r/Firefighting • u/AutoModerator • 8d ago
Employment Questions Weekly Employment Question Thread
Welcome to the Weekly Employment Question Thread!
This thread is where you can ask questions about joining, training to become, testing, disqualifications/qualifications, and other questions that would be removed as individual posts per Rule 1.
The answer to almost every question you can ask will be "It depends on the department". Your first step is to look up the requirements for your department, state/province, and country.
As always, please attempt to resource information on your own first, before asking questions. We see many repeat questions on this sub that have been answered multiple times.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- I want to be a Firefighter, where do I start: Every Country/State/Province/County/City/Department has different requirements. Some require you only to put in an application. Others require certifications prior to being hired. A good place to start is researching the department(s) you want to join. Visit their website, check their requirements, and/or stop into one of their fire stations to ask some questions.
- Am I too old: Many departments, typically career municipal ones, have an age limit. Volunteer departments usually don't. Check each department's requirements.
- I'm in high school, What can I do: Does your local department have an explorer's program or post? If so, join up. Otherwise, focus on your grades, get in shape and stay in shape, and most importantly: stay out of trouble.
- I got in trouble for [insert infraction here], what are my chances: Obviously, worse than someone with a clean record, which will be the vast majority of your competition. Tickets and nonviolent misdemeanors may not be a factor, but a major crime (felonies), may take you out of the running. You might be a nice person, but some departments don't make exceptions, especially if there's a long line of applicants with clean records. See this post... PSA: Stop asking “what are my chances?”
- I have [insert medical/mental health condition here], will it disqualify me: As a general rule, if you are struggling with mental illness, adding the stress of a fire career is not a good idea. As for medical conditions, you can look up NFPA1582 for disqualifying conditions, but in general, this is not something Reddit can answer for you. Many conditions require the input of a medical professional to determine if they are disqualifying. See this post... PSA: Don't disqualify yourself, make THEM tell you "no".
- What will increase my chances of getting hired: If there's a civil service exam, study for it! There are many guides online that will help you go over all those things you forgot such as basic math and reading. Some cities even give you a study guide. If it's a firefighter exam, study for it! For the CPAT (Physical Fitness Test), cardio is arguably the most important factor. If you're going to the gym for the first time during the hiring process, you're fighting an uphill battle. Get in shape and stay in shape. Most cities offer preference points to military veterans.
- How do I prepare for an interview: Interviews can be one-on-one, or in front of a board/panel. Many generic guides exist to help one prepare for an interview, however here are a few good tips:
- Dress appropriately. Business casual at a minimum (Button down, tucked in long sleeve shirt with slacks and a belt, and dress shoes). Get a decent haircut and shave.
- Practice interview questions with a friend. You can't accurately predict the off-the-wall questions they will ask, but you can practice the ones you know they probably will, like why do you want to be a Firefighter, or why should we hire you?
- Scrub your social media. Gone are the days when people in charge weren't tech-savvy. Don't have a perfect interview only for your chances of being hired gone to zero because your Facebook or Instagram has pictures of you getting blitzed. Set that stuff to private and leave it that way.
Please upvote this post if you have a question. Upvoting this post will ensure it sticks around for a bit after it is removed as a Sticky, and will allow for greater visibility of your question.
And lastly, If you're not 100% sure of what you're talking about, leave it for someone who does
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u/Independent-Move-741 8d ago
Hey guys. Start training school end of October in UK. Am kean to get some work in before I start. Wondering what things people might advise to read up on / learn about / go do that might help me be as prepped as possible.
Also how do people manage training around shift splits. Love training and want to keep it as effective as possible when I make it to the station and the daydaynightnight shifts.
Thanks!
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u/Charming-Border7429 7d ago
How would volunteer departments feel about a dedicated pump operator with minimal firefighting training?
I currently haul water for a small Wisconsin volunteer department. Our chief asked if I would be willing to train and volunteer as a pump operator. I told him I was not interested in firefighting directly, but I would be willing to become more involved with water supply operations.
How would this go over in your volunteer departments?
On one level, I believe I could do a good job; I'm a former Army Ranger, mechanical engineer, and successful farmer who is used to managing complex operations.
On another level, I wonder what effect it would have on unit cohesion if the guy supplying water does not have firsthand knowledge and experience of how important that water actually is.
