r/Firefighting • u/AutoModerator • 5d 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/DayEmotional6766 5d ago
I really want to be a city fire medic… how did you guys get through school if you also worked? I just need some advice because I’m freaking out and don’t want to delay this process anymore as a 23 year old already struggling. I need to work as an emt in medic school right? My resume is already kinda lacking and has major gaps.
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u/Direct-Training9217 5d ago
You don't need to work at all during medic school if your situation allows. From my experience, most departments don't really care how much EMT or paramedic experience you have, they just care that you have the certification. Paramedic is truly a golden ticket in most places.
If you do need to work, it doesn't have to be as an EMT. Any blue collar experience is appreciated.
I got hired as a FFEMT and went to paramedic school while working 56 hours a week. It's doable.
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u/Salt_Employee1289 2d ago
Do you have to work as an EMT during medic school, no but it helps. I know a lot of EMT jobs that have somewhat flexible schedules because people are always going to medic school. I went to school Monday-Thursday and worked Fri, Sat, and Sun, it was a hell of a grind until I got to clinicals and could choose my shifts but it worked out.
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u/cwdltRB 4d ago
how exactly hard is it to become a firefighter? its my dream job, turning 17 in december and ive been a cadet since i turned 14. and according to the internet the possibility of me even getting the opportunity is very low
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u/HazMatsMan Career Co. Officer 4d ago
Read the information at the top of this thread and the linked posts. They address this question. If you need external motivation from us, chances are no, you won't make it because self-motivation, determination, etc... are important traits to have if you want to get into this profession.
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u/sucksatgolf Overpaid janitor 🧹 1d ago
Your chances aren't low. Especially if you are in a cadet program now. Stick with the cadet thing. As you get older you'll develop some more motivation and discipline. Generally speaking though, being part of an organization already (which you are) will give you the networking you need to branch out when you get older. After high school things change dramatically.
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u/Super_Employment_986 4d ago
Anyone her work for Arlington county or able to give insite on the hiring process?
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u/deftones0331 4d ago
How long did it take to get an official offer from Dallas Fire before the academy? I completed the entire process and received an email stating I'm in strong consideration for the October 15th class... I just wish I knew if I got it or not and if they even give a final notice or if it's just a few days before academy.
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u/Clear-Ad8985 4d ago
Received a conditional offer. Have passed everything. Took my psych eval online through zoom. Evaluator requesting follow up after I submitted VA paper work (I’m a vet with disability benefits - I’ve disclosed everything) and a current doctor provided clearance on my current state. They still want a follow up interview. Am I doomed? I was incredibly high on my list and hired almost instantaneously.
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u/NefariousnessFuzzy56 4d ago
Looking to pursue becoming a firefighter in Southern California. I realize I live in a super expensive area and cannot risk losing my current job or taking a pay cut. Life is a lot different than when I initially went down the road of becoming a firefighter in my home state of Colorado. I need to maintain my current job while going through this. Do you think that is possible? If not that’s fine and I appreciate the honesty. The job I have now is pretty great but doesn’t feed the passion bug like firefighting would.
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM 4d ago
Yeah you can keep your job while going through the application process. Once you get a job offer, you get paid during your time in the academy.
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u/Otherwise-Arm-7860 4d ago
Does anyone know where to find the Jan 2025 Dallas TX civil service test results and ranking?
Application submitted and test in January 2025. No communication from the department until a couple of weeks ago about verifying background information. So far not able to find the test scores.
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u/Super_Employment_986 4d ago
Do departments give conditional job offers if they might not intend on hiring you? I have a conditional offer from a department in VA. I have passed everything.. psych,polygraph,medical,background (I think). I was told that I most likely will get a final job offer but the chief does a “final review” kinda confused.
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u/ggrnw27 4d ago
The “conditions” of a conditional job offer are that you pass all the rest of the application steps and the department has a staffing need to hire you. In theory they could give you a conditional offer for a future recruit class that may or may not happen, but until you have the final offer in hand and signed, you don’t officially have the job. Stranger things have happened and recruit classes have been downsized or even canceled before. But in practice, with today’s job market in the area and the specific department you’re talking about, if you’ve got the conditional you’re 99% guaranteed the final as long as you pass everything
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u/Super_Employment_986 3d ago
Hm, okay thank you! Sometimes they can be a little confusing with how they were wording it. I appriciate it!
