Am i On the Right Track?

My names Nick and I live in Santa Barbara, California. Im 18 and graduated a couple months ago. I have been spending time at the local county fire station getting information on what exactly i should do to get hired eventually... the only problem is i cant get a good solid answer from any of the fire guys.. they all have different opinions on what path to follow.

My plan right now is to take EMT starting next month at a community college. (EMS Academy) i am also taking my general ed at community college in order to eventually transfer and get a bachelors degree in Geography... the fire fighters i have spoken to said NOT to major in fire science because after becoming a paramedic and getting my bachelors, i have a good chance of getting hired. is a bachelors in Geography a good idea?

Also, all the volunteer departments that i am aware of in Santa Barbara county have been taken over by the County Fire and are no longer accepting volunteers... the US Fire Service is all over where i live. Should i stop by there and see what i can do to maybe volunteer and gain experience? or should i just wait?

Thanks in advance!

0 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by truckeewads on July 30, 2009 at 5:16pm

Nick

You are going to find that everyone has a different answer about how to prepare yourself for a fire service career. My opinion is that you do most of what you stated already. Go to school and get an education. Getting your EMT and eventually your Paramedic will help. Finding seasonal or part-time employment as a firefighter is a good way to gain experience while you are attending school. USFS/Calfire are good places to start and who knows, you may work your way into full time employment with them. I believe a degree in fire science is worth while and shows your dedication to pursuing a career in the fire service. I would never discourage you from completing your Bachelors Degree in geography or any other field, because in the long run it will help you the more education you have the higher up in the fire service you go. You are on the right tract....good luck.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Oldman on July 30, 2009 at 5:24pm

Is advanced education ever a bad idea?

Most would argue that obtaining a college degree shows that a person will put forth more effort to learn and apply their trade or career. Some would argue that the degree should be in the field you intend to pursue.

As an employer, I have a person who went through EMT school, then fire school apply for a position. You apply for the same position. You also have your EMT, and fire cert, but you additionally have taken the time to obtain your degree. Now on the surface, both of you are qualified for the position. But I might be more receptive to hiring someone with an advanced education because they went the extra distance.

Whether you decide to major in Geography, Fire Science, or underwater basket weaving, You can never go wrong advancing your education.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Reg Mathis on July 30, 2009 at 6:52pm

Nick,

You can also check with the military bases in the Santa Barbara area to see if they contract out their fire/rescue services. Maybe some openings there. And I would still apply with the county, sometimes the act of telling people who are applying that there are no openings is a way of weeding out all but the decidedly dedicated.

TCSS

Am i On the Right Track?

Replies to This Discussion

FireRescue Magazine

Find Members Fast