HOW YOU CAN BECOME A FIREFIGHTER

Volunteer first.
Before taking the plunge into the world of professional firefighting, Women in the Fire Service, Inc. recommends visiting fire departments to get a feel for the nature of the job. Those considering the field may even want to become volunteer firefighters first, to make sure the career path is right for them.

Get a diploma.
Although a high school degree is the minimal requirement to become a firefighter, persons holding other credentials, such as emergency medical technician (EMT) certification, paramedic training or a degree in fire science or fire engineering, may be at an advantage.

Pick your specialty.
There are two basic types of professional firefighting in the United States. Structural firefighters race to fires, accidents, disasters or other emergencies. Because they often arrive at accident or medical emergency scenes before ambulances, 65% of all U.S. fire departments provide emergency medical services. Wildland firefighters focus their fire prevention and intervention skills in national forests and parks. Some also take on the role of forest fire inspectors, while firefighting “smoke jumpers” parachute from airplanes to fight forest fires from within the ring of flames.

Keep an eye on the application process.
Because so many people apply to become firefighters, job openings are sporadic and competition is usually fierce. Applications must be returned to the department by the deadline, with application fees sometimes being charged with submission. Most states also require applicants to complete a written exam and physical conditioning test before they’ll be moved along to the next level of the application process. The time between submitting an application and receiving a job offer can be significant; therefore, many applicants test in numerous towns or states to up their chances of getting a position.