Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mike Coleman on August 13, 2009 at 5:51pm

Well, yes and no. Any related training or experience could be considered valuable by prospective employers. However, I would not rely solely on that. Look into EMT training, volunteer at your local fire department, and even consider self sponsoring at a fire academy. The Alabama Fire College offers self sponsored rookie schools. Another route would be an associates in fire science from your local community college or on line.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jared Mix on August 13, 2009 at 7:42pm

What I'm planning on doing is finishing fire academy at a local fire department, which offers the Firefighter 1, Wildland Firefighter Red card, and hazmat operations certifications. Also they offer a EMT-Basic certification program that I plan to attend, as well. So I was thinking if I was a member of CERT and Search and Rescue, I might have a leg up as far as getting employed. Also, I have a deferred prosecution for a DUI I received in 2007, which I have completed all of Washington State's requirements in compliance. A lot of the fire departments in this area have a three year minimum time limit when it comes to DUI. I am hoping with the training I mentioned above I won't have very much trouble getting employed. If you can offer me any advice, I would really appreciate. Much respect and thanks, Jared Mix

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by ashfire on August 13, 2009 at 8:12pm

We have looked at Teen CERT as a way to draw in new volunteer fire and ems members because I think you can teach CERT training to teens as young as twelve. We look for members as young as sixteen to be members in the volunteer service and it could be a means to draw in new people.
In some way I see CERT as more of a urban search and rescue type training with fire extinguishers added but like said you get first aid training so getting EMT is a plus if there is a ems rescue squad to join and then work your way to firefighting

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion