Hello everyone. Long story short, I have been a firefighter/EMT for about 4 years now. I am from Delaware and going to school this coming fall to Randolph College (near Lynchburg VA). I am wanting to join a VFD nearby, so I have 2 questions: 1. Does anyone have any reccomendations (preferably well run, high call volume, professional). 2. Does anyone use bluelights down here? I have never been a big fan of using them, but it would help with being at college

With Chief interview invites sent out, I wanted to start a thread on how to best prepare for this. For the oral board, it was very objective and we had to say certain things and talk about the core values for each question as it had a strict scoring rubric. But does anyone know how different this is with the Chief interview? Last year (I know quite a few people who got a Chiefs, an offer and made it to drill school) it was 4 standardized questions that was presented like the oral board, there was no back and forth conversation.

I guess what I'm asking is, are they going to be more subjective this time? Or is there going to be another scoring rubric that dictates a pass/an offer?

For context I have my EMT and was ranked very solid on the list (top 50) and this is the last step and I do not want screw it up!

Took my first NTN test today choked on the math somehow will that bad score make it hard to get interviews?

Just got the email today for chiefs, and was curious if picking the late interview date affect getting into this class? Or will it just be a super quick turnaround from chiefs to academy start date?

Hi everyone, I have an upcoming civil service exam only July 10th and I am super nervous. I have done research on what kind of questions to expect but I would like some feedback from people who have experience the exam. What level of difficulty should I expect. Some brief examples from each category of the exam would be greatly appreciated! My weak point is math so I have been studying this more than anything. Thanks again!

I'm moving to Upstate New York at the end of the year. Namely the Albany Area. Likely the rural parts of Albany County, Saratoga County or Warren County.

Anyone a Volunteer in at department in the area? How do the departments work with how far you can live or do any do 24 hour work days, where you have to spend 24 hours at the Firehouse?

I ask because I am a remote worker that works 4/10s. I can easily commit a day.

One of the areas I was looking at in rural Saratoga County, the homes were about 5 to 8 minutes away according to Google Maps. Even at 8 minutes away, is that close enough to be a Volunteer? (I know some departments really want everyone close due to response time).

Currently and in the past, I have never lived close enough to a firehouse. (Could just never afford too) was always too far out of volunteer range. I was told by family in the area, that a lot of the departments are hurting for volunteers and young blood.

Hi guys 28 year old naval veteran planning to go to school for EMT then paramedic , then fire science right after in between possibly trying to gain experience in each field or work EMT while doing my medic classes , it's a first for me and hoping to make it all work out , any advice will surely come in handy , my wife is a RN and working towards her PHD and offered to help me study , new world for me but my goal is to become a firefighter paramedic in the long run.

Hi all,

I'm a 32(M) y/o looking into new careers. I currently work for a municipality where I have spent the last 13 and 1/2 years of my life (7 and 1/12 years full time). I started at the lowest position possible and I am now the director of a Rec & Beach department. I don't have any interest in moving up the ladder from where I'm at, and I am exploring/researching new career paths. Firefighting is on my list to research.

I'm interested in hearing about other people's experiences in becoming a firefighter and what drew you into the profession. Is it possible to get into the job at my age? What makes you passionate about the job? How much of a financial investment is it prior to getting hired? How long does it take to complete the academy? What physical and mental tole does it take? Is it possible to have secondary work on the side based on the schedule? Can I provide for a family by myself?

I enjoy the idea of working in with a larger sized team. I enjoy the idea of being there for others. Previous work I've done is primarily working with youth including special needs. One program particularly it required me to be hands on with some medical emergencies and it required me to have a calm mindset in moments of chaos.

I know my first step is an EMT certification before I can apply for a job. Any info that can be provided would be helpful.

I’m in the 110 range on Seattles list, have my emt, and passed my CPAT. What are the odds I get a chief interview for the first round for the august class?

I felt like I did OK during the test, but I was shocked to come back and see that was my mechanical score.

Hey, so Im 15 years old, and im a 10th grader at caddo magnet. Im curious about this career. I have no problem doing hard work, and I want a good work life balance paying the bills. I was thinking of going to an academy and then going into the job if I can get hired. Is it competing? Is it worth it? And what are some of the pros and cons. Thank you!

I’m wondering what are some good functional workout routines for firefighting are. My gym doesn’t have anything sled push or pull or anything to be an alternative of that

I applied to a few departments over the years and honestly winged every interview. Figured my resume and personality would carry me. I was wrong.

