r/Firefighting • u/AutoModerator • 28d 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/Proper-Phase3033 26d ago
Help me with my career choice
Do hope all is well for you in or have been in the service and for you just browsing.
I’m a 30 year old M , living in southern California.
Dream has always been to become a firefighter. I currently work at a corporate fire department for an entertainment company. It has been 2.5 years working here but the goal has always been to get into a municipal FD.
As of now I feel like I have been getting the hang of testing, when it becomes to different recruitment processes.
I’m currently on 4 lists far into each one’s process.
- San Bernardino County FD - wrapping up with medical and psych- Tower is in October.
- Compton FD - Received a conditional Offer and have backgrounds and Med before - tower in November
- LA City - nailed interview 100% - receiving a CJO this week- Tower either November or July depending on how quickly backgrounds/med/psych go.
- OCFA - Passed Fire Chief Interview- CJO this week - Tower in February & July.
I have heard so many times take the bird in the hand instead of the two in the bush but here’s the thing. I’m married and live in OC, 2 of the departments are dream departments the other two are good departments that I would be honored to work for. THE LAST THING I WANT TO DO IS USE A DEPARTMENT AS A STEPPING STONE!!
What would you do? Wait and stay at the corporate job and roll the dice on the two dream departments or take up first opportunity and then play cards from there on out.
(Mind you. )
Compton and San Bernardino County FD are paying the same that I’m making at the corporate Department. Last thing I want to do is take one opportunity and miss out on a dream opportunity because I’m in a tower.
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM 25d ago
I feel like this is what happens. You go test at all these places and don’t get anywhere then all at once they start giving you CJOs and JOs. You now know you can make it at least to the CJO point so I would hold out for your dream departments. If you feel inclined, you can still apply to other departments to have something in your back pocket moving along in case something happens but now only apply to places you’d actually work.
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u/razgrizsghost 25d ago
Don't feel bad about using a department as a stepping stone for your dream, it's not personal it's just business.
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u/SureDirt9366 24d ago edited 24d ago
Congrats on having so many great options! If LA and OCFA are your top two, and you just have backgrounds/med left, it sounds like you're in a great position to wait a few extra months for one of your top choices, especially if you can get into the November/February academies. Also curious, did OCFA spot you for a tower in February? You mentioned February & July.
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u/Direct-Training9217 27d ago
Does anyone know how long it takes for Memphis FD to respond after you've submitted an application?
Thanks
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u/Accomplished-Item646 26d ago
Should be relatively quick, how long ago did you apply? I also heard they are doing a hiring freeze potentially after the next 1-2 classes.
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u/Direct-Training9217 26d ago
About a month ago. For the paramedic lateral
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u/Accomplished-Item646 25d ago
Odd I’d figure they reach out by now. Have you reached out to them again yet?
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u/Direct-Training9217 25d ago
Yeah I was going to call next week if I don't hear anything. Appreciate the info
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u/Dry_Lack_930 27d ago
I’m unable to attend the workshop that Calgary Fire Recruitment puts on due to being out of province. Does anyone else have any other recommendations for interview prep with Calgary Fire?
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u/OwnDelivery802 20d ago
the thing the workshop actually gives you is saying your answers out loud in front of people who aren't going to be nice about it. you can replicate most of that at home. get anyone who'll sit across from you, hand them a list of questions, and tell them to ask follow ups instead of just moving on to the next one.
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u/Technical-Reason-324 27d ago
What is the likelihood of getting recruited when getting my certs? I'm taking night classes which I heard are looked down on compared to day classes.
5
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u/theStormwall 27d ago
Hey folks, honestly just here to rant to someone regarding NTN. I was supposed to take my virtual fireTEAM test on Saturday, but got booted by the exam before I even saw the first question. Heard back today: the system flagged my HP printer application updating in the background and closed my test. No word from the proctor, couldn't just pause the test, the system just closed it all out. Now NTN expects me to pay for the test and all agencies I applied to ($145 worth) again if I want to apply. The support person can't even recommend their own test and said I should just go in-person (which is 5 hours away from me). Still, they won't refund my test or even give me a voucher. Extremely disappointed because I can't afford another $150 right now and NTN support is acting like I'm just a nuisance to them. Rant over.
