It's definitely not an easy task, and can vary be how big or small your city's fire department is, and how many other people are applying for the job. There are certainly things you can do to help increase your chances, such as keeping a clean criminal record, getting a college degree, being physically fit, among other things.
It may because being a firefighter is a position of public trust.
yes
jelousy, stupidity, discrimination, being sexist, insecurity,...things of that nature
You would have to put that information on your application and explain your situation tot them.
You help people get out of gases (stinky) and or fires
yes from the smoke in fires
Bullard hard hats are not just construction hard hats or simple hard hats. They also design specialty hard hats, such as firefighter helmets and thermal imaging helmets.
firefighters are like being in the military..you must have and keep a clean record
I would not think of it as hard. There are some physical demands, and of course the training is always on going. The hard part as times is the wait for openings and is dependent of test results.
a firefighter
No, it shouldn't be capitalized.
You can train for free to become a volunteer firefighter and there are firefighter training dvd's also.