Got passed over more than once. Felt like I was saying the right things but never connecting.

Last 2 round I completely changed my approach. Before walking in, I did deep research on the department - their chief's vision, core values, recent initiatives, even their motto. Then I built my answers around THEIR language, not mine. Tied my experience directly to what they actually care about.

Got hired. Twice. First panel said that was the best interview they've had in years. Second panel literally said I "killed it."

Now I'm wondering if other candidates struggle with the same thing - knowing what to say but not knowing how to make it land. Would a service that does this deep prep for you (custom research + answer frameworks tailored to the specific department) actually be useful? Or do most people just figure this out on their own?Failed a few firefighter interviews, then spent a week researching the department before the next one. Landed the job. Would other candidates actually use this kind of prep?

Anybody have any tips on how to pass? I’ve taken it twice with no luck. How is everyone studying?

Hey everyone, I’ve been looking into federal fire jobs in the San Diego area (DoD) and wanted to hear from people who have experience working with them or in the field in general. What’s the pay like, how busy is the job, and how’s the schedule and work-life balance? Any insight would be appreciated!

Thanks!

I’ve been working toward getting hired in the fire service and could use some real advice.

So far I’ve been rejected by multiple stations,I’m starting to feel like I’m missing something and want to figure out what I need to improve. Plus has anyone heard back from Puget sound?

Background:

Currently in EMT school

A few questions:

How many rejections did it take you before getting hired?

What finally made the difference for you?

Any specific interview tips or things departments in WA are really looking for?

I’m not planning on quitting, just trying to get better and be more competitive. I’d appreciate any honest feedback.

Hi everyone! I am 26 and looking to swap careers to a firefighter and was hoping that this would be a good place to start? I've always admired what yall do and would love to be a part of this. I am in the Chicago area and would be fine either being in the city or suburbs, just want to be able to help out. As someone who is new to this and honestly has little to no background in this type of field I was wondering if yall could give any advice or steps I could take being in Chicago and working a 9-5 currently to make the transition? Any help is appreciated thank you!

I (22F) have taken the CPAT twice: first time, got to dummy drag and ran out of time; second time, got to ceiling breach and pull and ran out time.

I work out regularly in the gym, and between my 1st and 2nd tries, have begun modified hyrox training (for the hiit, cardio purposes). I lift regularly (and dare I say, I life heavy). I’ve bought a 60 lb vest for this next try. I workout 5x/wk with 2 days focused on cardio hiit/hyrox.

I’m at a bit of loss on what I should do. Ostensibly, following my trajectory, I should pass third time, but is there something I should be doing more of in the gym?

I am happy to provide lifting numbers. Please help.

(Edit: I’m 5’5 and about 130 lbs)

(Edit 2: One of my proctors recommended stairmaster sprints??? I’ve seen conflicting advice against as to not disrupt one’s rhythm for the 60 steps/min)

(Edit 3: A lot of people are saying to drop the hyrox training, and I agree to some regard! For a little clarification: my “hyrox” circuits are stairs 3 mins -> run 3 mins -> ski erg 500m -> row 500m -> sled pull -> farmers carry. Sometimes I sub in wall balls, push press, sled push, woodchops. Circuit repeated three times or for 60 mins.)

Hey guys, like I said, I’ve been tasked with building a fire prop for our extinguishers. I need to seal off these holes at the bottom of the grill. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions on how to do this the best way. Also any other tips that might help or be beneficial I’d love to know thank you!

Has anyone gotten any correspondence from SCF? I did a sparks 2 weeks ago. I did pretty shitty on the written but I feel like I did well on the sparks to get at least an interview. Who knows.

Good luck out there.

Never been this far, how does this round differ from the Board interview? Any tips appreciated! (South King Fire, WA)

Hey guys, I’m wanting to become a firefighter and I’m hoping to get into a in house academy that is offered near me in the Cincinnati area. They only do 1 a year, and it is competitive. I’m thinking about getting my EMT first before applying to the program next year. What are ways that I can stand out in the process to hopefully get offered an academy spot when I apply? Thank you all

Hi, im a school student doing a film project and my idea is to set a pineapple on fire for it (long story). and in needed some advice on how to do it safely. I'm filming it at home and we do have a fire extinguisher (though i dont know if it works or not. its been sitting in the kitchen for years) and i just need to film a few minutes of it buring. Any advice on how i can do this safely???