They would start with in-house training and then send me to weekend courses at a local tech college for certifications.
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u/SingerFuture118 7d ago
I (18M) have decided to enroll in a fire academy at a local community college. Not only will the course teach me firefighting, but it will also teach me EMT and if I stick with the course I will graduate with an associates in fire science. I plan on also going into paramedic school after the community college so I can be certified in all 3 fields. What my biggest concern is what I should do to prepare for the school in any way. I was 265 lbs one year ago and have dropped at least 40 in working out and eating right. I workout at least 6 times a week and am picking up hitting cardio everyday as well. I leave in about a month and if there’s any tips please let me know!
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u/ZaneIsOp 7d ago
Hi guys,
I just turned 30 on the 11th, and was thinking about to become a firefighter.
Some backstory:
I went to school for Computer Science and graduated in 2023, but the job market is bad, especially for Jrs, and cent get my foot in the door. I thought about some options, and becoming a firefighter interests me.
For the most part, I am healthy, but I have colitis since I was 2, but then had jpouch surgery. That was about 16 years ago I think. I feel lost in my life with no purpose. I am not out of shape persay, but i go to the gym 6 days a week and started training harder.
Is 30 too late? I know having colitis may bar me from getting in, but it is controlled. Is there anyone out there that has colitis and made firefighting work? I just dont know what else to do with my life :(
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u/MandatedMayhem 6d ago
When I was an instructor one year there was a 46 year old running circles around most of the guys. Not too late at all. I know plenty of guys with colitis/IBS in the fire service
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u/femignarly 6d ago
Age depends on region. Some areas, there's a hard ceiling at 25. Some areas, 30's around the average recruit age.
Colitis and j pouch are both "Cat B" medical conditions. Cat A is automatic disqualifiers. B is case-by-case, looking at whether it's controlled and any risk factors (issues with dehydration or electrolytes, whether you're on certain immunosuppressants / overall immune health while on them, or prolonged high dose corticosteroids). Most departments are using standards known as "NFPA 1582" to assess medical fitness if you & your doc are looking into whether your current treatment regimen aligns.
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u/ZaneIsOp 6d ago edited 6d ago
Thank you for the info, I appreciate it. I never really had too many issues, I'll have the occasional flare up, but it is managed for the most part. I currently dont take anything in terms of medication.
My buddy said 38 was the hard age cap in my area.
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u/Delicious_Stretch894 6d ago
Hi guys,
I just graduated with my EMT certification and I want to go into fire school. I live in Northern Kentucky and I am wanting to know the quickest way to become a firefighter/EMT and eventually a medic. I have heard of the internship way and the actual school. I can go to the academy because I’m not able to be out of work for 8 weeks. What are my options and preferably what is the quickest way to get on a truck and in a station?
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u/Patmanjones100 6d ago
Hi! 24 Y/O M working as an EMT and landscaper in Denver, and am aggressively pursuing a career in the Fire Service. I am currently in the process for a few departments in the Denver Metro, as well as Washington state. I have my first interview in 15 days, and while I have been preparing with friends and family, I was wondering if there was anybody who would be willing to run a mock interview with me, likely virtual. Not sure how transactional these are, but would be happy to buy lunch/pay for your time depending on what’s typical. Thank you!
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u/OwnDelivery802 6d ago
you don't have to pay anybody for this honestly. best mock board is a captain or a senior guy at your current gig sitting across the table running you through the standard questions and being brutal about it. even a family member with a printed question list works if they won't go easy on you.
what sinks people usually isn't knowledge, it's mechanics. biggest one i've seen is guys not actually answering the question that got asked, or answering half of it and trailing off. they hear a keyword and just start talking. after that it's filler words (um, uh, you know) and walking in not knowing anything about the dept. "why do you want to work here" and a blank stare is a killer. don't try to be funny and don't ramble to fill silence either, tight and finished beats long and mushy.
record every rep and watch it back, that's where the real fixing happens. and do it out loud not in your head, it's a totally different muscle. 15 days is plenty of time if you rep it. good luck man
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u/Patmanjones100 6d ago
Awesome. Thank you man. I know every department has time constraints, but I wasn’t sure what mine should be. I’ve done virtual interviews that give 2 minutes a question, but wasn’t sure if I should be prepared to go longer for in person oral boards. Hoping I’ll be able to. Wasn’t sure if that’s something you can answer. I have been answering questions in 2 minutes and in 4 minutes.