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u/SteeleStriker 4d ago
I’d love to start working as a firefighter. This thread gave me a place to start but I still have some questions.
I currently work for Disney as a lifeguard at both of their water parks in Florida, I am licensed to lifeguard as well as preform CPR and basic first aid on infants/children/adults. I’m 21 years old and in college and would prefer part time work.
Does anybody know if my current qualifications will help me land an interview/job? Thanks a million <3
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u/Ding-Chavez MD Career 4d ago
Interview doesn't take much. Just meet the qualifications and test results. A job....it's better than nothing but doesn't stand out in any serious capacity.
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u/Brief-Alfalfa2772 4d ago
In a few weeks I start my fire service academy, a buddy of mine recommended this product to stay under the drill instructors radar. i was curious if any one else has used it and had any feedback. thank you
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u/Salt_Employee1289 2d ago
Not sure the point of this, Your academy should have a list of items you need to bring.
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u/Maleficent-Row6382 2d ago
They do have a list of items to bring, my friend recommended this because its the majority of the items they ask for all in one pack. Each item has to be generic, wihich is hard to find cause of brand labeling. He said its so i wont have to scroll around online looking for each item.
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u/PacersFan2025 4d ago
Should I bring copies of my resume to an interview? A notebook and pen? Anything?
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u/sucksatgolf Overpaid janitor 🧹 1d ago
All of it. I put my resume and certs into a professional looking binder. Probably an old school thing, but I would have rather been over prepared than not have them.
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u/Low_Restaurant_369 3d ago
Anybody know the best MOS to be in firefighting after? I was going to join crash fire rescue since they are firefighters and get there EMT. Also since people always tell me don't join the army if it's not what you want, I am joining so I can go to college get my paramedic and everything while working there, and also get those benefits. Is that a bad reason?
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u/Salt_Employee1289 2d ago
Might as well become a Medic through the military. That being said it really doesn't matter. Do what you want. I know military guys with Intelligence, mechanics, special forces, dive, etc. The good military record is what matters to get you a job. Not what you did. You are going to get retrained anyways.
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u/Grammaton_Cleric1 3d ago
So I’ve got a DUI from 2019 that I was given a felony for bc I was underage (19). No one got hurt in it but it was considered “aggravated” because I blew a stop sign. Would this disqualify me from becoming a firefighter/emt? (Illinois)
Does anyone have similar experience that can give me some insight on how to proceed?
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u/Ding-Chavez MD Career 3d ago
Every department is different, but I would say it would significantly limit your opportunities for employment.
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u/Grammaton_Cleric1 3d ago
Ah yeah I figured. I know a couple firefighters so I’ll ask them too I appreciate the response!
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u/Salt_Employee1289 2d ago
Will it hurt yes. But I do know guys who got hired with DUIs as long as you been free of issues since then I feel you should get hired somewhere assuming you're a good applicant.
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u/sucksatgolf Overpaid janitor 🧹 1d ago
That will be a significant hurdle. When you apply, a lot of other applicants will have zero criminal or motor vehicle history, so you'll be facing an uphill battle. Someone with a clean record will always be the first choice. Not trying to discourage you, just being realistic.
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u/Old_Debt6159 3d ago
Just landed a conditional offer at my dream department, only things left are a Psych and Medical Evaluation. One problem - they require "no more than 20/100 uncorrected vision in each eye, correctable to 20/30 in each eye with no color blindness" I'm not blind by any means, but my prescription is -3.00 which I've seen online can be up to 20/200. Absolutely terrified of Lasik & the possible side effects, but would it be worth considering? Been at the process for almost 3 yrs now and don't want to waste the opportunity. Is anyone aware if I just have to get lucky once reading an eye chart or will they do a full eye exam?
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM 3d ago
Sounds like you’re not eligible for this department unless you get lasik or another corrective surgery.
