/service.page?Mduid_service=ser1471551242298814
https://www.miamidade.gov/fire/library/employment-info.pdf
https://www.mdc.edu/justice/fire-science/fire-fighter-certification.aspx
https://www.myfloridacfo.com/division/sfm/VOLFF/
I hope this information is helpful. Best of luck on your pursuits!
Sue, RN, MSN