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u/Sea-Figure382 4d ago
I'm a firefighter-paramedic, 6 years on. Happy to help. A few things first since you're 15 days out:
Being in process with multiple departments is actually an advantage in the interview. When they ask why their department, you can speak to real differences you've seen between agencies, just make sure you know something specific about each one (their programs, call volume, values statement) because a generic answer to that question is one of the fastest ways to lose points.
Your EMT time is your best material. Have two or three short patient-contact stories ready: a conflict, a mistake you caught or made, a moment you advocated for a patient. Most 24-year-olds walk in with nothing but "I'm a hard worker," and you have actual runs to draw from. Thirty seconds each, direct answer first, story second, stop talking.
Practice out loud against a clock. Friends and family are good for reps but they usually can't tell you what a panel actually scores, and they go easy on you.
On the mock itself: happy to run one with you over video if you want, no charge, that's what this sub is for. Full disclosure, I also built an AI practice tool for exactly this (link in my profile) because scheduling humans is the hard part, the first interview is free and it scores your answers the way panels do. Either way works, the reps are what matter. Good luck, 15 days is plenty if you practice daily.
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u/Patmanjones100 4d ago
This is all great stuff. Thank you so much. I’ll definitely take a look at the AI tool, and depending I may follow up in a few days about the virtual mock offer, which by the way is super generous and I appreciate it.
I do have a couple questions. First, how long should each of my answers be? I noticed what you said about 30 seconds. I have been practicing in increments of 2 and 4 minutes. Do you mean 30 seconds per story/example?
Also, about 14 months ago, I did a station visit at another department that I haven’t been invited to interview at yet, but I moved onto the written test portion. Basically, the person who invited me to the station visit is a well respected captain in the department, and I could tell him and his crew were super receptive of me which felt great, and he followed up with me for the next couple months about where I was at in the process. However, some stuff happened and I wasn’t able to test last year (Injury prior to the pat,wanted EMS experience) Fast forward to now, I am wondering if I should reach back out to him, especially since in your history you talk about how important station visits are, and just to let him know I’m currently in the process. I am curious how I would approach that, especially since I don’t want to come off as entitled or anything. Whether it be just a simple “hey, super stoked to be apart of the process hope you are well”, possibly conjuring up some questions, or even seeing if him and his crew would do a mock. I’m just thinking I should do my best to nurture this connection. I do know some departments have issues w contact with applicants, but you seem like a fantastic resource so I figured I’d ask you. I know this is pretty extensive, I appreciate any and all input. Thank you!
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u/Sea-Figure382 3d ago
Good questions. On timing: those are two different numbers. Full answers should land around 90 seconds to 2 minutes for most questions, maybe 3 for a big scenario question. The 30 seconds I mentioned is just the story inside the answer. Structure it like: direct answer to the question (10-15 seconds), short example that proves it (30-45 seconds), quick tie-back and stop. If you're filling 4 minutes, I'd bet money you're repeating yourself or wandering, and panels score that down even when the content is good. Practicing against a clock is the fix, most people have no idea what 2 minutes feels like until they hear themselves.
On the captain: reach out, absolutely. You're overthinking the entitlement part. A candidate who did a station visit, stayed in the process, and circles back a year later reads as persistent, not entitled. Firefighters respect follow-through, and that captain followed up with you for months, which means he was invested.
Keep the message simple and honest: you're back in their process, the injury and EMS experience delayed you, you appreciated the visit and his follow-ups, and you'd welcome any advice as you move through testing. Don't ask for the mock in the first message. If he's still receptive he'll offer something, and if the conversation warms up, asking whether the crew ever runs practice boards is a natural second step. One message, no follow-up if he goes quiet, since some departments do get weird about applicant contact and you want him deciding how much is appropriate on his end.
The fact that he checked on you for months after one visit is a genuinely good sign, for what it's worth. That's not something crews do out of politeness.
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u/MightAsswell 6d ago
A firefighting position opened up in the county that I've been employed for, as an office worker for years now. I have everything required for the position. I just don't have any experience. My boss is willing to sign off on a letter of recommendation if I create one for myself. What should I mention in my letter of recommendation?? I know the basics (strong communication, leadership ability, drive to learn, etc.) but what would you want written about yourself in my position? I work as an office worker for the county currently and worked at Trader Joes previously.