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u/DrDirtySanchezMD Career Fulltime FF 1d ago
How is this even a question? LASIK is easy and people in your shoes would kill for that opportunity for their dream job
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u/BallComprehensive203 3d ago
Should I keep and touch up my mustache for my ff aemt recruit interview or just shave it off
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u/Mysterious_Egg8285 3d ago
Advice on CPAT, FireTEAM, and Starting a Firefighting Career:
Hey all,
I’m 29 and finally making a career change. My background is a mix of bartending, wholesale operations, logistics with USPS — a little bit of everything. I’m stoked to be pursuing the fire service path now.
I’m currently finishing up EMT (should be wrapped up by October) and need to knock out the CPAT and FireTEAM soon so I’m ready to apply by mid-November for Portland Fire & Rescue, though I’m also open to other departments in the area. I know it’s competitive and can take time, so I’m also looking at doing a few wildland seasons. I’ve already completed S-130, S-190, L-180, and FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700, 800. I’d also love to add more workshops/certs like MHFA or trauma-informed care as I go.
For those who’ve been through it: • Any advice on how to best prep for the CPAT? • What should I know about the FireTEAM test? • Any general advice for someone working toward PF&R or just getting started in the fire service?
Appreciate any insight — trying to set myself up right. Thanks!
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u/Salt_Employee1289 2d ago
The Weight stair climber is generally the hardest part of the CPAT. Train that to way above the standard and assuming you are average everything else should be fine. Also the CPAT is way below actual fitness standards you will need for academy to train a lot. FIRETEAM, honestly in my experience the part that matters the most is the HR portion. Just shoot for passing on everything and I feel it didn't make a huge difference. Just make sure to do a ton of interview prep. FIRETEAM is just to see if your worth getting interviewed.
PF&R tries to be an old school department so just be prepared to be humble and work your ass off. Ask about Ride alongs and get some EMT experience so you can say you have actually done some of the job.
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u/Mysterious_Egg8285 1d ago
Thanks, really helpful. When you say PF&R is more “old school,” what does that look like compared to other departments? Also, I’ve read up a lot on the process, but is there anything you’d say really makes someone stand out beyond just the basics?
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u/Kingkooter177 3d ago
Greetings all, (reposting because I mistakenly posted on the main page, apologies) I would like to start this off by saying that I’ve done a lot of research online and have inquired with a few friends I Know that are active fire fighters. I’m currently active duty with 10 years of service in the US navy, while on active duty I’ve been fortunate enough to get my EMT license, however I have not had the opportunity to do the EMT job. I’m originally from Seattle and my friends in the area told me that I would have a pretty decent shot at getting hired on in the area. However I am looking to move to the North East post service. My question is that I’m finding it difficult to locate hiring windows online for agencies. I know WA runs off of the NTN and once you pass the test you can apply from the website, but what is the best method for finding available agencies in New England? Additionally I’m sure getting my Paramedic cert would be worthwhile but is it absolutely necessary? While I wait to get hired on I attend on working as an EMT to accrue hours and attending some college courses using the GI Bill. If there are any vets here that would be willing to answer some questions, or even a few folks who have been involved in the hiring process that would like to help it would be greatly appreciated!
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u/sucksatgolf Overpaid janitor 🧹 2d ago
CT Consortium test is out for multiple departments.
https://www.firefighterapp.com/Firefighter-Associations/Connecticut-Fire-Testing-Consortium/
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u/Mastee2703 2d ago
What is an alternative list?
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u/Ding-Chavez MD Career 2d ago
It's a list for people that haven't met the first round of hiring. If someone turns down the offer, fails background check, medical, or there's additional funding is found will be selected for the alternate list.
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u/Mastee2703 1d ago
Copy thank you. Is it too much to send out an email or call administration once a week or so to see what’s up?
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u/Longjumping-Feed-136 2d ago
I’m in the hiring process with a department that seemed promising….. but over the weekend I got arrested for a misd. dui. No one was hurt, I got pulled over while sleeping in my vehicle. Obviously this is going to be a grueling process and my lawyer is giving hope that it’s possible he can get the charges down. But I’m not sure how I should continue considering I’m in EMT school and in the interview process with multiple departments. The few firefighters that I know have told me to hang tight and not do anything until I know more about what’s happening with my case. I’m assuming it’s over for me and the best I can do is carry this experience with me to make me better and possibly try again in the future after documenting the steps I’m taking to fix what I have done wrong.