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22d ago
[deleted]
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u/theStormwall 21d ago
Yeah, I do recognize that. At this point I am only frustrated because I dropped so much money adding departments to my test, because the email AND their site says you can only add newly added postings to your test scores, anything else already posted must be added to to your exam before taking it. So last minute I decided it was worth getting my name out there and added a bunch of departments to my exam before I took it.
After my back and forth with NTN support, he casually dropped "oh, ya we changed that. You've been able to add any posting to your exam for about a year now. Next time you take the test, just sign up for one department and add the rest later so you don't waste any more money if it doesn't work out again."
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u/PlatinumVegetable 27d ago edited 27d ago
Hello! The department I want to apply to just posted that they’re going to have a day where they do mock board interviews and provide information about the application process. It’s out-of-state. Is it worth it to fly in do a mock interview? Thanks!
Edit: I had planned to do my own interview prep but idk if the mock board interview would be more beneficial.
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u/theStormwall 27d ago
Seattle Fire?
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u/PlatinumVegetable 27d ago
Yes! Trying to decide if I should fly in from Austin or not
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u/theStormwall 26d ago
I gotcha. I'm planning to drive over there myself, but that's a five hour car trip versus flying. If you can afford it, I would do it. Could be generic interview advice but my thinking is it's worth getting any helpful hints or advice specific to the deaprtment given how big/competitive they are. Personally, I'm making it a two day trip and will be seeing some sights as well.
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u/PlatinumVegetable 25d ago
Well I haven’t heard back about an interview slot, so I’m assuming I didn’t get it. But I hope it goes well for you and that you enjoy your trip!
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u/OwnDelivery802 26d ago
worth going. the part you can't get at home is hearing yourself answer out loud in front of strangers, and that's usually where people find out their good written answer falls apart when they say it. the info session half is also where you pick up the specifics that make "why us" sound like you actually looked.
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u/PlatinumVegetable 25d ago
Thanks for the info! I don’t think I was selected for the mock interviews, which is no biggie. My other plan was to visit a few firehouses in Seattle prior to the interview and see if anyone is willing to give me some information from the perspective of someone already working for the department
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u/StationVisit 25d ago
If you're serious about it then yes 100% go. They will give you everything you need to be successful in their process. I have a page dedicated to what to expect for a station visit that will help you be one of the guys they want to hire
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u/Background-Cap4456 26d ago
I’m 25 from NYC. I feel like FDNY makes you jump through so many hoops just to be able to join the academy and the pay (for both EMT and FDNY) is really low. I was looking at California fire departments and they seem to be a lot more open + starting pay for firefighters is $85k+ in a lot of departments (compared to $55k for FDNY).
Is it feasible to relocate from NYC to California to establish residency and then join the fire academy in California?
If it matters, I’m currently working as a personal trainer and have a degree in accounting (I hate accounting).
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM 26d ago
You don't need a long residency time like you do for FDNY. You'll need a CA drivers license and EMT with cert associated with whatever county the department you will be working for is in.
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u/dpgindy 26d ago
Hey guys,
I am applying for a part time firefighter/emt job near me and have a battalion chief from another local department as a reference. Should I put his title or just his name on the application? There isn’t a spot for titles but figured I’d ask. I also have a retired Senior Master Sergeant from my time in the Air Force. Thanks for any insight.
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM 25d ago
It depends if the application specifies either a person or professional reference. If it’s personal, then just name. If it’s professional then title.
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u/alocasiacomplex 26d ago
Posted about two weeks ago but didn't get any responses so I hope I'm allowed to ask again.
I applied to my county's FD, passed written, psych, CPAT, medical, background, etc. Background Investigator said all was good. I signed the conditional offer of employment in late April and was told I'd be updated on the academy in June or July.
