How do you become a fire fighter?

Answer 1

How to become a firefighter.... VOLUNTEER- you go to your local volunteer fire station and get an app! Return it, They will do a history check on you, Then do a vote, Then call you to come get sized up for your gear and to get a pager. Then attend the training classes! With being a volunteer most departments you can join at the age of 16 to be a Jr. firefighter! PAID- go to city hall and ask about being a firefighter and they will either give you an app and do the same as a volunteer or tell you to go the fire house and get an app. But there are waiting list for paid department and some lists can be up to 7 yr waiting list! But to be paid you need a to be out of high school of have a GED and be 18 or older! Then you go to fire school and take a written test and physical! But the weak will be weeded out through class and the written exam! Hope that answers your question!

-Firefighter J. Kain

Answer 2

You should stop in at your local fire department and ask to speak with the Chief he or she can tell you the requirements to join a specific department. But usually for Volunteer fire departments you just need to fill out some paper work and do training and be at least 16 although you can not go into a burning structure until your 18, for paid departments you need to be 18-21 depending on department and some require a college degree.

Answer 3

Some fire depts are Professional Depts. I suggest getting involved with a volunteer dept. They will get you trained, and ready to go. After getting trained, and educated i would try getting on a pro dept. good luck!

Answer 4

It depends on what state you want to be a firefighter in. Almost all states require some type of schooling. In Florida, we require 480 hours of training to obtain Firefighter II certification (which almost all fire departments require to be a paid firefighter) Approx 1/3 of the required hours for Firefighter II will qualify you for Firefighter I status. That is the requirement to become a volunteer firefighter in most departments. As I said though... that is for Florida. Each state is different. If your looking to make firefighting a career, you are best to just call the local department in the area where you are interested in working. Keep in mind, many departments now require medical training as well (such as EMT or Paramedic). Hope this helps a little.

Answer 5

get your certifications in ff and emt. usually at an academy. emt can be at a community college too. states have their own certifications though. be in good physical health, disciplined, and get volunteer experience to be more qualified. having a paramedic certification in addtion to an emt will help tremendously! other than that, good luck. very competitive.

Answer 6

One of the steps to become a firefighter is to become an EMT and also be prepared for a background check. Take fire technology classes at a local community college in order to be better prepared to take the firefighter test.

Answer 7

For those interested in having a personally fulfilling profession that helps people save lives, becoming a firefighter could be an excellent option. Firefighters are typically well compensated, have great benefits, flexible work schedules, and well respected in the community. While it can be a great profession, becoming a firefighter can be a little more complicated than obtaining a position in other professions.

The first step in becoming a firefighter is to complete any necessary education. While many fire departments do not require any advanced education, many do require their firefighters to be licensed as a paramedic. To open as many opportunities as possible, it would be wise to obtain an associate’s degree in paramedics. This will teach you all about CPR and other life saving techniques that are crucial and required on a regular basis as a firefighter.

The next step in becoming a firefighter is to find a community to work for. Most villages and cities of all sizes have their own fire departments. However, since it is a great profession, fire departments do not frequently have the same employee turnover as other professions. To look for open positions, you will need to check with each village or city individually. Many cities have information regarding open positions listed on their website. The information that is found online will tell you how many positions they are looking to fill, when applications are due, and what requirements a person will need to meet.

After finding a position to apply for, the next step will be to apply. The application process to become a firefighter is much more formal and rigorous than other professions. First, you will need to go in and complete a written test. Assuming that test is passed, you will need to take a physical test. The physical test is needed to ensure that you can complete physical acts that are required by the job. You will also need to pass a psychological exam and a thorough background check.

After you have finished the application process, you will be ranked and placed on a list. As positions become available, the fire department will contact you to continue the hiring process.

Answer 8

The Maltese Cross is one of the most recognizable symbols of fire departments across the United States. It originated from the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem's insignia. The Knights were steadily assaulted with what was called "Greek Fire," a mixture of naptha and other highly flammable chemicals that would spontaneously ignite upon impact, as they battled with the Saracens. Water was useless against the flames, and many of the Knights of St. John died.

The Knights' emblem lives on, however, and represents the characteristics of all good firefighters: loyalty, perseverance, dexterity, explicitness, observation, sympathy, gallantry, and tact. Of course today, while these traits may help you become the best firefighter you can be, you will also need to have experience, a good background, and education as you prepare for the career of your dreams.

Hands On Experience

Getting your foot in the door at a volunteer department can help you network and learn the basics of firefighting. You will get intensive hands-on experience and training while you meet others in the service and meet men and women who can mentor you throughout the process. Although some may underestimate volunteer firefighters, or "vollies," the vast majority of fire departments in the United States today are volunteer departments, and they are often as highly trained as any paid department.

Do Your Homework

You will also need to spend some time preparing for your background investigation and interviews. While at first glance this may seem to be the final step in the process of becoming a firefighter, it can also be one of the most time consuming. It should be started early in the process to ensure you have all your bases covered. If your background has a few legal stains, you can begin doing damage control by taking anger management classes, volunteering, or paying off outstanding debts in order to clean it up. You should also start gathering information regarding your full job history, education, driving record, and personal references.

Educational Requirements

Becoming a firefighter also requires specific classes and training, much of which can be found at your local community college. Most paid fire departments require firefighters to have a minimum of an EMT-B or a paramedic license. Firefighter II and III are required courses. Hazardous Materials and First Responders courses are beneficial, for some departments, may be required as well. An Associates in Fire Science can make the entire process go more smoothly.

Being a firefighter is more than just a career; join a community like http://www.firerecruit.com/ to become as immersed in this new lifestyle as possible.