How Do I Become a City Firefighter?

Why do people want to join a fire department? Is the job a profession or a lifestyle? What motivates one to endanger their life to save another? Where will I work? What does a firefighter actually do? How do I get hired as a firefighter? People interested in becoming a firefighter have questions. They want to know more about the job as it is today. They want to further their understanding of the true responsibilities of a firefighter. People such as high school students, college students, and persons wishing to change careers would be the target audience for this book. Moreover, this book will attempt to provide a basic overview of the structural, career fire service of America. The intention is to provide information so a potential recruit can make an informed decision regarding the hiring process of becoming a firefighter for a city municipality. Detail will be placed upon understanding and navigating the application process itself. Specific oral board questions and answers will NOT be addressed. There are numerous books and references available to aid one when reviewing for an oral board or written entrance exam. This book is NOT intended to be for fire personnel currently on the job. Topics such as advancement or promotional techniques, tactics and strategies of fire suppression, or firefighter safety and survival will not be discussed. This book will not focus on the volunteer firefighter or any specialty firefighter positions, such as aircraft firefighting, shipboard firefighting, or forestry/wildland firefighting, although there may exist many similarities with a paid city municipality fire department. The goal of this book is to enlighten those unfamiliar with the career fire service. Being hired by a fire department as an entry level firefighter or firefighter/paramedic is very challenging. Since the fire service has expanded significantly from the mission of fire suppression, factors such as location, service, and funding have affected how the fire service has grown. Therefore, nationally, the fire service is drastically different in methods of fire attack, customer service, and leadership when fulfilling the motto “to protect life, property, and the environment”. The fire service has also become more complicated over the years. The hiring process will be eventful. There is no question. Supply is decreasing; demand is increasing. However, budget may be limiting. No matter the influences, a constantly increasing population that is also aging ensures our job is needed. And, of course, my favorite, people continue to do stupid things that require our help! Understanding what you will be doing for the next twenty-fire to thirty years is important for a long, fruitful, and enjoyable career. This resource is designed to educate in order to make a very personal decision regarding one’s own role in the fire service of today. Honor, Courage, and Devotion to Duty is our creed. Our desire is that everyone goes home.