VOLUNTEERING
Many of the fire applicants who are taking examinations across the country are certified firefighters, EMTs, and Paramedics. When those are requirements to take an examination, everyone is on the same playing field as far as credentials. Using a baseball analogy, everyone is a 250 hitter. What is going to separate you from other candidates, making you look like a 300 hitter?
Some of you have extra certifications which will help. But what it will take to make you stand out and make you look like a person who cares about their community and is willing to sacrifice their time for others is volunteering.
There are many opportunities in every community to help out, such as youth and civic organizations, such as coaching and helping out at food banks. Every church has numerous opportunities available to help others and those less fortunate. Below is a link to United Way by putting in your zip code it will bring up many volunteer opportunities in your community. The American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity are other organizations always seeking volunteers.
https://www.unitedway.org/get-involved/volunteer
https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.html
https://www.habitat.org/volunteer/near-you
A fire chief can tell what type of individual you are if you show your unselfishness by giving up your time to help others and being involved in your community and church. This goes a long way in presenting yourself as a team player and a great asset to the fire department and the community that you will serve.
www.fireprep.com
dmfireschool@gmail.com
1-800-989-FIRE
Many of the fire applicants who are taking examinations across the country are certified firefighters, EMTs, and Paramedics. When those are requirements to take an examination, everyone is on the same playing field as far as credentials. Using a baseball analogy, everyone is a 250 hitter. What is going to separate you from other candidates, making you look like a 300 hitter?
Some of you have extra certifications which will help. But what it will take to make you stand out and make you look like a person who cares about their community and is willing to sacrifice their time for others is volunteering.
There are many opportunities in every community to help out, such as youth and civic organizations, such as coaching and helping out at food banks. Every church has numerous opportunities available to help others and those less fortunate. Below is a link to United Way by putting in your zip code it will bring up many volunteer opportunities in your community. The American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity are other organizations always seeking volunteers.
https://www.unitedway.org/get-involved/volunteer
https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.html
https://www.habitat.org/volunteer/near-you
A fire chief can tell what type of individual you are if you show your unselfishness by giving up your time to help others and being involved in your community and church. This goes a long way in presenting yourself as a team player and a great asset to the fire department and the community that you will serve.
Retired Assistant Chief Brent Collins, Cleveland Fire Dept.
Firehouse.com Entry Level Contributor Author since 2002
www.fireprep.com
dmfireschool@gmail.com
1-800-989-FIRE