Getting started

[mikealz]

Hi,

I'm a 17 year old Senior in High School and will be graduating in about 2 months.

I've always wanted to be a firefighter and have spent some time in a firehouse when I was younger..

I planned on taking a 2 year Fire Science program at my local community college next year.

My question is what should I do before I start taking these fire science classes? Should I already be volunteering at a local fire house?

I've been trying to research a lot of this stuff, but I couldn't really get a definitive answer.

Also, I'm only 5'9/5'10 and 160lbs but in great shape.. I was a 3 sport athlete in HS, but should I maybe work out full time in the summer and get bigger before volunteering?

Thanks for your time.

[mattc05]

Yes, go to the local volunteer department, sign up. Run calls and go to training. When next semester comes, sign up for a basic Firefigher course or Fire Science technology program. Practice interviews, and written exam study guides. Get your EMT as well.

[almsfan21]

I'm in the same boat as you, mikealz. Look into a local community college Academy that will get you your FF1 and maybe even FF2 certifications. I've considered volunteering, but have heard both good and bad about volunteering and then trying to go paid...

[BCLepore]

Mike,
Welcome to the board. This article should help get you started in the right direction.
Two Year Plan


 Graduate from High School or obtain your GED. (A diploma is much preferred)

 Talk with a counselor at a community college that offers fire science courses.

o Set-up a course curriculum that allow you to obtain a two-year degree in fire science. If the local college does not after a fire science program, find one that does.

o This curriculum should also allow you to complete the required courses for a fire academy.

o Enroll in an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course.

 Find out if your community has either a volunteer program or fire explorers.

o If still in high school look into a Regional Occupational Program (ROP). Many local fire departments have community outreach recruitment programs.

o Volunteering in the community is an excellent way to gain real life experience. This exposure will also allow you to determine if this is indeed the right career choice for you


 Volunteer in your community.

Find something that you are interested in and volunteer your time. Church, sports, hospital, YMCA, Red Cross, etc. It doesn’t matter. Get involved. Volunteering is something that should be done because it’s the right thing to do, not because it will look good on a firefighter application.


o Fire fighters are self-motivated and self-starters that have historically been involved in their community.

o The feeling is if you are helping out in your community now, when hired you will be the type that will continue to stay involved helping out in the various committees and groups on and off the job.


 Start a log that includes everything you have done to prepare.

Include dates, names of instructors. Include any personal experiences that may be pertinent in to becoming a firefighter. A few examples of this could be:

o You witnessed a car accident and were able to render aid.

o You volunteered your time at the Boys and Girls club


o If you experience a life-changing event.

o You were voted most inspirational on your athletic team or your fire academy.


o Your high school athletic team won the championship.

o You were a lifeguard at the city pool.

o There are no rules. Anything that you think might be significant. Write it down!


This information will either go on your resume, or may be speaking points in an interview. This is preparing you to answer those difficult questions in an interview.

A common question in an interview is: Please share with the panel a stressful time in your life, and please share with us how you dealt with it.

o Make it easy and accessible. If you are more comfortable with a pencil and notepad. Use it. If you are more comfortable on the computer then use it to formulate your thoughts and ideas. This should just be an easy memory jogger for you. Keep a notebook or notepad in your room in a convenient spot so you wont forget.

 Take an Emergency Medical Technician Course (EMT).
This will accomplish a few things. First of all, it is a course required by most departments. It will also let you know if this profession is for you. If you find you can’t handle the sight of blood or helping people in during their worst moments, the fire service is may not for you.

 Physical Fitness.
Stay in, or get into shape! Fire fighting is a very physical job requiring peak performance. If you are not in good cardiovascular shape, it will become very evident in the physical agility testing or the prehire medical exam. It also is important to look the part in the interview. If you don’t, it decreases your chances of being hired. If you see an out of shape-looking fire fighter don’t look at him and believe, “if he or she got on so can I”! Odds are he was in better condition when he was hired. You are trying to do everything you can to improve your chances. This is a very important part that you have complete control over!