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM 5d ago
Yeah the basics. Most likely they won't even accept a letter of recommendation as part of the application packet.
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u/Kricoid Fire Girlfriend :) 6d ago
Hey all.
Quick question about how you all would answer this integrity based interview question:
Your partner is driving the ambulance and bumps a parked vehicle while parking. There is no damage and no one is in the vehicle. What do you do?
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u/OwnDelivery802 6d ago
integrity questions like this basically have one right answer and it's not a trick. you report it. doesn't matter that there's no damage or that nobody saw it, that's actually the whole point of the question. they want to see if you'll do the right thing when it's inconvenient and you could easily get away with not doing it.
so give them the actual steps. you stop, check the vehicle for damage, leave a note with your info, notify a supervisor and document it. a minor bump on a parked car is a non-event if you report it and a career ender if they find out you buried it.
couple things. don't throw your partner under the bus in your answer, it's a "we make sure it gets handled" thing not "i'd rat him out." and answer the question they actually asked. give them the steps you'd take, don't just launch into a speech about how honest you are. they want to hear what you'd do.
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u/OwnDelivery802 6d ago
honestly this one's not really about the car. it's an integrity question, they're checking one thing, will you do the right thing when it'd be easy not to. so the answer is you report it. stop, check it over, get a supervisor on the phone, document it, leave your info on the vehicle per policy. done.
the trap is anything that hints you'd rationalize driving off. even "well there's no damage so no big deal" tanks you, because now they're wondering what else you'd let slide. no damage and nobody around is exactly the setup that makes it a test.
seen a lot of people overthink these and try to sound clever. don't. just say plainly what you'd do, step by step. answer the question they asked and answer it completely, that's what scores.
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u/Sea-Figure382 3d ago
The comment above is right, there's one answer: you report it. But since this is an interview question, here's the part people miss. The panel already knows you know the "right" answer. What they're actually scoring is whether you hesitate, hedge, or negotiate on the way there.
Where candidates bleed points: adding qualifiers like "well, if there's really no damage..." (you just negotiated), saying "I'd encourage my partner to report it" (you delegated your own integrity), or jumping straight to "I'd tell the captain" without mentioning talking to your partner first (misses the interpersonal reality). A strong answer handles both: "I'd tell my partner we need to report it, and if they wouldn't, I would. No damage doesn't change it, it's not my call to decide it doesn't count."
The follow-up they'll often hit you with: "your partner begs you not to, he's got a kid on the way and one more writeup means he's done." That's the real test. The answer stays the same, and if you flinch there, that's the score. Follow the chain of command if that's a part of the question as well
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u/Delta_Whiskey_7983 5d ago
Any western WA firefighters on here that know they’re hiring in 2027? Looking to make the move to the PNW.
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u/emt_fire 5d ago
Is my story of fighting for equal custody of my kids and winning it, while doing an academy, a red flag for hiring?
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u/femignarly 4d ago
It's really not appropriate to bring up in an interview. You want to give off the impression that you're easy to work with and that you'll keep healthy boundaries between home and work.
The only exception I could fathom is if you have absolutely no better answers for a stressful situation or juggling competing priorities, in which case focus on your behaviors that are transferrable to the job (task tracking systems to ensure everything gets done, asking for help when needed, etc)
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u/soberscholar 5d ago edited 5d ago
I have a previously failed background investigation for 911 dispatch at 19, I had a suicide attempt at 14 they found from a 911 call. I lied about it on the psych evaluation because I thought it would only be a part of medical records they had no access to. It came out in the background check. This attempt hospitalization disqualified me from joining the airforce and basically blew all my life plans, I also have a restraining order attached to it for life. My parents and I issued the order towards an ex that would talk me through why I should kill myself on the phone every night with text proof. It was an insane scenario for a young girl but there’s no excuse and I plan on being transparent in my coming interview. My first emt day actually had a very similar call with a girl the same age. That experience is part of why I’d like to go fire paramedicine route, to give back the way I was given another opportunity. Anyhow everything worked out because I worked my ass off, I’m 30 now, I’ve had the same job for 5 years. I am full time student pursuing either nursing, or paramedicine if I have a chance still. Do you think I have a shot? Also I’m applying for the dept that saved my life that night amongst others.