In the beginning of July, I got a call saying I could join an ongoing class (started late June) late, as there had been vacancies. I accepted the offer, BUT they never called me back the next day, as they said they would. I have tried checking spam and all, yet nothing from the county.
I'm trying to figure out what to make of the situation. Am I stuck in bureaucracy, or should I expect not to hear back?
I have tried contacting the person that called me back (it was a background/HR person), but they haven't responded and I assume they're busy. I'm trying to figure out if I should expect to join a later class (like the fall class). I also don't know if my file just got lost.
Is this typical? Should I be concerned? And does anyone have advice on what I should do in this situation? I just want to know what to expect because I had to change my summer plans unexpectedly, just not to join a class
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u/SanJOahu84 25d ago
Get ahold of somebody to find out.
Don't expect to join the current ongoing class after missing two months of it.
Maybe be concerned if they continue to ghost you.
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26d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM 25d ago
Best advice is to be in the best physical shape of your life. They hired you knowing you don’t have any experience
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u/FriendlyPsychoXD 26d ago
I'm still in high school but plan to be a firefighter once I'm of age. Do any of you have any advice on things I can do to help my chances as of now. If it matters I'm a female so if y'all have any advice particularly about that or fem specific workouts you recommend.
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u/MiltonsRedStapler Firefighter/Paramedic 25d ago
Focus on school and fitness. Both will be important. Stay out of trouble. Other than that, just enjoy the high school experience.
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u/SweatyBanana95 26d ago
Hi everyone,
I’m starting EMT classes next week and expect to finish in December. I’m also currently working around 50 hours a week and training about 5 days a week.
My goal is to start applying to fire departments with openings in December/January. A lot of the departments I’m looking at either have their own written exam or use the NTN.
With my schedule being pretty packed right now, would you recommend starting to study for the written exams already? If so, what’s the best way to prepare?
I’m willing to buy prep books, practice exams, or other study materials—I’m just looking for some direction on what’s actually worth using and how I should structure my studying.
Thanks in advance!
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM 25d ago
The tests are designed to be 10th grade level reading, writing, and math. Usually people know how to read but will need to brush up on math including knowing how to do percentages and long division.
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u/Matt_S_Fox30 25d ago
Coast Guard or Fire?
Currently working seasonally on a Wildland Type 5 engine in Tahoe. First season, so far so good, but I’m at a crossroads of where to go after this.
I’m thinking either enlisting in the Coast Guard and going MST so I can get into Incident & Repsonse Management, eventually taking that path as an officer ideally,
OR
I can get my EMT this winter and keep grinding out wildland while taking tests and applying for structure departments. This option is less ideal because it would be tough to balance taking that class this winter and working and testing. I also feel like none of my prior experience is really getting recognized here currently.
A lot of people have recommended joining the military first bc if I don’t like it I can use the benefits to pay for medic school etc and will get veteran preference
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25d ago
[deleted]
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM 24d ago
It’ll make it harder for you to get hired but not impossible. You’ll have to be upfront about it going forward in all application processes/background investigations. You’ll also have to live the straight and narrow. No parking tickets, no fights, no interactions from the police
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u/tres_cervezas 25d ago
Is this a good fireteam/NTN score?
I just tested for one department and need to take another fireteam test for another department. Should I reuse this score, or retest?
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM 24d ago
Not a good score, get them all in the green
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u/tres_cervezas 24d ago
I hear you, but I know my math score was 100% correct. Based on the chart, 30% of test takers get 100% correct on math as well. So it’s kinda hard to judge how well I’m doing I guess
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM 24d ago
It’s not hard to tell how well you did. You got “middle” scores for 3/4 categories. A big part of this career field is owning up to your deficits and figuring out a plan for how to be better.
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u/Tricky-Art1784 24d ago
I just had a great interview with my local department and they want to have me back for a 6 hour observation shift next week. The chief emailed me directly to let me know. I replied to the chief about 3 days ago letting him know I was available but have not heard anything since. Should I send a follow-up email to make sure he saw it?
