How To Become A
Firefighter
If you are seriously
committed to the idea of becoming a firefighter, we salute you.
The job of being a firefighter is challenging, interesting,
rewarding, and very well respected. In fact, there was a survey
recently that showed firefighting as the most respected career
in the US. Firefighting was even ahead of professions such as
doctor and college professor.
But to become a
firefighter, you must first understand that there is intense
competition for every position that becomes available. For that
matter, there are usually numerous candidates for every
position - sometimes as many or as 10 or 15 people competing
for the same opening.
This means it is
critical for you to understand what it takes to win a
firefighting position.
The process begins with
knowing where to look for firefighting jobs. Obviously, the
first place is your local newspaper and the best place to find
firefighter positions in its Sunday edition. If you do not live
in a major city with a newspaper that has a leading a Sunday
edition, you might go to your local library on Monday and check
for classified ads for firefighters in nearby large cities. For
example, if you lived in Wray, Colorado, your best bet would be
the Sunday edition of the Denver Post.
The next
step
The next step in how to
become a firefighter is to a get and fill out an application.
You can usually get information about the exam and application
process from your city's department of personnel (or HR
department) or from your local fire department. You might also
be able obtain an application from your school guidance office
or your local library.
To begin the
application process you should locate the appropriate agencies
and give them a call. When you call, be sure to have a pencil
and paper ready to write down any instructions or directions
you are given. You can explain that you
need.
1. Information about
the examination
2. The application
itself
3. The correct
procedure for filling out the
application
The written
exam
The next step towards
winning that coveted badge will be a written examination. The
typical written firefighter exam takes about 3 1/2 hours and
may include 100 or more questions. The best way to prepare for
a written exam is to get a book on firefighter exams. There are
several available on web sites such as amazon.com and if you
are willing to settle for a used copy, they are generally
inexpensive.
Assuming you score high
enough on the written exam to continue the process, you'll next
be required to take a physical test. These tests are designed
to simulate actual firefighting duties, and include exercises
such as hose drag, hose carry, ladder climbing, latter raise
and victim removal. You will most likely be required to do
these while wearing firefighter clothing and equipment, and to
complete the tasks within a stated amount of
time.
The physical and the
psychological evaluation
The next step will be a
physical examination, followed by a psychological evaluation.
The work of a firefighter is often stressful and performed
under harsh conditions. The purpose of the psychological
evaluation is to make sure that you can function well under
these conditions will and that you will work well with other
members of your team.
This, in short, is how
to become a firefighter. We congratulate you on your choice of
careers and wish you well in your
quest.
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