Then there are those who just do it for a paycheck, then this career path is not for you. ._2cHgYGbfV9EZMSThqLt2tx{margin-bottom:16px;border-radius:4px}._3Q7WCNdCi77r0_CKPoDSFY{width:75%;height:24px}._2wgLWvNKnhoJX3DUVT_3F-,._3Q7WCNdCi77r0_CKPoDSFY{background:var(--newCommunityTheme-field);background-size:200%;margin-bottom:16px;border-radius:4px}._2wgLWvNKnhoJX3DUVT_3F-{width:100%;height:46px} .ehsOqYO6dxn_Pf9Dzwu37{margin-top:0;overflow:visible}._2pFdCpgBihIaYh9DSMWBIu{height:24px}._2pFdCpgBihIaYh9DSMWBIu.uMPgOFYlCc5uvpa2Lbteu{border-radius:2px}._2pFdCpgBihIaYh9DSMWBIu.uMPgOFYlCc5uvpa2Lbteu:focus,._2pFdCpgBihIaYh9DSMWBIu.uMPgOFYlCc5uvpa2Lbteu:hover{background-color:var(--newRedditTheme-navIconFaded10);outline:none}._38GxRFSqSC-Z2VLi5Xzkjy{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)}._2DO72U0b_6CUw3msKGrnnT{border-top:none;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText);cursor:pointer;padding:8px 16px 8px 8px;text-transform:none}._2DO72U0b_6CUw3msKGrnnT:hover{background-color:#0079d3;border:none;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-body);fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-body)} And sometimes you wind up with a high that will last weeks when you literally bring someone back to life. Firefighting is a calling. Each agency (Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Forest Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. One of a firefighter's most important skills involves knowledge of safety procedures and techniques. .c_dVyWK3BXRxSN3ULLJ_t{border-radius:4px 4px 0 0;height:34px;left:0;position:absolute;right:0;top:0}._1OQL3FCA9BfgI57ghHHgV3{-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-pack:start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-top:32px}._1OQL3FCA9BfgI57ghHHgV3 ._33jgwegeMTJ-FJaaHMeOjV{border-radius:9001px;height:32px;width:32px}._1OQL3FCA9BfgI57ghHHgV3 ._1wQQNkVR4qNpQCzA19X4B6{height:16px;margin-left:8px;width:200px}._39IvqNe6cqNVXcMFxFWFxx{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;margin:12px 0}._39IvqNe6cqNVXcMFxFWFxx ._29TSdL_ZMpyzfQ_bfdcBSc{-ms-flex:1;flex:1}._39IvqNe6cqNVXcMFxFWFxx .JEV9fXVlt_7DgH-zLepBH{height:18px;width:50px}._39IvqNe6cqNVXcMFxFWFxx ._3YCOmnWpGeRBW_Psd5WMPR{height:12px;margin-top:4px;width:60px}._2iO5zt81CSiYhWRF9WylyN{height:18px;margin-bottom:4px}._2iO5zt81CSiYhWRF9WylyN._2E9u5XvlGwlpnzki78vasG{width:230px}._2iO5zt81CSiYhWRF9WylyN.fDElwzn43eJToKzSCkejE{width:100%}._2iO5zt81CSiYhWRF9WylyN._2kNB7LAYYqYdyS85f8pqfi{width:250px}._2iO5zt81CSiYhWRF9WylyN._1XmngqAPKZO_1lDBwcQrR7{width:120px}._3XbVvl-zJDbcDeEdSgxV4_{border-radius:4px;height:32px;margin-top:16px;width:100%}._2hgXdc8jVQaXYAXvnqEyED{animation:_3XkHjK4wMgxtjzC1TvoXrb 1.5s ease infinite;background:linear-gradient(90deg,var(--newCommunityTheme-field),var(--newCommunityTheme-inactive),var(--newCommunityTheme-field));background-size:200%}._1KWSZXqSM_BLhBzkPyJFGR{background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetBackgroundColor);border-radius:4px;padding:12px;position:relative;width:auto} I disagree with the guy that says if you have to ask you cant do it. ask question and help out as much as possible. ._3Im6OD67aKo33nql4FpSp_{border:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetBorderColor);border-radius:5px 5px 4px 4px;overflow:visible;word-wrap:break-word;background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-body);padding:12px}.lnK0-OzG7nLFydTWuXGcY{font-size:10px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.5px;line-height:12px;text-transform:uppercase;padding-bottom:4px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-navIcon)} Not to mention you get face time with the guys that actually do the selection for the academy classes. This job is something you have to put your heart and soul into, and not half ass it. Close. I understand the purpose of Junior programs and when done right can really spark the love for the fire service at a young age. Sometimes it rips your heart out and crushes your faith in humanity. Research the education, training and licensure information, and experience required for starting a career as a firefighter EMT. On a side note, if you haven't really been preparing for a job like this for a few years, meaning, taking classes that have to do with firefighting, personally I think you're wasting your time. For what it's worth, my path: Self funded EMT-B class, volunteer at regional station, fire academy through that station, applied at said station (combination department), worked, spots opened up at local department, applied. However, what i can tell you is that being 19 years old and a volunteer i still have the ability to be in college and make it all balance out. Some tests may have basic math and English on it, and some may go a little more in depth to other things that the department may want to gear … The time and money you spend just taking one test add up, sadly most people don’t just take 1 test in their career. Firefighters may miss holiday celebrations and their children’s school functions because of a fire or major disaster that occurs when they are on-call. Can you reconcile the fact that your patient was likely dead before you even left the hall and nothing you could have done will change that? BUT this career isn't something you just walk into, and work your shift, and then go home. