Getting Hired

[hagerff/emti]

Hey guys I am currently enrolled in a Paramedic program which will end soon. I am wondering if I tried for a job as a fire fighter/Medic do I need prior training in Fire services or can I get a job without proir training. I have worked for the US Forest service fighting wildland fires. Would that count for prior service and training? I have also put in a few months with a local Vollie FD but have not recieved any training (like FF1 or FF2)?

Thanks for your help.

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D. Hager
FF/NREMT-I
West Trail Amb. Svc
Mayville FD

REAL HEROES WEAR SCBA'S NOT CAPES

We will eat smoke and pull out bodies as long as they continue to build them. Just once I would like them to ask one of us how to build it!!

[Adze]

Here in CT, most career FD's send their recruits to "Firefighter Recruit" class after they get hired, whether they have certifications or not. It all really depends on the department if they require you to have certifications.

For example, last year Norwich (or Norwalk...can't remember which one) was hiring. One of their requirements was Firefighter I prior to being hired. Now, Meriden is hiring. They make no mention of having to be Firefighter I or having any past firefighting experience. I know that Meriden will send the hirees to recruit class either way.

[MPreb362]

most city fire positions are a civil service position. they may have residency requirments prior to taking the test or require you to abide by them within a couple of months after getting hired. not only is passing the test important, but kicking butt on it is your first big step. if you have any military time you usually get extra points for that after the points are added up. that's a big bonus. alot of depts. are now giving extra points for having different certifications (emt,ff1,ff2,medic)and some are even requiring that you have some college credits prior to applying. at any rate, take all the tests you can. each one is a learning experience. it's usually a long drawn out process. test taking,phisical agility test,background investigations,oral interviews and mental testing just to name a few. just about when you think it's hopeless you will get the phone call. each dept. is different and soon i think you'll see alot of depts. using the CPAT test. which will be a uniform test nationwide for firefighter canidates. good luck and stay safe.

[hagerff/emti]

Are most cities going away from residency requirments or not? How can one take many tests if he as to live in a city for a year prior?

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D. Hager
FF/NREMT-I
West Trail Amb. Svc
Mayville FD

REAL HEROES WEAR SCBA'S NOT CAPES

We will eat smoke and pull out bodies as long as they continue to build them. Just once I would like them to ask one of us how to build it!!

[ArmyTruckCompany]

The City of Philadelphia has no residency requirement to take any civil service exam, HOWEVER to get hired, you MUST maintain a residency for ONE YEAR PRIOR to getting hired and for the duration of your employment. So in other words, if you score good, better get a place in the city!!!

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"Loyalty above all else, except honor."

[Adze]

Just got an email from the Connecticut Fire Prevention and Control...Hartford, CT is hiring and unfortunately they are still requiring residency in the city at the time the application is filled out.

If I recall correctly, in Hartford for the first year or two you have to be a resident, then you can move to a different town.

[Kyle Wickman]

I know that most departments in NJ you have to live in that city.

[OSIRIS500]

hey hagerff/emti Most FD in the washington DC area do not have residency requirements. Fairfax, VA and other jurisdictions hire on a regular basis. and once you finish your paramedic you should have an easy time getting hired, most places around here want medics, they will put you through the academy and teach all the FF stuff. Good luck