Fire departments come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some employ full-time paid firefighters, while others rely solely on volunteer firefighters. Whatever position is desired, a firefighter must go through extensive physical and academic training to ensure that they have a strong understanding of fire safety techniques as well as the physical stamina to perform the tasks required of firefighters. To join a fire department, you must pass both physical and written tests, with scores demonstrating a thorough understanding of fire safety. In an emergency, candidates must be able to react quickly.
Obtaining the necessary training is the first step in becoming a paid firefighter with a fire department. Firefighters typically need a high school diploma, and some pursue two- or four-year fire science programs at community colleges and universities. However, if a candidate already has contacts at a fire department, he or she may apply for a position straight out of high school. Much depends on the level of competition for jobs in a given area, so those without connections who want to work for a well-known fire department might have a better chance if they first complete an academic program in fire science.
After being accepted into a fire department’s training program, a candidate must complete several weeks of training at the department’s training center. Trainees learn firefighting techniques, safety procedures, hazardous materials control, emergency medical procedures, fire prevention techniques, and how to use equipment in the classroom and on the job. After completing this training, trainees are assigned to a fire company and placed on probation. Firefighters on probation continue to train on the job while being supervised by more experienced firefighters.
The procedure is similar for those who want to join a volunteer fire department. An application must be submitted to the volunteer fire department, and if accepted, the candidate will be required to complete a training program and pass a physical and written test. Emergency Medical Technicians must also be certified by fire departments (EMTs). Individual departments determine the level of EMT certification required, as well as whether certification is required before or after starting the job. Many fire departments give new firefighters up to a year to obtain EMT certification.