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the firefighter community, Looks like you're using new Reddit on an old browser. You’ll learn exactly what love really is if you are meant for this but the only way you’ll know is by taking the risk and answering the call. If you’re like me it can be 10+ tests, and I know a lot more of my friends and co-workers who have taken … At the same time, my department paid for paramedic school and if you're not afraid of working OT and odd jobs, you'll be alright. Being a firefighter is a good gig if you get in. You'll progress in both if you work hard enough. It's a great gig and I love it. if you like that. r/Firefighting: The bravest of Reddit! It takes hard work and dedication to even get into the career, let alone get trained for it. Ask around-surely you Know someone who knows Someone... As for the job-Know going in that it's at least 75% EMS runs anymore. Up next: a wildland firefighter. Firefighters are held to rigorous fitness standards both during the hiring process — when they’ll be required to pass extensive strength and endurance tests — and throughout their careers. u/fisher13. There have been calls that make me want to scream. You can't help but feel like you're on top of the world. Try out at a volunteer department before making it a career. Hot New Top Rising. Fish and Wildlife Service, State of Idaho, etc.) I have someone doing that pretty much once a week. I understand the purpose of Junior programs and when done right can really spark the love for the fire service at a young age. I had to prove myself more than a lot of the guy and I busted my back to get the respect I earned. save. Others may require a Certificate of Completion of California’s Firefighter 1 … They can train, do some drills, and help clean up after an incident but I will never understand why departments are … There is nothing else I would rather do. Firefighters earned a mean $47,720 per year, or $22.94 per hour, as of May 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you're 17 and haven't started anything yet, I would say go into the military. To the tool who asked if they should be a firefighter, just like someone else on this post said, it is a calling. The day i became a firefighter, even before i had completed my training to become an interior firefighter was one of the best days of my life. Especially if you have a degree in something else. First thing that goes when towns or cities get into a financial crisis (like now) is teacher and firefighters. If you want to become a FDNY Firefighter, you must meet eligibility requirements. Where where should i be a fire fighter?? Firefighting is not the place to "figure out your life"... You better Damn well know who you are and what your life is about before you even think about applying. Etc. It’s a dangerous job, everyone hates you. Seasonal Firefighter. What I recommend to those looking at these type of courses is to make a list of the courses that interested you. I'm also a Crash Rescue Firefighter for the Air Force. Posted by. If you have a degree in fire science, or emergency management that helps too. Learn how to become a firefighter emergency medical technician (EMT). Pay. To the tool who asked if they should be a firefighter, just like someone else on this post said, it is a calling. They can train, do some drills, and help clean up after an incident but I will never understand why departments are … I hope I didn't discourage you. 7. pinned by moderators. 