5 things you can do to get your firefighter career started now!

Why NOT to park by a hydrant

Being that this is the start of a new year, it’s a great time to get your new career in firefighting started! Here are 5 things you can do right now to kick your new goal into high gear!

1. Sign up for an EMT-B program.
   Getting your EMT Basic license is the best thing you can do to get your firefighter career started, since it is the most basic requirement that most departments require. Being a “Nationally Registered” EMT is best. You can find out more info and hopefully a place for training here: http://www.nremt.org/nremt/about/related_links.asp
   If you’re having a hard time find a location that trains EMTs, try your local community college district, your local health department, or your nearest career center.
2. Take/finish your General Ed. classes
   If you’re new to college, you will need to take a college level English class to complete the EMT class or any Fire Science classes. You will also need to complete ALL of the required general ed classes in addition to the required Fire Science classes to earn an Associate of Science (AS) in Fire Science degree, which will look great on your application, and may even be required by some departments for certain positions.
3. Get in shape!
   To complete an academy, or to be a Firefighter in general, you will need to be fit and healthy. A guy who completed a Fire academy told me that you need to focus on “Stairs, stairs and more stairs!”. There’s no need to buy any fancy exercise equipment or join a gym even. Just get yourself on a regular working that includes strength training and cardio/running. Need help getting motivated? Click Here. It’s better to get started now then AFTER you get accepted into the academy. You’ll have plenty of other stuff to worry about at that point!
   
4. Go on a Ridealong
   Going on a ride along is a great way to see if this is the career for you, and meet some local firefighter who will be more than happy to give you career advise on getting hired in their department. Most departments offer 4 hour ride alongs at the station of your choice as long as you are over 18.
5. Research departments that offer volunteer/reserve positions.
   

   reserve

   Landing a volunteer (or even better a reserve) position with your local department is a great way to gain real life firefighting experience. Most smaller departments will have volunteer positions (in some departments that’s all they have!). And if you can find a department that has a reserve program, you’ll even get paid! Most departments have certain hours a month you have to work to be in the program, as well as be 18 and have a DL.

Well, those are just a few ways to get your career off to a good start. Come on, you’ve got a whole new year ahead of you, get started!