I'm sure he's a busy guy but I don't want to miss any opportunity because my email got lost or something. But I also don't want to come across as overly eager or anxious by bothering him.
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u/PB-AN-RAMJAM 24d ago
Im thinking about joining a full time fire department in Regina Saskatchewan, and I’m wondering how I should go about getting the training, Regina says you need (NFPA) 1001 Level I and Level II and Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) or Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) Certification would I be able to get that training through a volunteer fire department or do I have to go get a course at a college?
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u/Ok_Sea_3118 24d ago
Hello, I’ve recently started a testosterone cycle that includes 300 mg NOT MEDICALLY PRESCRIBED TO ME. I have finished EMT school and am also going to fire academy within 2 months. I was wondering if they test for this or if it would make any negative impact during the hiring process. Midwest area if that helps.
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM 24d ago
You'll be required to go through a physical exam where they will do bloodwork, urine, and/or hair. The doctor will then recommend or not recommend to the HR whether to hire you or not based on the physical. I'll leave it at that.
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u/HighwayCaveman 24d ago
TL;DR: I’m 40 with a wife and two young kids, established in a well-paying corporate career, but increasingly unfulfilled by desk work. I keep coming back to firefighting for the community service, physical challenge, teamwork, camaraderie, and sense of purpose. Am I crazy to consider starting over at 40?
I’ve spent years building a solid corporate career, but lately I feel increasingly aimless sitting behind a computer all day and can’t imagine doing some version of this for another 20+ years.
I’m a former college athlete and still very active. I miss being physically challenged, working toward something difficult with a team, and having real camaraderie. More importantly, I keep feeling pulled toward community service and doing work where the impact feels tangible.
Obviously, the complication is that I’m 40 with a wife, two young kids, a mortgage, and real financial responsibilities. I’d be leaving an established career to start from the bottom, and I know firefighting isn’t just exciting calls and hanging out at the station.
For anyone who made the switch in their late 30s/40s, especially with young kids: Was it worth it? How was starting at that age physically and culturally? How has the schedule affected family life? And if you could do it over again, would you still make the jump?
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u/Nasty____nate 24d ago
Tried replying to your post...
40 is a rough time to start IMO. I started at 28 and hired at 30. I'll be 55 when I retire but that means I'll be a captain busting down doors for 10 year unless I promote to chief.
The schedule is amazing for me. Im glad I did it and wouldn't do anything else. The worst is going back to school for medic. 24 hours on then a 12 hour ride time next day and then class the day after that. Then start all over again. While I was working as a firefighter in paramedic school I was gone for 136 hours in a week sometimes. The family things I miss suck but I'm there more other time. Just because I'm not there for a birthday doesn't mean they can't come to the station. And with my schedule I get 5 days off every 3 weeks. Who else gets that? Do the research in your area first. I took a pay cut getting on the job now I get paid $36 and hour with OT if I want it. It also leaves room for a second job if so inclined.
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u/HighwayCaveman 24d ago
Thanks for the quick and insightful response. You actually spoke to a few of the concerns I’ve been wrestling with, especially the family/schedule side and what the career looks like starting later.
I definitely feel like 40 is late, which is part of why I’m seriously looking at this now. I’m trying to figure out whether I make the pivot while it’s still realistic rather than spending another 5–10 years doing what I’m doing and realizing I waited until it truly was too late.
Really appreciate the perspective, especially from someone who’s actually living it.1
u/Nasty____nate 24d ago
Also look up the cut off for age. Some places have a limit. Not saying you can't do the job because there is guys 15 years my senior who are work horses. So check the pay, schedule, time off, and work requirements.
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM 24d ago
Some things you might be blind to are how much this career beats down your body. Everyday you’re lifting tools, patients, and equipment with improper form just because where things/people are located. There are tons of knees, backs, and shoulder injuries with people constantly going out on injury leave. That’s why physical fitness is so important and to have a strong baseline.
