Wanting to Become a Firefighter

I am a Junior in High School, and want to become a firefighter. Planning on getting a Bachelor's in Fire Science but haven't looked into colleges yet (recommend any?). I have 8 credits in science right now, and valid CPR/AED (adult, child, and infant) and Basic First Aid licenses. However, I am a little confused with the hiring process. When does the academy come into play? What do departments look for in applicants? What are my chances of getting hired onto a bigger department such as Indianapolis right out of college?

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Permalink Reply by Marc on September 22, 2009 at 12:33am

GET YOUR EMT!!!!!!!! i am also a Junior in High School and have all the Certs. you do. Something I have always been told is, GET YOU EMT as soon as your 18!!!!! You can start the class when ur 17, as long as when you "graduate" you are 18. Also, are you part of a junior/explorer program in your area? Thats always a good way to get a foot ahead of most other people applying.

As far as colleges go, i am also looking into a Fire Science (or that there of) degree. And what can i say, Oregon University and ASU (arizona state)

ASU offers a degree in Applied Science specializing in Fire Service Management, Emergency Management, and Municipal Operations Management
Oregon offers a degree in something like Fire Science and Wilderness. (more forestry stuff, i believe)

Hope this helps.

Explorer Capt Marc Hurwitz
Los Angeles CITY Fire Dept.

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Permalink Reply by iGamer on September 23, 2009 at 1:14pm

Yes, I am an explorer in the local VFD.

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Permalink Reply by Nicholas Hattington on September 23, 2009 at 3:12pm

Dear igamer,

I am a sophomore at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie Michigan, which is located in the Upper Peninsula right near the international bridge that connects the U.S.A and Canada. LSSU offers a wide selection of Bachelor's Degrees, Including Fire Science which is the degree i am pursueing. LSSU was the first college/university in the United States to be accredited for a 4-year Fire Science Program and has many dedicated Dr.s and professors who care about education. The Fire Science Program allows you to pick between four different emphasis: General (this allows you to pick your minor), Engineering Technology, Hazardous Materials, and Paramedic. In the Fire Science Program at Lake State you get get your certifications in Fire 1 & 2, Hazmat Awareness, Hazmat Operatioons and the list goes on. LSSU also offers the EMS program, which allows students to take MFR, EMT-B, and Paramedic classes. Not only can you leave LSSU with a degree but with advanced knowledge in the fire service. Here at LSSU the students are the first priority for professors and failier is not an option.

I encourage you to vist www.lssu.edu and click on Academics. Under academic programs look for fire sceince and you can find out more about LSSU's Fire Science Program. Here at Lake Superior State University the fire science program is one of the most respected programs on campus. LSSU Fire Science is not only trying to make us the best firefighters but they are training us to become leaders of tomorrow.

If you would like more information email me at nicalater30wp@comcast.net

Wanting to Become a Firefighter

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