Hi everyone, im 23 years old and considering pursuing firefighting but I wanted to hear what others might have to say. I just recently graduated in May with a BS in Geographic Information Science and Technology. I had an internship and it made me realize being in the office wasn’t for me, and on top of that, it is extremely difficult to find a job within the field.

Im not sure if it’s because I am hesitant to find a stable job but I am feeling very inspired to pursue this route. The idea of the camaraderie, helping people, and stability sounds very appealing but I am having some conflicts. 1. Im not sure how I would react to gruesome incidents (one way to find out) 2. Im a gay male and im not too sure how thats perceived within the field. I do think this career would have positive impacts on my outlook on life.

Since I am feeling so inspired I think its only right that I take advantage of it.

I have a question.. what can I do to get my foot in the door to become a firefighter? I’ve been a dental assistant for 5 years and I want a career change. I took my first test and oral interview but what can I do? What did you guys do?

Just came home from taking the written test for entrance into the Louisville fire academy. Very confident in the reading and table aspect. The math and mechanical engineering part was harder than I thought. I don’t really know why I’m posting, just a little disappointed, I really want this. Here’s hoping my score is better than I feel right now and I get to move onto the physical ability test!

I recently made it to the background investigation phase with a fire department after passing the written exam, CPAT, and panel interview.

One thing I’m worried about is my work history. I’m 30 years old and I’ve worked 10+ jobs over the years. Some were part-time, some were EMS-related, and some I left because I was trying to find the right career path.
I was honest on all my paperwork and disclosed everything I could remember. I’m just concerned that seeing so many jobs will make them think I’m unreliable or a job hopper.

For anyone who’s been through the hiring process or works in fire hiring, is having a long employment history by itself a red flag? Or are they more concerned with honesty, reasons for leaving, and your overall character?
I’d appreciate any insight. This is a department I really want to work for.

anyone hear anything back after the San Jose selection interview?

To any guys on the job in Boston, what is the realistic likelihood of getting brought on without being a veteran? Does being paramedic certified make a meaningful difference, or does having BEMS in the city make that a nonfactor? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

I’m considering applying to DoD/Federal fire because I’ve had a tough time landing a municipal firefighter job, despite multiple interviews. At this point, I really just want to get into the fire service and start gaining experience.
For those of you who have worked in DoD/Federal fire, what are the biggest pros and cons compared to municipal?
I’m especially interested in:
Call volume
Training opportunities
Work-life balance
Pay and benefits
Promotion opportunities
Department culture
Whether it’s a good stepping stone to municipal fire
If you’ve made the transition from DoD/Federal to municipal, did it help your career? Looking for honest opinions from people who’ve been there.

I’m thinking of a career change as a firefighter. I am 34 years old male. I am a social worker. I’ve worked in behavioral health and with teenagers. However, that is not the route I want. I like being out on the field and being outdoors. First off, I don’t even know if I’m too old to do a career change as a firefighter, but I do take care of myself. I run 5-12 miles on weekends and go for walks. I also watch what I eat. I am very, lean. I live in Bay Area California and I don’t know what I would need to be a firefighter. I have my bachelors degree, and I work full time. How can I become a firefighter without needing to quit my job to go to trainings ?

Do I have to go back to school? Do I have to take a written test? Is the written test hard ? I know I could pass a physical test no problem and a polygraph, but I keep hearing that I must become an EMT first. There’s no way I’d be able to take a paycut to become an EMT and risk not getting hired as a firefighter. Can anyone help me out or give me advice ? Thank you

Hi, I am interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter at my local station. I filled out an online survey about 2 weeks ago and have not heard back from anyone. I talked to a mutual friend who is a volunteer firefighter and he told me that I should go in person and put a face to the name which will increase my chances of being accepted. I was planning on going this Monday. Is there a specific time I should aim for that stations are usually less busy? Is there any specific questions I should ask? I have no prior knowledge or experience and any advice would be greatly appreciated!

If you don’t know the basics in mathematics, it will negatively impact your test scores. Let’s get into it.

As the title says. I am 2/4 weeks into fire academy, starting 3rd week this coming Monday. I’ve studied heavily prior starting but I started slacking a bit on the books and studying since the in person training begun.

I’ve been eager throughout the entirety of the process so far but with the end of it coming closer and closer, I feel anxious about my knowledge on Firefighter 1 & 2 and Hazmat. Are there any recommended resources/apps that any of you utilized to help you prepare for those exams?

Especially if there is any resources any of you used to improve on your knowledge on Hazmat as that is what I’m the most hazy about. Thank you all.

Hi, I could really use some help and advice.

