Firefighting is not just a job; it’s a commitment. Regardless of how demanding this job is, there’s still a high demand for this profession. The field of firefighting is highly competitive and may require certain abilities, characteristics, and qualifications to enter. This article delves into what should and shouldn’t be done when pursuing this field.
Becoming a firefighter is not easy; it’s very far from it. This is why Firefighter trophies are given to firefighters who have dedicated their lives to protect and serve their communities. It is a very competitive career, and you’ll compete against hundreds or thousands of candidates, depending on the department. Hence, it would help if you stood out from the crowd.
Here’s a quick guide on what you should or shouldn’t do if you want to become a firefighter:
1. Fulfill The Basic Requirements To Become A Firefighter:
First and foremost, you must have a valid driver’s license and meet the age requirement of 18. People under the age of 18 can apply to be junior firefighters. Being a good driver may not sound necessary, but it surely can come in handy on some days.
2. Meet And Surpass Education Requirements:
Although the minimum requirement for this job is a high school diploma or GED, many firefighters obtain a degree in fire science to be advanced and proficient in their field. Furthermore, it is advisable to become an EMT. Having a background in both EMT and Fire can dramatically increase the chances of you getting recruited. For some departments, an EMT certification may be a requirement, and bigger departments may even require a paramedic’s license.
3. Physical Fitness:
Maintaining excellent physical condition is one of the primary requirements of becoming a firefighter. Consequently, this is examined by a physical ability test. For this, A CPAT is conducted, which requires stair climb, hose drag, carrying equipment, ladder raise and extension, rescue evaluation, forcible entry search assessment, and ceiling breach and pull. This helps assess the individual’s cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and overall physical readiness. Therefore, prepare yourself for the physical nature of the career.
4. Maintain A Clean Record:
Personal conduct is held in high regard by the fire departments. Thus, stay out of trouble. Aspiring firefighters must maintain a clean criminal record, and if you’ve had trouble, do not lie about it. Instead, take ownership. Explain to the recruiters how you’ve tried to rectify your mistakes. Lastly, be honest and upfront about your driving records, such as the dates and locations of your accidents and the outcomes.
5. Social Media Presence:
Social media has become a significant part of our lives, making fire departments need to review every candidate’s social media platforms. Maintain a respectable online presence, and remove embarrassing, immature, or inappropriate content on your page.
6. Proving Fiscal Responsibility:
Firefighters have valuable resources at their disposal. Hence, fire departments need to know if you have a sense of financial responsibility. This is evaluated by running a background check and checking each candidate’s credit score; it’s important to remember that bad credit will hurt your chances.
7. Get Involved with Your Community:
Being a firefighter is more than just a profession; it’s a calling to serve and protect your community. This includes volunteering, participating in local events, or joining community service organizations. The work doesn’t necessarily have to be fire-related; as long as it makes a difference, it will be acceptable. Good examples of this include associating yourself with the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, or other such organizations.
8. Pass The Written Exam:
This should not surprise anyone reading this; passing the written exam is a given. Just study hard, put in the effort, and give your best. The written will comprise two categories along with a multiple-choice questionnaire. You can always check out some test-taking basics to get an excellent result.
9. Prepare Yourself For A Psychological Test:
Firefighting is a physically and mentally demanding profession; consequently, candidates are required to undergo a psychological evaluation to ensure that they possess the necessary emotional stability and resilience to work in this field. You can’t study for this one, but remember that it exists and prepare for it.
10. Graduate A Fire Academy:
Training can often provide hands-on exercises and simulations to imitate real-life events, providing you with the needed skills and confidence to excel in this field. Get yourself state-entry firefighter certifications such as Firefighter I and II. Even though you’ll still need to attend the department’s academy for training, this will give you an edge over others. It’ll help you understand and learn the practical skills of the upcoming job.
11. Ace The Interview:
Lastly, you’ll have to pass the final stage, which is the interview. The interview allows candidates to showcase their personality and suitability for the role, which is precisely why you must ensure you are well prepared. Practice answering questions you know the interviewer will ask, such as “Why do you want to be a firefighter?” The interview process is your time to shine.
Firefighting is a profound responsibility that demands bravery, courage, and sacrifice. During times of danger, firefighters are expected to embody heroism, selflessness, and resilience, and there’s a good reason why these people stand out as our heroes.
