How to Become a Firefighter

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”  That was a question we all heard over and over as children.  To many, the answer was “a fireman.”  If that is still your answer, then you need to prepare yourself.

 There are several things you need to do to get ready for this career, and the sooner you start, the better.  Somewhere along the way, a very thorough background check will be done, and the better that looks, the better your chances are of realizing your dream.  If your background check shows up a list of parking tickets, anger issues, arrests, violence, bad grades, accidents, etc., those things will make it difficult for you to have a positive presentation of yourself.  And if you lie about any of them, that won’t go well for you at all.

Another thing you need to do is keep yourself in good physical condition.  Becoming a firefighter is a very competitive field to enter, and everything you can possibly do to make it a little easier will put you that much further ahead.  Having an already established habit of a clean and healthy lifestyle will be a little less you’ll have to focus on later.

Find out what is required of you in the city or department you wish to work for.  Take whatever classes you can to make your resume look better. Learn everything you can about building construction, fire behavior, gas, electricity, and other things firemen must deal with.

Become an EMT.  That is not a requirement of all fire departments, but it is of many.  And required or not, it would give you valuable and useful skills which would help you become a firefighter.

Do volunteer work.  Show yourself to be passionate about helping people.  Firefighters are not uncaring, lazy, selfish people.  Some departments offer volunteer training courses in a number of areas.  Anything you can take part in will add to your resume and field of experience.

Make frequent visits to the fire stations in your area.  Get acquainted and ask a lot of questions.  The firemen can give you much helpful information on how to join them.  Learn everything you can about the station itself, what the work entails, what is expected of the firemen, and the best way to get hired.

Find out about your local department’s training program.  You’ll have to be at least 18 years old to get into it.  Passing the final test is the last step and the only way to get hired. But don’t wait till then.  Start taking the firefighter test ahead of time.  Don’t worry if you fail it.  Learn from your mistakes and it will help you pass it when you finish the course.   Testing offers a great way to know exactly what is required of you. In fact, taking tests is something you will do a lot of as a firefighter.  Different departments require them at different times throughout your career.

Be persistent.  Being a firefighter is a very rewarding career and could be the fulfillment of a life-long dream.