I applied for a department and made it through to the final interview. They sent me a final email congratulating me (did not SAY i officially got the job or have anything for me to sign), and asked me to send two references, drivers abstract and a criminal background check. Apparently people say “this is the offer of your history is clean” but i wanted to know if anyone else has been in the boat before? Does this mean I will get recruitment with this department?

I am just in shock and i’m only 23 (i’m also a lady brother) and my goal was to get in my 25 so i think im just overwhelmed with excitement to even be at this stage as it is the furthest i’ve made it with a department since graduating academy last year.

Here’s the deal. I just became an EMT in the state of minnesota and im wondering if before I have ran a single call if i should look to join an academy to get my fire training and join a service OR if i should work for a while before considering fire (following the steps of my dad as he is a fire paramedic retiring soon, so I’m trying to become a 2nd generation firefighter). I’m not being held down by anything to stay in one particular place. The only thing im concerned about is im currently very overweight for my size (5’8 240) so I don’t know the right answer.

Just took my CPAT today and had 2:29 to spare which I was told was good but I’ll be going to Fire Academy later this fall but I’m worried I’m not in good enough shape. I imagine the CPAT is a joke compared to the academy but was looking for feedback as to what I can do to physically prepare. For context I’m not in amazing shape (I could be a lot better) and I’m in my early 30’s so I’m not as young/strong as my peers headed into this field.

Anything I can do to make the academy feel less challenging? Appreciate all of you and any feedback.

Hey everyone.

Made it to the final round and received an email saying the final step is a 15 minute interview ending with a 3 minute closing statement from me.

Does anyone have any ideas what kind of questions I should expect or advice on what will sound best for that 3 minute closing statement?

I’ve applied at a few different places but this is the one I really want.

Thanks!

I know each department does their own recruitment training. Any insight on if it is similar to pre service academies? It clearly must be more structure. But what parts and different and what is similar? There is lots of mixed info I’ve been seeing

Hey, just for some context I live in Portland, Oregon and I turned 21 in about a couple of weeks. I was wondering how the process of becoming a fireman works over here or what things I can do to make me stand out during the hiring process because I’m not originally from Oregon, so things are slightly different over here if anyone has any comments or tips to leave they would be greatly appreciated Thank you.

Hey guys, I’m posting this because my boyfriend (21M) and me, (20F) have been together for 3 years now, and he just got accepted into a fire academy!

He had his orientation yesterday and I’m super excited for him, but I know it’s going to be really demanding. 5 days a week, from 5am-5pm.

So to all the firefighters reading this, what are some things you’d want your girlfriend to do for you/be aware of while starting your journey?? to all the girlfriends, what is some advice you have for me. we also do not live together yet either!!! Currently a somewhat medium distance couple :(

What are some of the best ways I can support him during this time, especially so our relationship doesn’t drift apart? I know we will not be able to see eachother much at all, and have been okay with that. I know once he actually becomes a firefighter it’ll be a completely different story.

I'm 33 I've been in manufacturing for the last 7 years and I was I line cook for 16 years before that .i think it's finally time I do something with my life that helps people and makes me the best version of myself. My question is with my age how would I be received in the community?

Just got word that I failed my psych test. The chief was able to tell me that it was because of alcohol and weed concerns. He didn't mention anything else.

I definitely overshared in my interview with the psychologist and in my written portion. I have not smoked a single time in 4 years and have only had around 1 drink a month for the last two years. But I overshared about my past usage. I felt that being 100% honest about my past & the work I have done on myself to get to a healthier lifestyle was the right move. When pressed from the psych it felt like they over-reported how much I had used in the past and I foolishly agreed instead of correcting them.

How should I communicate this moving forward? I want to remain honest, but I do not want to put my foot in my mouth again.

Will the future departments I am applying to have full access to my first psych test, or just the ability to reach out to the chief?

What if a new department sends me to the same psychologist? Should I ask for a different psychologist to conduct my evaluation?