 Look the part!
The rule of thumb in an interview is to hire someone that you can see becoming a member or your crew tomorrow. A candidate who walks in with facial hair, large tattoo’s or body piercing that is not permitted by the department’s policies and procedures, presents as a candidate who is not ready for the position. Do not make the mistake of saying that you will remove them when you are ready to be hired. You are making a statement. It is important to know the fire department is a paramilitary organization. These will definitely not improve your chances of success.

 Invest in a suit and tie
Although not required for the interview, a candidate who does not wear one stands out. First impressions are critical.

Make sure the suit is conservative, not flashy.

Wear it anytime you will have contact with members of the department. This includes station visits. (Remember it is important to make a good first impression.)

 Enroll in a program that lets you know which departments are testing.

o There are a lot of businesses on the Internet that will allow you to hear the needed information on which departments are testing and what there requirements are.

o Most departments test every 2-3 years. They will then hire from the “eligibility list” until it expires. The window to file an application is usually very small. The time frame to file an application ranges from as short as 1 day to as long as 30 days. Whichever the case, once the filing period is closed, the department will not accept any more applications. If you don’t have a subscription to one these services, you will miss a lot of opportunities.

 Talk to your family
The decision to become a firefighter is a monumental one. It will most likely be a long road that requires a lot of time, and sacrifice. If you don’t have a family or friend support network it will become extremely difficult. Most importantly, if your spouse does not support your decision you are destined for failure.

 Surround yourself with reputable people

Remember a fire fighter position is a life choice, not just a job. You must be prepared to live your life with excellent moral and ethical values. For this you will need the support of family and friends that are good role models. If your friends are not a positive influence in the community, you may want to find a new set of friends. Remember the old saying, “Birds of a feather flock together. Not only will you be scrutinized during your background check, but also so will the company you choose to keep.

 Learn a trade

Woodworkings, framing electrical, plumbing, welding, automotive, are common examples of a trade. Fire fighting is very physical hands on job that requires good psychomotor skills and hands on approach. Typically those that have learned a trade possess these good applicable skills for the job. If you know how a building is built, you will be able to predict how a fire’s effect on it. If you know where the electrical and plumbing is typically run behind the drywall, you will most likely know how where it would be safe to open it up. You will also have become very comfortable with power tools. The importance of being able to work with your hands cannot be overstated.

o If you don’t currently have this kind of experience, the first thing to do is start taking a trade class of interest at your community college. You will at least learn the basics. You should back this up with some real life practical experience. It will be invaluable knowledge and will play out well in an interview. Mechanical aptitude cannot be learned in an Internet class or while sitting behind a computer.

 Public Speaking. If you are uncomfortable getting up in front of a group, you must take steps to overcome your fear. The largest percent of the testing process (the interview), and ultimately a large part of the job deals with public speaking! No you won’t talk a fire out, but you will talk to different groups about how to prevent them. If you can present yourself well in an interview you are leaps and bounds over the others that don’t. Even if the other candidates have more experience the job will usually be awarded to the candidate who can present him or herself in a clear and concise manner.

o If public speaking is your downfall, it is imperative to join toastmasters or take some courses in your community college. A speech and debate class is an excellent way to get over the jitters. Acting classes or drama classes can also be an excellent way to feel more comfortable.

• A typical question could be “what do you consider a negative aspect about yourself”. (Or a weakness). Your answer could be: I used to feel uncomfortable getting up and speaking in front of a group. I knew this was a very important part of my chosen vocation. I took several classes at my community college to help improve my comfort level. Since then I feel very much more confident in my ability to speak in public.

• You can have all of the best traits in the world but if you can’t effectively convey them in an interview they will go unnoticed. Now that’s turning a negative into a positive!

 Visit the local fire stations
Interview the firefighters and elicit their help in helping plan your career path. It is a tremendous compliment for the firefighters to have someone aspire to be in their position. Visiting the fire stations will help you learn about the job and learn the culture of the fire service. In addition, you will learn of things that you could be doing to enhance your chances of getting hired. Ultimately when the department hires, you will be in a good position since the firefighters have gotten to know you and have taken the time to mentor you. There is nothing better than a: home grown” prospect.

 Maintain a clean driving and criminal record
It goes without saying that firefighters are held to a standard that is much higher than the average citizen. The road is littered with firefighter candidates who have failed their background check due to a poor driving or criminal record.