303. ._2a172ppKObqWfRHr8eWBKV{-ms-flex-negative:0;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:8px}._39-woRduNuowN7G4JTW4I8{border-top:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-lineColor);margin-top:12px;padding-top:12px}._3AOoBdXa2QKVKqIEmG7Vkb{font-size:12px;font-weight:400;line-height:16px;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-body);border-radius:4px;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;margin-top:12px}.vzEDg-tM8ZDpEfJnbaJuU{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-button);fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-button);height:14px;width:14px}.r51dfG6q3N-4exmkjHQg_{font-size:10px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.5px;line-height:12px;text-transform:uppercase;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-pack:justify;justify-content:space-between}._2ygXHcy_x6RG74BMk0UKkN{margin-left:8px}._2BnLYNBALzjH6p_ollJ-RF{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;margin-left:auto}._1-25VxiIsZFVU88qFh-T8p{padding:0}._3BmRwhm18nr4GmDhkoSgtb{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyText);-ms-flex:0 0 auto;flex:0 0 auto;line-height:16px} I don't want to volunteer without pay all of my life. I never volunteered anywhere, I just took the civil service exam and got offered a job. Fire dept, ha nds down. Smokejumpers live on a steady diet of lighting-started fires. Please consult your local departments as to what college courses constitute the pay bump. Get your paramedic cert first, work at an ambulance company, take all required tests to get into a dept and wait. 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"Half assing" can get someone hurt, or even killed, including yourself. Step 1: Apply. That being said, juniors should never be on scene. 3. Have a clean record. My dad was a firefighter all of my life and always felt that it was something in my blood. becoming a firefighter is not something you order from the menu as lives depends on firefighters by giving them the trust to their lives, however, if you desire to give all potential and commitment to learn and practise applying what you learnt to save & protect lives along with solid fearless heart, go for it. Posted by 4 hours ago. That being said, juniors should never be on scene. You should consider ceasing all drug use and delaying your application to increase your odds. Where do you live? Look elsewhere & good luck in whatever endeavor you discover about yourself. The firefighting career field is very competitive; here's a quick breakdown of what you should and should not do as you prepare to join the fire service Becoming a firefighter is no easy task. Been home for 5 years raising kids, but am ready to jump in now. It takes a toughness but a softness. Pay ain't all that great either (depending where you work, and for how long). Once power supply is shut off, Class C fires become Class A instead as the electrical component has … You should know this is what you're born to do. They don’t hike in tool order. I understand the purpose of Junior programs and when done right can really spark the love for the fire service at a young age. 0. Firefighters also need to learn the safe, approved procedures for a number of emergency scenar… That'll help all of us give you better advice. I have no idea what to do with my life, but I love computers so when I applied for colleges I chose my major as computer science. You would still have to have a job outside of it though. You won't have the best stations, or newest equipment, but everything will work when you need it to. Hotshots are an extended attack resource. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, http://www.rvcfire.org/opencms/functions/Volunteers/index.html. I'm not saying tax based departments are all doom and gloom. ._1x9diBHPBP-hL1JiwUwJ5J{font-size:14px;font-weight:500;line-height:18px;color:#ff585b;padding-left:3px;padding-right:24px}._2B0OHMLKb9TXNdd9g5Ere-,._1xKxnscCn2PjBiXhorZef4{height:16px;padding-right:4px;vertical-align:top}._1LLqoNXrOsaIkMtOuTBmO5{height:20px;padding-right:8px;vertical-align:bottom}.QB2Yrr8uihZVRhvwrKuMS{height:18px;padding-right:8px;vertical-align:top}._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0{font-size:14px;font-weight:500;line-height:18px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)}._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 ._1LLqoNXrOsaIkMtOuTBmO5,._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 ._2B0OHMLKb9TXNdd9g5Ere-,._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 ._1xKxnscCn2PjBiXhorZef4,._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 .QB2Yrr8uihZVRhvwrKuMS{fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)} ._9ZuQyDXhFth1qKJF4KNm8{padding:12px 12px 40px}._2iNJX36LR2tMHx_unzEkVM,._1JmnMJclrTwTPpAip5U_Hm{font-size:16px;font-weight:500;line-height:20px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyText);margin-bottom:40px;padding-top:4px}._306gA2lxjCHX44ssikUp3O{margin-bottom:32px}._1Omf6afKRpv3RKNCWjIyJ4{font-size:18px;font-weight:500;line-height:22px;border-bottom:2px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-line);color:var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyText);margin-bottom:8px;padding-bottom:8px}._2Ss7VGMX-UPKt9NhFRtgTz{margin-bottom:24px}._3vWu4F9B4X4Yc-Gm86-FMP{border-bottom:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-line);margin-bottom:8px;padding-bottom:2px}._3vWu4F9B4X4Yc-Gm86-FMP:last-of-type{border-bottom-width:0}._2qAEe8HGjtHsuKsHqNCa9u{font-size:14px;font-weight:500;line-height:18px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyText);padding-bottom:8px;padding-top:8px}.c5RWd-O3CYE-XSLdTyjtI{padding:8px 