Looking for some guidance

[ropeguru]

Hi all,

I am currently living in S. Florida and working as a wildland firefighter at Everglades NP for the Feds. From 1990 - 2000 I was employed as a professional firefighter just outside of Richmond, VA. I have been thinking about possibly leaving S. Florida and get back into the structure firefighting realm. I am seeing more and more, though, that departments are starting to require that you be NFPA FF 1/II certified previous to applying. Given that there is pretty much no way that I can find the time to quit work down here to attend one of FL's academies full time, does anyone have any suggestions about how to go about getting my certs. I have looked at the online curriculum from a school in TX, that is either IFSAC or PROBOARD certified, where you spend a 14 day boot camp completing the practical portion.

I certainly willing to entertain the idea of relocation if needed.

Oh, and I am still currentl EMT-B certified out of Virginina and am currently trying to finish up some studying to take my NREMT written in December.

[Geinandputitout]

Sounds to me like you just need to start contacting departments that you may be interested in working for and find out when they are going to be offering their next entrance exam.

[WFDjr1]

The Richmond/Henrico/Chesterfield area still uses the Academy format, as do many of the other career departments in that area, so you do not need to have any certifications when you apply. However, some of the jurisdictions do give preference to ALS personnel.

[the1141man]

Hey Bro--you're NPS, just get in the right NP and you can be doing structures again... most of the NPs in California have structural rigs and run a structure fire program: Yosemite, Whiskeytown, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, etc... and you don't even have to go through another hiring process--just a "change of station". ;)

[ropeguru]

Hey Bro--you're NPS, just get in the right NP and you can be doing structures again... most of the NPs in California have structural rigs and run a structure fire program: Yosemite, Whiskeytown, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, etc... and you don't even have to go through another hiring process--just a "change of station". ;)

Ahhhh yes... Tis true... But who wants to live in CA??? ;-) Although, as bad as the cost of living here is S. FL, CA might just be some needed relief. LOL

[ropeguru]

The Richmond/Henrico/Chesterfield area still uses the Academy format, as do many of the other career departments in that area, so you do not need to have any certifications when you apply. However, some of the jurisdictions do give preference to ALS personnel.

Yes, you are correct. I am thinking about putting in for Chesterfield, although a little leary as the last time I did everyone went through the entire process and they hired not one person from that list. And with the travel expenses, I am not sure I can justify it.

I am keeping an eye on the City of Richmond and Henrico is my old department that I worked for from 1990 - 2000. However, I may have burned a few bridges there due to some personal issues about a year ago.

My guidance was kind looking towards departments in other states that require pre-certification like they do here in FL. I am just trying to be prepared. Thanks to everyone that has responded so far.

[ropeguru]

Sounds to me like you just need to start contacting departments that you may be interested in working for and find out when they are going to be offering their next entrance exam.

Going to do that too...