| So, you want to be a firefighter? It's a great | | | | sort of material about what the test will consist |
| career choice and I'm living proof that if you stick | | | | of. Get this material and absorb it. Get a few |
| with your dream, it will come true. It's hard to | | | | study guides. They are out there. |
| believe that just a little over 10 years ago, I was | | | | Third, don't get discouraged. I tested more times |
| just like you. On the outside looking in. Now, I'm a | | | | than I'll admit here before getting a good enough |
| career firefighter working for a great city fire | | | | score to move on. Each time I tested however, I |
| department. How did I do it? Well, let me share a | | | | got a little better. My scores improved. Stick with |
| few tips on how to become a firefighter. | | | | it and yours will to. I promise. If you're lucky |
| First off, you've probably already realized that | | | | enough to pass the written, be ready for the |
| firefighting is a very competitive field. That's ok. | | | | next step. Sometimes fire departments will go |
| Most people don't want it bad enough and | | | | right to an interview, other times they'll conduct a |
| departments across the country weed through | | | | physical fitness test. Learn what it will consist of |
| those folks in a myriad of ways. What they look | | | | and be ready. You should be already in shape or |
| for are people who've done their homework. | | | | otherwise this career is not for you. We don't |
| People who really want it. So that's the first | | | | wait for you to show up a rookie all fat and out |
| thing...you've got to really want to do this job. | | | | of shape and just hand you a hose. We want go |
| That may mean you've got to volunteer | | | | getters. Again, you have to really want this. |
| somewhere to show that dedication. I did. It may | | | | So, get all the practical experience you can but |
| mean getting experience as a seasonal firefighter | | | | remember one thing. Most fire departments will |
| or wild land firefighter or both. It may mean going | | | | mold you into what they want. They don't really |
| to school to get an Emergency Medical Technician | | | | care that you were an all-American firefighter at |
| or Paramedic Certification. Look for any and all | | | | Department X other than it shows commitment |
| opportunities that are out there. | | | | to the profession. When it comes time for the |
| Secondly, you're going to need to start testing. | | | | interview, again, be prepared. Go in there with |
| Get on the internet and look up the cities you'd | | | | confidence and sincerity. You are the best |
| consider working for. Do your research and find | | | | candidate. Believe in yourself and you can make |
| out when they are testing. Most fire departments | | | | your dream of becoming a firefighter come true. |
| across the country start the process with some | | | | Once you're on the other side, you'll be so glad |
| sort of written exam. Find out when and where | | | | you put forth the effort. Good luck! |
| and take some tests. Usually, they provide some | | | | |