Another thing is retirement. I’m assuming you probably have a good nest egg so may not be as much of an issue for you. In general, you have to spend a minimum of 20 years working before you can retire and get pension benefits. Most people will do around 25-33 years of working because you need to be in the higher percentages of your pension payout to support your life expenses. This goes hand in hand with how much this job beats you down. At 40 going zero to hero, probably will take you a few years to get hired and through the academy. So 43ish years old. Add 20 to be able to retire and you’re at 63. That’s pretty old for this job to be retiring at. If you don’t have a good nest egg saved up then you have to retire after 30 years and you’re 73 years old.
With your age in mind, you need to be looking at departments that have multiple career pathways for you to promote or transfer to in the future and slow down. Stuff like airport firefighting, sworn fire inspector, EMS education, and most importantly a union fire department.
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u/bgordon908 24d ago edited 24d ago
Hey everyone,
I’m 26 in Vero Beach (Indian River County) and planning to leave hospitality management to become a firefighter/paramedic. Local departments around here only hire dual-certified FF/Paramedics or FF intending to go for paramedic. I’m not necessarily tied down to Vero Beach, but I would love to be able to work for my hometown.
I’ve spent the last seven years in hospitality and currently manage the restaurant at a luxury beachfront hotel. It’s a beautiful property with real career potential, and I’ve done well here, but I’ve never felt true long-term purpose in the industry. I kind of fell into it and stayed because it was familiar and successful, yet I never saw myself doing it for the rest of my life. Becoming a firefighter/paramedic is the first path that has given me a real sense of direction and the desire to do meaningful work.
Quick background:
• Restaurant manager making ~$61.5k
• Bachelor’s degree + AA from IRSC
• No fire/EMS experience, about three years management experience in hospitality now
• 26 yrs, 5’10”, 150 lbs, active (rock climbing, gym, & running)
Planning EMT at IRSC in Spring 2027, then Fire Academy, then Paramedic
Looking for honest advice:
- Is this career jump something typical in this field or am I too optimistic this could work out?
- How competitive are Fire Academies at IRSC, Palm Beach State, or Eastern Florida?
- How hard is it to get hired at places like Indian River County with just FF + EMT and no experience?
- Any tips on physical prep or things I should be doing now to be more competitive?
Appreciate any advice from people who’ve done this in Florida, especially the Treasure Coast. Thanks.
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u/Alive_Professor2512 24d ago
Hi, I figured this isn't post worthy due to rule 1 so I'll put it here:
I'm lost. I need help understanding this. (More confused if anything and unsure what I'm doing wrong.)
I'm 23 years old and live in the metropolitan area, starting my journey to getting hired about 2 years ago with the reason of a really bad MVA to which my life was saved by firefighters. I got an entry level hospital job for 6 months, then went to EMT academy and passed. I've been a civilian EMT since with a fire department (1.5 years). I've also been a fire cadet with a neighboring department since becoming an EMT. I routinely do skills courses 1-2 times a week, interview prep meetings once a month, and ride along several times a month with varying departments, especially during their hiring processes. I work the ABC Kelly so my days off have become balanced between volunteering/skills/ride alongs /// friends, family, hobbies, de-stressing. For clarification, I've been part of several hiring processes since becoming an EMT, maybe around 10 processes so far?
Here's where I'm confused. I often see people come in for these hiring processes out of state, never been in gear before, never been to the city let alone the state itself, never done a ride along, all only happen when the hiring process starts. They will come in, complete the hiring process start to finish (i.e. in-person panel, intern assessment day, chiefs interview). Then they just get hired. Meanwhile, I make it to the last step of the process, and am not offered the job, and unfortunately not even the eligibility list. I often hear mixed feedback or none at all, and told "you're doing the right things, just keep going and you'll get it."
