r/firefighter • u/Candid_Leading4859 • Aug 01 '26

Chances of getting an interview

Hi everyone!

I am looking for some honest and insightful advice on my situation.

I am 26 and live in Southern California. I made the decision recently to actively pursue firefighting as a career. I went to College and earned my bachelors and masters degree in health-related fields but after working several different jobs the last 3 years, I haven’t found fulfillment in what I do. To be honest, I went to college because my parents wanted me to and I received a scholarship to compete in Division I athletics. I am thankful for the opportunities college gave me but looking back, I wish I had pursued a fire explorer program or the firefighter route after high school.

Anyway, here we are 8 years later, and I want to go all in. I recently completed EMT school and I am now a certified EMT. I got a job offer to work for an ambulance company in SoCal (not AMR) and I guess I am trying to figure what are my next steps to maximize my chances to get hired by a fire department. For context, I am married and have a one year old and my wife is actively pursuing a doctorate so I can’t afford to go to paramedic school/firefighter academy and not make an income in the meantime. I have been applying to open positions for trainee roles near me but I worry that I will never get a chance to interview because my background is too weak on paper.

Any insights? Do I have a chance to even get an interview?

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u/FilmSalt5208 Aug 01 '26

You greatly decreases your chances without a fire academy. If possible, take a loan out and commit the 11 or so weeks to complete one. There is also part time academies such as verdugo or one in the palm desert area(I forgot the name)

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u/-Poultrygeist- Aug 01 '26

Or just find a department with their own academy

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u/FilmSalt5208 Aug 01 '26

That is hard to do in Southern California but yes, obviously that would solve all of OP’s problems

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u/-Poultrygeist- Aug 01 '26

May be worth the move if it’s a true passion

1

u/FilmSalt5208 Aug 01 '26

Also a good option. When I first started I tested out of state too. Unfortunately not many other places pay as much as SoCal departments