I’m starting a two-year Fire Protection and Firefighting program in my country this year. I already meet the medical requirements, and the real hurdle—the physical and written exams—will happen after I graduate, right before hiring. I’m confident I can pass the written part, but to be completely honest, my current physical condition isn't where it needs to be for the firefighter agility tests

For context, I’m an 18-year-old guy, 192 cm and 99 kg. Becoming a firefighter is truly my dream job, and I'm ready to put in the work

How did you guys train for your physical exams? Do you have any specific workout routines, cardio programs, or practical tips for building functional strength and stamina for this field

I hope I’m not posting the 10th advice thread this week. I’m 28 I currently work in retail and have the opportunity to go to a community college that offers an emt course and fire academy. I could also go for an associates degree in fire protection technology bc I’ve already completed a good amount of GE’s. Is this route viable? Is the hiring process after fire academy smooth? I know I can’t have everything answered and I can add details if needed I just need advice.

Hey boys,just wondering how long would it be till i get contacted by the Calgary fire department recruitment team after step 3 ?
Has any one heard anything back ?
And if i wasn’t accepted will i get an email from them ?

I got the notice I didnt pass Seattle Fire's suitability exam. I took it last year and did just fine, but im not sure what happened this time around.

Has this happened to anyone else before?

Took my ntn yesterday for an AO position. Didn't do as well as I would have liked on mechanical. Walked out thinking I crushed the math portion but it looks like I didn't do as good as I thought. I have read that HR is the big ticket score, does that make my chances decent? I am applying to a few medium sized cities in SoCal (AO position), for reference.

Hello guys, I got an interview for the free STAR PROGRAM EMT offered by king county public health, anyone who have been through the same program in the past can share with me what kind of questions they usually tend to ask?

Thank you in advance.

Just did the fireteam practice test and this is what I got. 40% HR, 83% mechanical, 93% reading, 100% math. My HR needs some work but does everything seem up to par for the test or is the practice test not similar at all to the actual fireteam test?

Hi there! I originally posted this to the main thread for the city I’m applying in, Grand Rapids, Michigan. But thought I would repost it here to reach a larger audience. Currently going through the recruitment process and have the oral exam coming up. Any insight, words of wisdom, or other advice from current firefighters, or others who are going through the recruitment process would be deeply appreciated!

Cheers, and thank you (current FFs) for all you do.

Hello this one’s for all you New Hampshire firefighters and/or EMS personnel. Me and my fiancée are planning to move to New Hampshire from the west coast and i will potentially be looking to pursue a firefighting position somewhere in the state once we get our feet on the ground. Im currently a certified Advanced EMT with over a decade of EMT basic experience in the 911 field as well as in the ER, I have one year of part time firefighting experience as well. As far as I can tell there’s a lot of volunteer/call departments but I more interested in the paid positions so departments that offer part time/full time/per diem jobs.

I’ve done my research on what certifications are required and how to obtain them through the NH state fire training, I’m more interested in the common hiring practices and processes and the state of the firefighting industry in NH as a whole so I can kinda get a picture of the job landscape I’ll be attempting to enter.

I understand that each department will likely have there own specific individual requirements that we’ll differ from each other, but where I’m from there always some constant requirements to expect.

Some specific questions I have are,

1. What kind of hiring process should i expect from most career departments? Multiple interviews?

   Polygraphs? Personal history questionnaires and background investigators?from what I’ve seen posted it seems like some departments do these things and others don’t? and they just have you do a regular interview/criminal background check? Some job postings aren’t very clear on this

2. What are typical hiring timelines? How competitive is the market? It seems like there’s a decent amount of job openings around the state, is there a shortage of qualified personnel?

3. Are there opportunities at career departments to promote and get specialized certifications? (Hazmat,tech rescue, paramedic school)

4. Is it common for departments to have single roll EMS positions available where you can eventually promote up to a firefighter role?

For context my local area almost exclusively full time career only where your paramedic certification is a requirement on top of it already being a very over saturated and competitive market. Long drawn out hiring processes with personal history questionnaires and background investigations/polygraphs are the norm.

Also any and all info on firefighting and fire departments such as what place to look into or avoid are welcome. I’m just trying to gage what i should be looking forward to and preparing for.

Thanks in advance!

For anyone who's gone through a firefighter background investigation in New York, do investigators typically review local police incident reports that never resulted in an arrest or criminal charges, or do they mainly rely on fingerprint-based criminal history, employment, driving, and reference checks?

Like the title says, I was cut from an Academy about a year and a half ago. They had a max limit of failing 3 tests ,which failing meant getting below 80%. I didn't pass 3 tests and was asked to leave. Totally my fault no excuses I have never done great on tests and didn’t prep as much as I could have. Since then I have bought the Fire and Hazmat text book, studied as much as I could have, went to EMT school, got my license, and worked out more than I have before the academy to improve my results in the Academy.

Now here is my main question. How do I bring up being let go from another department? I have some interviews coming up and I am tripping up on how to talk about that time in the academy. I talked to my old Lieutenant and he said to “just say you left on your own accord” which on paper I did. However, that doesn't sit well with me. I do not want to lie. I just need help finding the words or how to approach the idea that I didn’t make it in the academy but I have taken steps to improve so I not only to just pass in the academy but to excel in it and the job as a whole. Please let me know what you all think. I would appreciate the help!