would like to get a new career started

[00endeavor]

Hello My name is Joel Im 25 and have a family with 2 kids both under 3 years of age. I was training a fews years ago to becme a FF but a car accident put that to an end. Now that Im fully healed an weight training again I wanna give it another go. My main questions are what are the reqs for becoming a new FF (certs and degrees). I am looking for a LA county FD Job. my second questions is if my credit is shot what are my chances getting hired? and last If I had a leg injury am I still hirable? I had a tib fib fracture that was repaired with a metal nail, Im able to leg press 20lbs over my weight(200lbs) and I can climb 112 flight of stairs in 30mins.

[OHFirestopper]

You're still hireable, even with your leg. You need to make a few phone calls or go on their website to get the information. They'd gladly give it to you.

[ffbam24]

It's the credit that's going to be your most limiting factor I think.
Don't limit yourself to LACoFD.

[00endeavor]

where else should I look I live in hawthorne cali But dont mind relocating if need be.

[cpsuhulk]

Apply and test everywhere you can get to!

You'll need an EMT-B certfication at a minimum to be competitive in CA. Some depts also require FF 1 or completion of a CA State Fire Marshall Certified Fire Academy.

LAcoFD has a lottery system for applicants to move on to their written test. I've been sending in applications for two years. Don't limit yourself to 1 department, or you may be in for a very long ride.

[00endeavor]

The fire academy was my plan. the down side is the classes I seen are Mon-fri 8 hrs and I work full time in the mean time so I need to find a weekend academy. as far as emt b goes I have been looking for a fe onlinecourses to gt certified and found a few just need to see the pre reqs and all that stuff. and as far as thecredit goes I have read that a bankrupcy is better than having open debt. and since I dnt make enough for my family and bills and paying off debt.

[paulLepore]

Online classes are definitely the way to go for you. Check out Alan Hancock College, they will fill your needs. El Camino college has a part time academy that might just work perfectly as you still have time to work. In addition to fire science courses you will need EMT (also offered at El Camino). I work with the guys who run the program. They do a good job of instructing.

Bankruptcy is NOT the answer to your credit problems. You chose to borrow money and promised to pay it back. A person's credit is a good indicator of how he or she handles responsibility. This is an important aspect in getting hired.

[00endeavor]

I understand about the money borrowing. everything was fine getting payed off till I had my first Son. then having been let go from one job due to a lack of work comming in. then my injury so bills stacked up and now with the amount of money I make now its not doable and on top of that another baby on the way. I would love to pay them off the correct way but need a better job to help.

[powerhourcoug]

Hello My name is Joel Im 25 and have a family with 2 kids both under 3 years of age. I was training a fews years ago to becme a FF but a car accident put that to an end. Now that Im fully healed an weight training again I wanna give it another go. My main questions are what are the reqs for becoming a new FF (certs and degrees). I am looking for a LA county FD Job. my second questions is if my credit is shot what are my chances getting hired? and last If I had a leg injury am I still hirable? I had a tib fib fracture that was repaired with a metal nail, Im able to leg press 20lbs over my weight(200lbs) and I can climb 112 flight of stairs in 30mins.

Credit will require some explaining. These are tough times, you are not alone.

[boburgess117]

I think you'll be okay with the credit as long as you have an explanation, which you do.

Santa Ana College has a part time academy for people with full time jobs. It is 10 months long and is on Friday night, Saturday and 1 Sunday a month. There are 8 classes required to get in which you can take at night if you work during the day. They might even allow you to take them somewhere closer and transfer the credits. Some of the classes are offered online too.

For LA County, I think you just need a CPAT to apply which costs $150. And then you wait for your name to get pulled out of a hat.

[00endeavor]

So I just looked at El Comino at they have a great fire academy program Pre reqs are Fire and Emergancy Tech 140 & 141 another is Fire technology 1. 3.5 units @$26 sounds like a good deal. than the fire academy estimated cost is around $1700 is steep but needs to be done. Next step is to get my schedule organized.

[PaulC.]

00endeavor-

A few things to note:
1. Don't be overly concerned about the bankruptcy/credit issues. If you had good credit prior to layoffs and children, there is a good explanation for things, and a large portion of our country is in the same boat.

2. The EMT class should be your first pursuit. Read this for more things to do first: http://www.gethiredbyfire.com/?paged=2.

3. DO NOT believe that testing for one department or in one area is going to net you a career in the fire service. If you're in CA, you should be looking up and down CA, AZ, and NV at least. Start right away.

4. Start planning financially and otherwise to manage testing now so that you have enough time and energy left over for family when you're at the peak of your testing endeavors.

Best,

Paul C.

[00endeavor]

These are the titles to the classes I would be taking are these The EMY classes in question?

Fire and Emergency Technology 140 (formerly 12A)
Emergency Medical Technician
3 units; 3 hours lecture
Corequisite: enrollment in Fire and Emergency Technology 141
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU

This course presents training in the procedures to be used in assisting the sick and injured in the pre-hospital environment.

Note: Students must show proof of current certification in Health Care Provider CPR or Professional Rescuer CPR from the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross at the first class meeting.
Note: Completion of this course and Fire and Emergency Technology 141, both with a grade of C or above, make the student eligible for certification as an EMT-1 by the County of Los Angeles.

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Fire and Emergency Technology 141 (formerly 12B)
Emergency Medical Technician Laboratory
1 unit; 3 hours lab
Corequisite: enrollment in Fire and Emergency Technology 140
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU

This is a course presenting training in the procedures, and especially the skills, to be used in assisting the sick and injured in the pre-hospital environment.

Note: Students must show proof of current certification in Health Care Provider CPR or Professional Rescuer CPR from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross at the first class meeting.
Note: Completion of this course and Fire andEmergency Technology 140, both with a grade of C or above, make the student eligible for certification as an EMT-1 by the County of Los Angeles.