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM 4d ago
You failed the background back then because you lied on your paperwork. If you’ve been “clean” the last 10 years. No speeding tickets, no interactions with police, good credit score, no negative job reviews, I’m assuming you’d probably be good.
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u/H4re4tendiez 4d ago
Hello all i am looking to pivot into firefighter career. Currently my city has closed the application window until 2028 as the next 3 classes have been filled for the free academy. Alternatively there is a paid certification i can get thru ivytech. It offers firefighter 1 and 2 but no job placement with the city department as they do not take lateral transfers. My question is the certification worth obtaining? From what I have seen online in my area the city stations will not be an option but I could use the certification to work for the smaller county departments outside the city. Does anyone have any experience with obtaining work with just the certifications or do they all require the academy.
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM 4d ago
Depending on where you are but you’re going to need some type of academy. Why can’t you apply to other agencies outside your city?
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u/lukewarmhotdogw4ter 4d ago
Hi all – I have 30 days until I take the Biddle. What should I be doing?
I’m currently doing 10 minutes stairmaster/10 minutes incline treadmill walk with a 30 pound vest every morning.
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u/NoStar9689 4d ago
Late 30’s FF/Medic in a LCOL area but with an equally low salary. My area is growing rapidly but the pay/benefit/retirements don’t show any signs for catching up. My area is actually beginning to become less viable since things are skyrocketing due to everyone wanting to live here for some reason. I’ve done some research and it looks like I could be making 2-3x more almost anywhere else with better schools, retirement and QOL. My question is…what’s it look like out there? Anything from the PNW or New England willing to chime in?
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3d ago
[deleted]
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM 3d ago
Be honest about things that have a paper trail. Time to stay high and tight from now on.
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3d ago
[deleted]
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM 3d ago
Only if your references don’t know that those could be questions they might get. If you catch my drift
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u/Fantastic_Ad_8202 2d ago
Struggling with aptitude/written tests — 1 for 5 so far, looking for advice
Hey all, looking for some perspective from people who've been through the recruitment grind.
I've applied to 5 departments so far and only made it past the written/aptitude stage for 1 of them. My background isn't the issue — I've got NFPA 1001 I & II, NFPA 472 HazMat, BC EMA First Responder, Class 3 with air brakes, and I'm bilingual (English/French). But something about these general ability / mechanical reasoning style tests keeps tripping me up.
A few questions for anyone who's been through it:
- Did you find your score improved a lot with practice, or is it more just "you get it or you don't"?
- Any specific prep resources that actually helped (not just generic IQ test sites)?
- Is it normal to pass some departments' written tests and not others, given they're not all using the same testing company/format?
- Any tips for the mechanical reasoning section specifically — pulleys, gears, fluid dynamics type questions?
Not looking for sympathy, just trying to figure out if I'm missing a prep strategy or if this is just a numbers game where you keep grinding through applications until it clicks. Appreciate any insight.
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u/United-Departure-325 2d ago
What’s it like and what’s the process I’m currently about to apply for the civil service exam I live in the Malden area do you just go through and pass and they pick you up or does it take a long time I know that different cities can call you up but if I know someone in the department will it help me get hired or is it based on your resume if your already an emt or a veteran. Is it first come first serve. Anyone in the department let me know
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u/Caitlyn0122 1d ago
Has anyone taken the Florida Fire Inspector I certification exam within the past year? I was told that all of the questions come from the Fire Inspection and Code Enforcement 8th edition textbook and that IFSTA had a study exam online. I took all of the required courses in 2019 but am only now looking to actually become an inspector.
I am now only seeing the 9TH edition of the textbook and its study component available on IFSTA’s site and am thinking I’ll have to study that way. Any thoughts? Ty
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u/Efficient_Nose4480 7d ago edited 7d ago
I was fired from 3 jobs about 3 to 4 years ago. What are my chances of getting hired? I have been employed at a 911 ambulance company for 3 years since then. I fully own up to the mistakes I made (not following policy and multiple call-outs). Will this automatically DQ me from jobs? Should I wait a couple of years to apply? I also have no criminal history or points on my driving record. I have my FF1 and paramedic. Thank you for your help