I've been pursuing a full time job in the fire service for almost two years now. After a year of knocking on doors with no results, I decided in Aug 2007 to put myself through EMT school. About two weeks into classes, opportunity knocked. Alcoa Fire Dept called and offered me a chance to participate in an upcoming rookie school and a job as a reserve firefighter. While working 40 hours a week at my fulltime job, going to EMT classes two nights a week, and rookie school classes two nights a week, I began interviewing with Blount County Fire Dept for a fulltime spot. I actually made the final cut down to two candidates, but was passed over in favor of the other prospect. On the bright side, Blount County also put me on as a reserve firefighter. Now i spend every spare moment at one station or the other, trying to gain experience, learn as much as I can, and create the relationships that will lead me to my dream. Sometime, somewhere, someone will give me a shot. I anxiously look forward to becoming a career firefighter and being a part of the brotherhood that is the fire service!!