Paul Lepore
Battalion Chief
www.aspiringfirefighters.com

[BKDRAFT]

Chief Lepore covered it all thoroughly however I would just like to add something. I am the exact same height and weight as you are and I am a career firefighter originally from CA. Do not be discouraged by your size, weight, or what anyone might say to you. The biggest contributing factor that fueled my drive to become a firefighter was to prove to everyone that doubted me that I could do this. It's great to continue to shock people and break stereotypes on a daily basis.

I was in your shoes only five years ago. I know what it's like. Do not ever give up. Set goals and when your accomplish those goals set new ones. Surround yourself with people that are firefighters or want to be firefighters. Live your life starting the day you read this as if you are already representing a department. Before you might do something stupid just think how that action might look if a department were to be on your shoulder evaluating your behavior. Act and live your life as if you are already a firefighter and you won't encounter any problems.

Keep busy and on track. Those are a few guidlines I followed and was hired at age 21.

[mikealz]

Wow I had no idea about the Public Speaking..

Great post, very informative.

I hated speech class in high school.. Definitely something I need to work on.

[rogersanders]

I'll Tell You The Best Thing You Can Do. This Will Help More Than Your Fire Science Degree. Become A Paramedic! They Are In High Demand Right Now. Most Fire Depts. Hire On A Point System. They Only Give Prefrence Points For Two Things Honorable Discharge Form The Military And Paramedic! So If Your Going To College Get Your Paramedic, Start Testing For Fire Depts. As Soon As You Pass Your Regisry And While Your Testing Around, Continue To Work On Your Firefighter 1 And If Possible Firefighter 2 Do This And You'll Get On!

[Courts]

I'm 17 too & just graduated early from high school 3 months ago. I start at the fire rescue academy on March 26th. You should def. go for it. Keep your head up and don't let people tell you that you can't do it ... becasue you def. can if you just have the right attitude!

Good luck with your decision!
-Laura from Cincinnati

[Jonnee]

At you age, this first thing I think I would be doing it to apply to a college. Get enrolled, get a degree in several majors and when you graduate then if you still want to become a Firefighter, go to the larger department and put in an application.

While in college you could join up with a volunteer department and start learning what it is all about. It may not be what you expect. Hanging around a station is lots different than being a member there and having to work the tours.

Even if you don’t get a job you will have the degrees to help you get a good job and be successful as well.

I went to college after being hired and it is a terrific work load to adjust too.

I am not trying to change you mind, but at 17 do you really know what you would like to do for the next 30 years or so??



Good Luck!!

[mikealz]

At you age, this first thing I think I would be doing it to apply to a college. Get enrolled, get a degree in several majors and when you graduate then if you still want to become a Firefighter, go to the larger department and put in an application.

While in college you could join up with a volunteer department and start learning what it is all about. It may not be what you expect. Hanging around a station is lots different than being a member there and having to work the tours.

Even if you don’t get a job you will have the degrees to help you get a good job and be successful as well.

I went to college after being hired and it is a terrific work load to adjust too.

I am not trying to change you mind, but at 17 do you really know what you would like to do for the next 30 years or so??



Good Luck!!

Yes. I know this is what I want to do.

[shorty2031]

I am almost 17 and have been looking at a career in fire fighting for some time now. The article posted by Chief Lepore was very helpful to my search of what i need to accomplish in the near future. If anyone has any information on workout programs i would greatly appreciate it. my email is backdraft2031@yahoo.com thanks to all.

[hamiltonbp3]

I am almost 17 and have been looking at a career in fire fighting for some time now. The article posted by Chief Lepore was very helpful to my search of what i need to accomplish in the near future. If anyone has any information on workout programs i would greatly appreciate it. my email is backdraft2031@yahoo.com thanks to all.

Take a look at crossfit.com the workouts are pretty complete, when we can we modify them to use while wearing bunks and scba breathing air and it makes for a killer workout.

[ndvfdff33]

Take a look at crossfit.com the workouts are pretty complete, when we can we modify them to use while wearing bunks and scba breathing air and it makes for a killer workout.

Crossfit is a killer workout no matter what. We do it for PT quite a bit. I'm PT staff and CO are cross fit nuts