Just clarifying even if my lawyer can get my charges down I’m aware of how serious my mistake is. I have never ever done anything illegal or had any type of criminal history. I am genuinely guilty and I know I could have hurt myself or someone else. I’m doing everything I can do to make this right.
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u/Salt_Employee1289 2d ago
Be honest, it honestly may delay you a couple years for a Fire job but don't quit be better and eventually you should be able to get a job. Only the department your with can tell you if they are gonna continue or not.
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u/Negative-County-8133 2d ago
I decided about a month ago I want to apply to be a firefighter so I'm getting in shape while I wait for the applications for departments in my area (Maryland) to open up again. It looks like they should open up again early next year and I'm wondering if I should pursue volunteer opportunities before then?
There's a couple municipalities within my county that have volunteer stations that I could sign up for, but I'm not sure if it it's worth it, and if it would help me get accepted when I apply for the paid county job?
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u/Ok_Tackle9764 2d ago
Reposting here since asked by mods: I’m a recently graduated student, and I’m having a slight crisis on what I want to pursue now. My entire life, I’ve wanted to do work that helps people in a tangible way. I’ve gone through different ideas of what that might entail, but I’ve always found myself coming back to firefighting. I’m dedicated on training, and really believe this is what I want to do with my life. But my parents continue to push against the idea, and now I’m not sure if I should. Has anyone been through the same issue? And how did you deal with it? I hope this isn’t a stupid question. Thanks
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u/ShoddyGrab7 2d ago
Since we are lacking context to why they don't want you to pursue this - If you truly believe this is the path for you, then your parents' opinion does not matter here.
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u/6TangoMedic Canadian Firefighter 2d ago
My advice would be to have a talk with your parents. See why they are against you being a firefighter. After that conversation, you can look into if what they are thinking is true, or just something they believe to be true but isn't. Who knows, they may have some insight into the job that you don't know about. They may know some of the risks and exposures you may be getting into and not want that for you. You won't know what they're truly thinking unless you have a discussion.
At the end of the day however, you are the one who has to live with the choice you make. You have to do the career you choose, not them.
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u/tclingan31 2d ago
I live in Colorado and I want to be a Firefighter planning on starting EMT school in January, I was arrested for a DUI in April of 2022 and didn’t get convicted (plead down to a DWAI) until February of 2023, since it’s only 1 on my record and most of the departments in my area say no DUI’s within the past 3 years and Emt says no more than 2 in the past 7 years, I was wondering if I will have any problems getting licensed as an EMT and hired as a Firefighter? I have turned my life around (better friends, a job, a better lifestyle) and it was a stupid STUPID mistake I made while smoking marijuana in my car 3 days after I turned 18 (I’m 21 almost 22 now) , I am clean off marijuana and have had a job as an Electrician for the past 3 almost 4 years (will have my journeyman license in may of 2026) working with pretty much the same company the entire time, I did a firefighting class my last two years of high school where I found my passion for it and this mistake set me back, It’s the one thing I can’t keep my mind off of and I know it’s what I want in life, I know I messed up, If anyone has any answers or insight it would be extremely appreciated
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u/Salt_Employee1289 2d ago
Will it set you back? Yes but every agency is different. The only way to know is to keep trying and MAKE THEM TELL YOU NO. Don't disqualify yourself, make them do it. No issue with trying. Time cures a lot of things.
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u/Logical-Item7622 2d ago
I am an 18m looking to join SDFD. I was wondering if the pay is really as low as it listed on the website. $3,400 per month starting seems ridiculous. FF 3s making $5,500? Is this outdated are are they being paid half the amount of most other big cities in CA. Also, is it worth getting paramedic or just EMT. Is it worth working a smaller department as in oceanside are carlsbad with paramedic vs being a FF/EMT for san diego. I am very new to this and may be misinformed. Any advice would help, thank you.
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM 1d ago
Yeah they’re one of the lowest paid big city departments in California. Been a big issue for many years now for them.
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u/IntelligentAverage33 2d ago
I have no certifications. The waitlist for Houston Fire Academy is a year long. Academy starts January 5th 2026 if I get my cert before December is there a way I can manage to get into JAN 5th class?