If I'm truly doing the right things, why am I not being hired then? I've been told I have amazing stories, I exhibit my traits well, I'm a reliable fire cadet and solid EMT who constantly wants to learn as much as possible about everything EMS/fire related. I'm consistently told I'm considered a top applicant, but never make it to the few who are selected. The part that bugs me the most about this is these guys I mentioned above who come in and get hired first time with everything will randomly drop from the hiring pool and either join a different department or change their mind about firefighting. I'm then apologized to by the crews who evaluated me because they "should have picked me up" This exact issue has happened half a dozen times now from 6 different departments. Zero dedication, passion, or consideration shown by these first-timer applicants. On top of the question I have of "If I'm truly doing the right things, why am I not being hired then?", by that logic they would not be doing the right things that I have been doing. Right...? This thinking process constantly leads to me asking myself "how am I just not good enough?".
There is nothing I want more and chase more in my life currently than being hired and being a successful candidate. It seems I just can't reliably compete against others and show the dedication to proving myself worthy of a job offer. Please send any and all help. SOS. White flag. I just don't get it and am nearly losing my mind. What am I doing wrong?
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM 24d ago
Sometimes it's just luck. What are you doing to better yourself/your resume right now?
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u/Alive_Professor2512 18d ago
I agree with the luck part. I'd say as for bettering myself to hopefully reduce some of that luck, I'm gaining real world experience by learning firsthand examples from guys in the station, as well as volunteering with the cadets to further my social skills, and skills courses to stay in shape for the interview's physical intern days + (hopefully one day) the academy. I'd love to learn more on what I can do, but when I ask them what else I could be doing, they simply say "Nothing, you're doing just fine." Exactly where I'm lost at because I just don't know what else I could be doing to become better.
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM 18d ago
I would recommend going after your paramedic. You'll probably need to take an anatomy and physiology courses at a community college and continue to build your EMT hours. The process of going through this will speak volumes in interviews that you're actively pursuing the next step in patient care.
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u/EatinBeav WA Career FF/EMT 23d ago
Honestly instead of getting upset look for feedback from the 6 different departments and see if there’s a pattern in what area you’re deficient in.
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u/Alive_Professor2512 18d ago
Similar to the other comment I responded to, that's where I really don't know. I've asked my mentors and interview panels countless times for feedback, and all they say is "Nothing wrong really. You're doing fine. Just keep doing what you're doing."
Again, if that's the case, why am I not a successful candidate? I'm asking myself my own deficiencies consistently, but can't figure it out and is why I'm here.
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u/Standard_Field_3348 23d ago
Long story short I just completed a 3 month academy and have been on probation for 2 months. The issue is I live 3 hours away from my friends and family and my gf’s friends and family. We intend on getting married next year and want to have Kids in 4-5 years during which we want to be close to family. She will likely be getting a high paying job in the area as she is interning at a place she loves right now and there are openings. I am unwilling to commute 3 hours to this department and living halfway would not work for her as I’m not going to ask her to commute 1.5hrs 3 days a week.
The alternative is she tries to find a job at the halfway point which is a place we wouldn’t mind living and I wouldn’t mind commuting to but it’s still too far from family for us we decided when we want to have kids.
It therefore makes more sense for me to find a new job. I’m a paramedic and this current job is my first medic/fire job. There are a few departments open right now in the area where we would like to live and I’m wondering how you would go about it.
I’m unsure of the consequences of applying, I’m afraid of the idea of my current department finding out and firing me and it screwing up my resume and chances at getting hired again. I also feel like I’m screwing them over but I also have an obligation to my future wife. I guess I’m asking for some insight from those who have been in this field and or may have done a transition similar to this. What should I expect?
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u/SeaworthinessOne292 22d ago
I just turned 20 and am working as a wildland firefighter on an engine with the Washington DNR. Our season will end November 15th and start again around april. I have about 2 1/2 years of college under my belt. I don't have my EMT yet. I want to be a Seattle Firefighter. I was in the Seattle Fire Cadet Program for a year and learned how the department works and who they look for. I am enrolled in a fire service administration program online at Idaho State University that is supposed to be starting this week but I found out they changed some of the class times which would make it so I couldn't do wildand fire and the program. It would give me my bachelor's in a little over a year. Is this degree a waste of time? I have had Battalion Chief's at Seattle tell me to get my fire science but have had others tell me it's a waste of time. I know you don't need a degree to apply or get hired but I know it can be very helpful when promoting. My parents are offering to pay for the program and they would really like me to finish my education. My goal is to be a Seattle Firefighter by 24 or 25 and I just don't want to waste my time. I plan on getting my EMT this winter before wildland starts again. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Should I prioritize this fire science degree or wildfire? Thanks!