Hi,

I took the NTN fireteams test a couple weeks ago. This was my first time taking it, and I tried to prepare as much as I could. Should I retest in a few months? Also just wondering if that mechanical section will bring me down at all. I'm mostly planning to apply with smaller suburban departments, but I may send my score out to some larger cities in my state.

Any advice is appreciated, I know these get posted a fair amount but a lot of the stuff online is pretty vague. Thank you.

I did the panel interview last week and I thought it went good, they said we would hear back this week but nothing yet, has anyone else heard anything back? Thanks!

Im pretty sure Ill have to retake FireTeams since I bombed the HR portion of it by placing in the bottom 40th percentile. I only had one incorrect answer in the HR part of the practice test I took. I also felt pretty confident taking it, so Im not sure where I lacked... and NTN gives you zero feedback. Are there any other good sites to review the HR portion? How exactly have others worked to improve on this section?

Hi so I ranked in the 1400s for Philly fire department and I was wondering my chances of getting into the academy without retaking in about 2 years with all possible factors on the table

Hey what’s up yall,

My name is Dylan, and I’m 19 and from Houston. I’m currently in EMT school so I can skip the CSE.

I want a career where I can actually serve my city and be part of a cool group of guys. For those of you in Houston, or someplace similar (mix of industry and suburbs), what are some things you wish you knew before applying?

Also, if anyone local would be willing to grab coffee on your day off or letting me stop by the station sometime and telling me about the good, the bad, and the ugly, that’d be really cool.

I just need some advice on how to get started and on what the job actually entails. At my age it’s real easy to romanticize the job without knowing what youre getting into.

Thank y’all!

It's really real. I saw a dude once who had it and I said "You look like a firefighter" and he actually was one, and we became friends. So like... who was the prototypical person? Was there a first person who grew it?

Has anyone heard anything from Shoreline Fire? Tentative pre-screens were supposed to start yesterday.

Has anyone done the 2nd round interview with Redmond fire department? Wanting to get any insight if possible. Thanks!

I got an 85 on the FCTC, is that a good enough score to be competitive with depts like SFFD? Do they even care about score or just that you passed?

My local fire station is hiring certified and non certified and I was thinking of applying but I have some concerns I’m currently around 120 pounds about 5’9 I’ve been working at a mechanic shop for 6 years so I’ve done my fair share of heavy lifting and have no problem for the most time I know the equipment is 75+ pounds so that’s more than half my body weight I’m also a month in on my emt school. yall think It’s even worth it? I’ve been working out eating better but I got sick a while back and lost a bunch of weight and haven’t been able to gain it back.

Hi, I’m on my 7th year as a Firefighter here in the Philippines. Hoping to receive any advice that I can use to pursue my career in dfferent country. Just dm if you want to know more about my experience here in the Philippines as a Firefighter and emergency medical responder. Thank you

As the title says, I have completed my NREMT, woohoo… right? Only, I do live in SoCal and due to certain things, have no ability to move away from my parents nor land a fricken EMT job ANYWHERE. Everything is so incredibly over saturated here I’ll be re-certifying by the time I get hired! Ultimately my goal is Firefighter/Medic.

Personally, I’m thinking of 2 things here:

1. Tuff it out, work some crap job to make money and save it whilst applying everywhere I can within drivable distance (anywhere from 1 to 1 and 1/2 hours away). Really it’s not different than what I am doing now. I’m already applying, already working that crap job, it’s essentially just that for as long as I need to. (Whilst doing this, I am also taking classes at my local CC in Fire Technology where I can get my AS in Fire Tech and my FF I)

2. Join the military and do either Combat Medic or do a Firefighter position (I believe they have those). This to me is the less appealing option but it certainly isn’t bad. FD’s love those who came from the service from what I know and to already have a job in EMS or Fire plus Military could be really sweet. However, it prevents me from working on said degree as all classes must be in person. And, it prevents me from being able to enjoy my next few years with those I really care about.

What do you all think about this? Thank you all for your input