0}._3whORKuQps-WQpSceAyHuF{font-size:12px;font-weight:400;line-height:16px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon);margin-bottom:8px}._1Qk-ka6_CJz1fU3OUfeznu{margin-bottom:8px}._3ds8Wk2l32hr3hLddQshhG{font-weight:500}._1h0r6vtgOzgWtu-GNBO6Yb,._3ds8Wk2l32hr3hLddQshhG{font-size:12px;line-height:16px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)}._1h0r6vtgOzgWtu-GNBO6Yb{font-weight:400}.horIoLCod23xkzt7MmTpC{font-size:12px;font-weight:400;line-height:16px;color:#ea0027}._33Iw1wpNZ-uhC05tWsB9xi{margin-top:24px}._2M7LQbQxH40ingJ9h9RslL{font-size:12px;font-weight:400;line-height:16px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon);margin-bottom:8px} If you're a smart guy, fuck what anyone else says. An questions feel free to message me. I wish you the best of luck. Good luck. How long would it take to actually be out in the field? Can you let go of the things you'll see because you know it's not your fault it happened? New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the Firefighting community, Press J to jump to the feed. Join. When it comes to firefighter … By all means i would love to get paid to do this, but all things considered i could do it every day for free, still have a real career and be perfectly happy. Get your foot in the door any way you can, apply yourself, and get after it. Having said all that, it's a pretty freaking awesome career (it's not a job). I get one every year. You must try your hardest to become someone in life that means … If you're in the suburbs and there's no major city nearby. You go home everyday knowing you make a slight difference in the world. Use a powder or carbon dioxide extinguisher to put these fires out. It is what drives you to be excellent & try your hardest to something not everyone has the right to call themselves. Well those some people need a nice fire to start in their house so we can show them how "Dumb" we are. I was a cop for about a decade, worked as an arson investigator for much of that, spent a lot of time with the FD, and then started applying to the FD. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Cool, thanks for the solid advice. Empathy on a sliding scale of professional indifference. 'wasting my intelligence' if I pursued this career. Apply to take the written Firefighter exam. The answer to that question should answer your question about your decision. Junior Firefighters Should Not be on Scene of Any Type of Incident. The military will get you in shape and used to hard work. That being said, juniors should never be on scene. Get started today by finding out more about the requirements for becoming a wildland firefighter and how you can apply. All firefighter must be at least an EMT. 7. This job is both the most demanding and most rewarding I could ask for. Press J to jump to the feed. My local tax based departments haven't had a raise in a couple of years. My mom recommended that I consider becoming a Firefighter. diagnosed with cancer - culture change. That's gotta be worth something. Riverside County is hiring volunteers and it's a good program where you get to work on front line engines anywhere in the county with paid personnel. Police worked rotating 10 hr shifts which changed every few weeks. I recently left my first house in MA to move to CA and become a wildland firefighter here with all that’s going on in the hills but life had other plans for me when I had my son. You don't have to have wanted to be a firefighter from the time you were a little kid. A non tax based fire service doesn't suffer from the hiring freezes, raise freezes, and furlough days. I honestly can't not smile when I walk into the stations. .FIYolDqalszTnjjNfThfT{max-width:256px;white-space:normal;text-align:center} In addition, some fire departments want the candidate to have taken several college units prior to applying for the firefighter’s exam. Our future teachers need to bring their bubbly enthusiasm into our schools and let that passion inspire colleagues. It has been a record year for wildfires. I’ve had calls that make me question if I can do this and others that show me WHY I do it. Fell into it kind of late, too, I was 24, college grad who wanted nothing more to do with the rat race. Lol stable job. If I had it to do all over again that's what I would have done. Hopefully someone here has gone through something like what I’m hoping to do. has its own process for hiring seasonal employees. 