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u/LilPancake34 2d ago
Do I need to redo EMT training if I move states (AZ → CA)?
I'm currently an undergrad student at ASU (from California) majoring in biology with hopes to either be a doctor or firefighter one day. I know you have to get EMT certified before becoming a firefighter, so if I were to get certified in Arizona while going to college at ASU, how would it look after I graduate and move back to California?
I also have heard of summer EMT courses which are around 6-8 weeks during the summer, would that be a better option as to getting certified here in AZ? Any insight would be helpful, thanks!
TL:DR Can I get certified in AZ while going to college at ASU then transfer to CA; would it be better to just get certified in CA over the summer
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM 1d ago
Yes you can get your EMT in Arizona and move to California. After you complete an EMT class, you take a national registry test that is valid throughout the county. After you pass that, depending on the county you want to work in, you have to apply for licensure in that county. Some counties just require an application and money while others will make you take an additional test to show you know their specific protocols.
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u/Medium_Cockroach_314 1d ago
My buddy (FF2) got a warning from his union about also serving on a volunteer department in his home town. Is this legal in California? How could he push back without causing too much trouble?
There are a lot of Sheriff deputies on volunteer departments like Malibu Search and Rescue, but are the rules really different for Firefighters?
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u/Ding-Chavez MD Career 1d ago
Is he volunteering where he works?
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u/Medium_Cockroach_314 1d ago
No. Not even the same county
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u/Ding-Chavez MD Career 1d ago
Odd. He needs to check his contract. If it says he can't then he can get dropped.
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM 1d ago
Yes this is an issue. It typically relates to on the job injuries/presumptive cancer. If your buddy volunteers at another department, he would be ineligible for workers comp in a lot of cases because he can’t prove the injury/cancer is from his paid career. Unions will help fight on your behalf to get you paid for workers comp but they can’t do anything if your buddy volunteers elsewhere.
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u/jpmolina4 1d ago
I’m going to be 36 y/o (Jan)from California and thinking of doing the training division academy out of Texas. My only issue is that a lot of the departments out here want a California state marshal ff1 and I’m getting discouraged to do TD. My other option is Calfire. Any advice?
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM 1d ago
TD? What is TD?
If you want to work in California, do your fire academy through a California community college.
Cal Fire is not a bad option at all. There are many places where they are schedule A which means they are the municipal fire department for a city/county.
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u/mr3inches Wildland 1d ago
Feeling discouraged by my test results. Working in the PNW is my dream location but after my second NTN test I feel like my mechanical score is lower than the first time. I have heard the HR portion is the most important of all of them, do you think this could outweigh my bad mechanical test score? Does anyone have any feedback or advice for me?
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u/EatinBeav WA Career FF/EMT 1d ago
The only thing I’ve ever seen be successful is taking it multiple times and altering answers to a certain extent to see which way it leans. These scores aren’t landing any interviews unfortunately.
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM 1d ago
Gonna need to be in the green. The key to the NTN is taking it multiple times and memorizing what worked and what didn’t work.
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u/Vegetable_Potato_711 1d ago
Are there any types of part time jobs you recommended working to help boost my application? I have some time before DFW opens new applications.
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u/flashpointfd 15h ago
I would suggest a job at a tool rental yard. You'd learn how to maintain, operate and troubleshoot the same type of equipment you'll use as a Firefighter; Chainsaws, rotary saws, generators, etc.
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u/Canadianontour Weewoo driver 1d ago
Has anyone here used an interview coach and have a recommendations for Canadian fire fighter interview coach?
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u/NoStar9689 14h ago
Hello all. I’ve been debating this for a while and after speaking with my wife, I think I’ll be making the move to somewhere in the NW area of Washington state. Currently a FF/PM at a career department that gets a pretty high volume of calls. I’ve read that the process can take upwards of a year, which is good considering I’d have a lot of logistical things to handle in between then and now. Does anyone from that area have some departments they’d recommend? The biggest appeal is a much higher salary, pension and QoL.
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u/tonydaracer 14h ago
What should I study for the Public Safety Answers exam?
My local department is recruiting. One of the requirements is to take the PSA Exam they have linked on their site. They claim that generally they're looking for folks scoring in the mid-90s, but the site doesn't have any links or suggestions for study material, only says that the math portion will be a general 10th grade level.