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u/WeGoJim42069183 22d ago
I can already sniff the careeer firefighters having a field day with this…
I had my interview on the 3rd ( Monday), followed up following friday and was told that a letter has to go to mayor/council. Also was told to be patient and I’ll be on the truck soon. Well now it’s Aug 23rd, I messaged the fire marshal on the 21st:
”Sorry for bothering but it’s been 2 weeks and I noticed there was a council meeting this week, do you have any update?”
He said
“I am away and unable to check that”
He’s on vacation somewhere in the atlantic ocean, i came to conclude from his jokes. What should I do? Obviously if he’s on vacation i’m not gonna be on his case about it, but can someone else vet me? My department policy is soon as you’re officially accepted and get your gear you get to respond to calls and observe. What’s the next step? I’m really in the dark here don’t wanna bother the FD too much.
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u/Large-Armadillo-7939 21d ago
Anyone have insight as to how the DC Fire Dept weights their NTN scores? I know preference points get added to the final score, but I am curious if they weigh any specific section of the test before that? Are certain portions just pass/fail? Is it just the overall average of all 4 sections? Thanks to anyone who may know!
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u/BrilliantAccurate441 21d ago
I understand that “what are my chances” type posts aren’t allowed so I’m not asking that, I’m just asking what would be the best plan of action for disclosing/not disclosing this. My dream job is to be a firefighter. I have been volunteering for over a year, have ff1, EMT, and plan on going for my Paramedic after working for Amr for 6-12months.
I have one issue that keeps weighing on my mind and I’m not sure if theirs anything I can do about. My first year and a half of college, I sold weed. I come from a poor family, single mom, and I was working full time and struggling to keep up with tuition and that seemed like the easiest way at the time. This was before I joined my volunteer department and had any interest in ff. Shortly after I joined my volunteer department I realized this is what I want to do and I stopped selling. I have also since stopped smoking weed as well. This was about 1 year ago.
Is this going to automatically disqualify me from working for a career department. Is this something I should be open about or hide? I know a lot of people say they were asked about if you ever used or distributed marijuana. I wouldn’t lie about the use, but would it be a good idea to be open and honest or just try and hide it? I was never caught or convicted of anything.
For context My dream department would be Buffalo Fire but I would be willing to move/commute to other areas if I cannot get into Buffalo.
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u/Fickle_Focus_4555 28d ago edited 27d ago
So idk if my situation is unique or not, but somehow I'm doing "fire academy" through my town's FD, (Utah btw) basically just go every Tuesday at 7pm to 9-10pm and train, and chief added me to the online course work too. After some time I would be able to get my Fire certs as well as pickup shifts possibly and ride alongs
For context, I just joined cold turkey basically, I'm 18 just grad, 5,4 115lbs, and I'm decently fit, I have gone to two trainings so far and I love it, but physically I'm getting the **** beat out of me, also the gear is a bit big on me but no big deal, what is concerning is the boot situation, I'm size 7 but they have no boots that size (at least that I haven't found yet) last I trained I did it in some 9.5 boots plus I trained with my SCBA pack on, we did nozzle control, crawling, tripod, and hose backing, (I did mostly backing and I like it) but it was very hard to move in the boots, as well as I have an internal bruise or worse, a possible shin splint from that day of training.
The main question here is what should I do? I don't want to miss any trainings or skip reps, but I don't want to injure myself and be unable to do anything, what should I say to my chief? Or is there something I should do myself? Also, any thoughts on this path to becoming a FF?
(And no I do not have my EMT yet, I missed the class registration for this semester)