911 DISPATCHERS (for select offers only) Police, Sheriff, Fire or EMS Dispatcher ; Fire … I went for fire science and am a firefighter for 7 years now. Our future teachers need that passion, energy, creativity, and the hope that good teachers can change the future one student at a time. .LalRrQILNjt65y-p-QlWH{fill:var(--newRedditTheme-actionIcon);height:18px;width:18px}.LalRrQILNjt65y-p-QlWH rect{stroke:var(--newRedditTheme-metaText)}._3J2-xIxxxP9ISzeLWCOUVc{height:18px}.FyLpt0kIWG1bTDWZ8HIL1{margin-top:4px}._2ntJEAiwKXBGvxrJiqxx_2,._1SqBC7PQ5dMOdF0MhPIkA8{height:24px;vertical-align:middle;width:24px}._1SqBC7PQ5dMOdF0MhPIkA8{-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-pack:center;justify-content:center} Reddit Fire Department r/ Firefighting. Go down and talk to some of the “guys” (girl or guy they’re all the same when it’s the brotherhood.) ._33axOHPa8DzNnTmwzen-wO{display:block;padding:0 16px;width:100%}.isNotInButtons2020 ._33axOHPa8DzNnTmwzen-wO{font-size:14px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.5px;line-height:32px;text-transform:uppercase} So different fire departments have different tests, and they're geared towards different things as well. A lot of the stuff that people have written in here is extremely relevant and as a volunteer in New York i don't have a huge amount of insight of the specifics as far as training for California. First off my school was expensive but most importantly the degree really doesn't help me much. Another option is the volunteer route. You should note that there are varying levels of each technical skill. And get ready to hurry up and wait in California for a job opening. Once you do that, begin working as a pay for call firefighter. Firefighting is the most rewarding civilian career out there. Sometimes it's boring. Especially when they don't even know you. I'm currently 17 and in my senior year in high school. If you get overly emotional, or hold grudges, or don't commit very well, this job isn't for you. I'm not trying to discourage you in anyway. City departments rule. Just trying to figure out my life. They can train, do some drills, and help clean up after an incident but I will never understand why departments are willing to let … Junior Firefighters Should Not be on Scene of Any Type of Incident. (But you can't just be book smart, you have to be life smart too if you end up being an officer of some sort). Hot. If this is something you want to do, by all means go for it. Most departments give preferential status of some sort to ex military. Fire science degrees and emergency management courses are available to take, however they carry little to no weight in the employment process. share. As we previously mentioned, while recruiting career firefighters, most fire departments often give preference to candidates who have previous experience in fire or EMS. Where where should i be a fire fighter?? I don't fully regret it because it may help me later in my career, and the knowledge I have is irreplaceable. Attention to detail is another skill firefighters use to survey scenes and identify dangers before proceeding. The background check packet can be as long as 25 pages, so it will cover every little part of your existence. The following steps should be followed to become an FDNY Firefighter. In the meantime, you can gain some experience with non-emergency medical transports, or by volunteering with an agency with less stringent background evaluation. The model became particularly popular among millennials in the 2010s, gaining traction through online communities via information shared in blogs, podcasts, and online discussion forums. Those seeking to attain FIRE … When I was your age I did the fire academy through a school program and got certified, then become a volunteer. It's tough. If you are under 20 and in a larger city there is the Fire Explorers program. As someone who is interested in becoming a firefighter would anyone who's actually a firefighter recommend it or do you wish you could do something else? Our new series, we explore what it takes to land—and work—the world ’ s coolest travel jobs not... And help out as much as possible basically Jr firefighters they get in before making it career! Stable job most importantly the degree really does n't suffer from the hiring,... Career, let alone get trained for it me later in my senior year in school. As much as possible to make a slight difference in the fire house that me... A week the site at least once a week t even have a degree in something else at! 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