I'm 30 and have been out of school long enough to know I am absolutely horrible at math. The site says that it will be generally 10th grade math. Looking up study guides provides a wide variety of topics, so much that I have to wonder which ones are appropriate. I have about a month before the application window closes and I don't want to go down the wrong route for studying and end up losing time.
I meet all the other requirements. I just earned NREMT last week. I can blow their physical test out of the water. I'm a veteran with a good record and some shipboard firefighting experience. I just want to make sure I am as competitive as I can be in this process and I understand that math will be the weakest link in my chain here.
I did find a Police Prep site with math training I've been using. But I'm still curious if this is enough and what I need. Google says 10th grade math can be as little as Geometry and as much as Calculus. When I was in school, I knew some folks that took Calculus in 10th grade. But it has always been my understanding that Calculus was considered College level.
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u/-DondeEstaLaLeche- 12h ago
Hey everyone, I’m here to see if anyone is aware of any Part-time FF1 Academy’s in the SoCal area? I’m located between LA and SD so an academy near either of those two areas would be ideal especially since those are the two areas that I’d like to look for work in following the academy. Thanks everyone.
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM 1h ago
Verdugo fire academy through Glendale community college is the only one I’ve ever heard of in socal
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u/tonydaracer 12h ago
Public Safety Answers exam.
I need to study for that exam. Specifically the math portion.
A buddy just recommended Norman Hall's Firefighter Exam Preparation Book.
Will this book help me study for the PSA Exam? Or is this referencing another exam?
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u/International-Let899 11h ago
I’m 20 years old, applying to a large department in North Texas. I have a squeaky, clean criminal and driving record, but experimented with some drug use back in high school (weed, psychedelics) I have since given them up completely and I’m finishing my EMT basic in January. Hiring starts in January as well. My department has an extensive background packet to fill out as well as a polygraph. Any tips would be appreciated.
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u/Specialist_Ad_4410 8h ago
Hi all, im looking for ideas and inspiration for a meaningful question that i can ask at the end of the panel interview that will leave a great impression 😊
Many thanks 😊😊
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM 1h ago
How about no question and go with a closing statement to show how prepared you are. Typically these interviews are called oral exams because you are scored based on what you say. These are not back and forth interviews like the business world has it.
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u/Specialist_Ad_4410 16m ago
Thanks for that and it'd a great idea.
Other guys who have gone through in the last few days said at the end of the interview they have been asked if they have any questions
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u/Electronic_Train1597 6h ago
Okay, I'll be honest and may need some of you guys to knock me back into reality. All summer, I've been looking for "purpose/meaning," I just want to do something fulfilling. Been working BS retail jobs getting poop pay for what I'm actually worth. Not saying I'm better than anyone, but my communication, hard work, humility etc shouldn't amount to processing Amazon returns. I'm 29, I feel strong, I want to serve/lead. I live in Philadelphia, and they are hiring in July. I applied this week, and the deadline to schedule an exam is the 31st, and the deadline to take the exam is the 13th.
I have been researching the pros and cons of being a firefighter. I'm still learning and reading Reddit posts from past and current fighters. Training videos and just observing the stations in the city. I'm nervous, can't lie, but I see an opportunity to really upgrade my life and really help a city in need. I feel the pros outweighing the cons. But am I outta my head? Am I even prepared to take this exam tbh I havent taken a practice test. I'll study my ASS off for 12 days, then I'll schedule my exam on the 13th (the last day). I'm in average shape, like I'm fit, active, but definitely not in a peak state. I have a gym membership, go like 2-3 times a week. I do drink beer, I feel like that is whats gonna kill my cardio. IDK, you can, see I'm rambling. I feel like i'm a smart guy who learns fast, but when it comes to saving a life and evening protecting my self and colleagues, i want to make sure I'm making an impulsive decision.
Any of you down for a private convo just so i can pick your brain and ramble off all these questions lol
One thing I really wanna ask is what I do decide to say, I'm not ready. How and can I apply again soon? I just read something where they only hire every 2 years?
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u/Direct-Training9217 5d ago
Does anyone know if Memphis fire department has a dive team?