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Newbie has questions about the job.
Hello all,
I am very interested in getting into the field of firefighting. I plan on taking some classes at the local community college. Also, I would like to volunteer so that I can be around the professionals in the field I would like to someday work in. Until then though, I was hoping that someone could answer these questions for me. I know it’s a lot and I really appreciate it.
1. What skills and personal assets does the job entail?
2. What training and background is useful and required?
3. What is some advice to succeeding in this field?
4. What are some of the benefits and challenges of the field?
5. If you could tell me a little bit of your own career path to this job.
6. Whether you would recommend doing anything differently.
Thank you for your time,
Chris
I am very interested in getting into the field of firefighting. I plan on taking some classes at the local community college. Also, I would like to volunteer so that I can be around the professionals in the field I would like to someday work in. Until then though, I was hoping that someone could answer these questions for me. I know it’s a lot and I really appreciate it.
1. What skills and personal assets does the job entail?
2. What training and background is useful and required?
3. What is some advice to succeeding in this field?
4. What are some of the benefits and challenges of the field?
5. If you could tell me a little bit of your own career path to this job.
6. Whether you would recommend doing anything differently.
Thank you for your time,
Chris
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Station10Capt106 on
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1) There are many skills and personal traits that are needed or help. Among them are: disipline, drive, ambition, dedication, respect, professionalism, integrity, honesty, compassion, empathy, leadership, humility, assertivness . . . and the list can go on and on. Skills include the basics: reading, writing, 'rithmatic along with mechanical skills, cognitive and deductive skills, the ability to adapt, react and improvise.
2) training and background that is useful in a nutshell is all. Firefighters face such myraid of situations that all skills and knowledge will eventually come in handy. Generally speaking, any type of mechanical, construction, automotive skills are great, along with cpr, first aid skills. Leadership and management skills are also very good to aquire.
3) some general advice is to check your ego at the door. Remember that when you start you are at the bottom of the totem pole so to speak and will have a lot to learn and prove to the other members of the department. Good listening skills are extremely important. Take advantage of the experience and knowledge that the older guys have on the department. Dedicate the time necessary to study, practice and improve.
4) To me the benefits are primarly personal. There is great satisfaction in helping someone else in need. Yes, there is the excitement and adrenalin rush that we all get but it goes beyond that. Our Asst. Chief likens the fire service to a church mission group. Our community is our mission grounds and we are charged with the task of serving them. Sometimes what we do is enjoyable and exciting, other times it is hard and painful, but no matter what we serve them to the best of our ability. The challenges are many. No two situations are alike. Training requirements are always increasing and in the case of volunteer departments, this presents a huge obstacle to overcome as all members are already stretched in many different directions already with work, family and other activities.
5) I've been on our vol. department since I finished college in 1994. I am self employeed at a family business and joined as a way to give back and serve in the community. Over the years I've taken many many classes and have become a first responder, emt-b, instructor I, instructor II/III, and a captain on our dept.
6) The choice on what to do, how to do it, or whether to do it differently is entirely up to you. I can only comment on my own situation and I can honestly say I would not do anything differently. The fire service is my mission field and I have glad and honored to be able to dedicate a portion of my life to this endevour.
John
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Permalink Reply by Justin Allen on
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i agree w/ capt106 completely on every subject. only thing i wanna add is be ready to do some work and plenty of it. This is a problem we have encountered is people not willing to help out AFTER the fun is over (i.e. re-racking hose, cleaning hose, equipment, stowing the gear back on the rigs, washing the rig, etc.) It's not all running around w/ lights and sirens and spraying water. But if everyone does their part, the task is completed alot faster and easier than if just a couple people are doing it.
I also think to volunteer is great. It will give you a great idea of what goes on, and how things operate, plus you get some experience before you make a career of it.
Good luck, Stay safe
Justin
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Permalink Reply by Adam Schmitt on
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I too agree with Capt 106. couldn't said it better myself. I will add when you start to get discuraged, buckle down, we have all been through it. You will find it is a great thing to a part of. Adam
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Permalink Reply by Paul Everson on
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Good information above. I started back in 1987 as a volunteer and loved it. I decided to go to paramedic school a year later and 20-years later..."A fast 20-years" I do it for a living. It is or close to..the best job in town!!! I have loved this job both volunteer then FT since day one!!! If you want to do it...jump right in and hold on, your life will never be the same. The people that do this kind of work are the best.
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Permalink Reply by Chris Sakurai on
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Hey Capt106 thanks a lot for all of the information. I really found it helpful and I can't wait to start volunteering. Thanks again for your time and insight
Chris
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