Joining the Fire Department

T

ThisGuy

Forum Ride Along
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Points
0
I am currently studying to become an EMT-B, and will be working at my local Fire Department (Already know they will hire me as just an EMT-B, and I do not have to certify to be a firemen) Anyway I was looking online about the application progress, and barriers I will have to come to be hired.

In short I was looking for a more specific idea of the process, and what I should expect as requirements for being hired on.

Any Advice/Tips will help.
 
If you already know they will hire you, I doubt there would be any barriers... I'm assuming you have a connection?

Applications are different for different departments. I've seen some that only want work history, certs, and maybe a driving record.

Then there's departments like mine that want work history (VERY detailed), school history, multiple references (that they WILL call), criminal history, driving record, credit report, behavioral/morals screening, polygraph, psychiatric eval, physical testing, medical screening, and will even go and talk to your previous neighbors to see what kind of person you are.

Generally, the more you have as far as training and certifications, the more likely you are to get hired. Everybody and their mother have the general Fire/EMT-B combo. Make yourself stand out.

Call the department you want to get on and see what's involved in their specific hiring process.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I think working in Fire/EMS is the best way to go. I did it for 5 years as a volunteer in NY and I regret getting out of it. If you have a volunteer department, join up. You can get alot of the training and certificates you need for free.
 
Engine3/emt is right...its the best combination and you'll meet/work with an awesome group of people
 
I agree that trying to get on with a fire department is a great idea.

I just applied to a local fire district that will allow me to live at the station and pay for all my medic school, books, and even provide transportation via a station vehicle. Obviously in return for this you're an active member of the fire department, working a 24 hour shift every 3 days.

Catch is there are usually a bunch of guys ahead of you on a list waiting for that same spot. Always helps if you know somebody, which I don't, but I'm excited for any opportunity that might present itself.

And don't forget about the CPAT. Got to be in good physical condition all around.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Being a fire/medic is the best job in the world (for me anyways) and I can't believe what an amazing job it is. I work for a great city and I would recommend this job to just about anyone.

However, one word of advice. If you're guaranteed a job because of someone you know, then the reputation of that department is already tarnished.

Our department hires only the candidates who score the highest on the written, the physical, the psych, and the interview. They don't care who you know or who your "daddy" is.

So, if this is how you're getting hired, better be able to make a living our of that place. Otherwise, you might find getting hired at a "real" department nearly impossible.

Also, I noticed you said you won't need to "certify" to be a fireman. Can you explain? If they're going to allow you to fight fire (exterior or interior) without being state certified, then I know all I need to know about that "department". It's not worth the time it took to fill out the application.

Take care man and have fun!!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
sweetpete said:
Also, I noticed you said you won't need to "certify" to be a fireman. Can you explain? If they're going to allow you to fight fire (exterior or interior) without being state certified, then I know all I need to know about that "department". It's not worth the time it took to fill out the application.

Take care man and have fun!!
Click to expand...

It could be that the department hires non-FFs to work on the ambulance. My department does that. I have no fire certs, and no desire to get them, yet I am an employee of the department. I don't fight fire, but am an EMS-only employee.
 
Good call. Got it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top