How to Become a Firefighter

Are you the kind of person who would run toward danger to save someone’s life? You might just have what it takes to become a firefighter. So, what are the practical steps to join this career field? 

How Do You Become a Firefighter?

Professional firefighters go through many career stages to earn full-time contracts. It’s a path that requires patience, dedication and consistency. Here’s how to become a firefighter in five steps:

Step 1: Improve Your Fitness

Peak fitness is the core of becoming a firefighter. You must be in good physical condition to proceed with the following steps. 

Both aerobic fitness and strength are important. With enough time and practice, you can improve both of these factors. A good rule to test your physical fitness is by performing with your best efforts on a 1.5-mile run. If you can run 1.5 miles in around 12 to 14 minutes and have sufficient muscular strength and endurance, you should be able to take on the training programs. 

Ensure your training is gradual and progressive so you can grow functional strength. Focus on these four components: 

1. Integrating different modes of exercise like running, swimming and climbing. 
2. Using different intensities and going as hard as you can. 
3. Training for longer durations. 
4. Training as frequently as possible. 

Step 2: Volunteer at a Fire Station

Did you know that 65% of the firefighting workforce is made up of volunteers? These individuals help around the station and provide community services. Volunteering will help you network with other firefighters and earn a reputation for yourself.

You can get a foot in the door in this highly competitive field, get invaluable training to be a firefighter and learn more about the day-to-day duties. Most departments have specific criteria and requirements for volunteers, which typically include: 

• Being at least 18 years old 
• Having good fitness 
• Having a valid driver’s license 
• Completing basic fire and EMS training 
• Having a clear criminal record 
• Living in close proximity to the district 
• Meeting time requirements (usually, they prefer those who can respond to calls 24 hours a day)

Volunteering will give you a feel for the job so you know what to expect when you become a firefighter.

Step 3: Study Fire Science and CPR

Getting CPR training from the American Red Cross or any other reputable agency can help you earn more opportunities. It increases your chances of handling more important duties around the station. You’ll also be invited to more ride-along exercises with firefighters, where you’ll learn about the mechanisms of fire trucks and how to handle stressful situations.

While you work as a volunteer, the station will usually provide you with basic EMT training. However, if you can take full EMT training, that will give you what you need to become a firefighter. It strengthens your credentials and opens you up to even more opportunities. When you’re getting your studies going, it’s also a good idea to clear any other academic deficiencies that might put a damper on your chances of entering fire school. 

Find out about your fire station’s training requirements before picking a fire school. Common training programs include: 

• Firefighter
• Fire arson investigators 
• Fire inspectors 
• Fire investigators 

During fire school, you’ll learn the important duties of firefighters, including how to:

• Maintain firefighting equipment 
• Operate pump engines 
• Drive emergency vehicles 
• Treat and evacuate fire victims 
• Extinguish fires with pumps, hoses and other apparatus

Step 4: Take the Exams

The requirements to become a firefighter include completing several exams, interviews and background checks. You’ll need to complete the written, physical and physiological exams before applying for any positions. The written exam tests your problem-solving, math, judgment, human relations, communication, reasoning and memory skills.

The physical exam will test your:

• Eyesight 
• Urine
• Blood pressure 
• Hearing 

In addition to the physician and written tests, there’s also a psychological exam that examines whether you have the personality traits of a firefighter or have any conditions that may keep you from completing the challenges required in this position.

Step 5: Apply for Jobs

Once you’ve met all the above requirements, you can start applying for positions. Typically, when applying to a fire department, you’ll have an oral interview. They may ask you questions about your goals as a firefighter and why you want to work at that specific department. It’s important to do your research about that particular station before you accept an interview. 

When you apply for jobs, remember that firefighters don’t work solely for fire departments. Other agencies that employ them include wilderness firefighting agencies, construction companies, fire equipment suppliers and state fire organizations. 

How Long Does It Take to Become a Firefighter?

Determining how long it takes to become a firefighter depends on your personal career goals and the opportunities in your area. It’s a multistep process that involves many compulsory and non-compulsory steps. Here’s how long each step usually takes:

1. The foundational training program generally takes three to six months.
2. If a position requires a college degree in Fire Science, it takes two to four years to complete.
3. EMT training lasts around six months. 
4. Paramedic training (for firefighter-paramedics) lasts one to two years. 

Although it’s technically not a requirement to become a volunteer firefighter, it does raise your chances of landing a full-time position. Many departments look for people with a few years of hands-on experience in addition to the relevant qualifications before they offer a position. 

How Much Do Firefighters Make?

The salary of a firefighter depends on several factors, such as qualifications, state, position held and prior experience. Firefighters make a median salary of $51,680, with the highest-earning 25% making approximately $70,730 and the lowest at around $37,400. 

The state that you work in also has a significant impact on your pay. Some of the top best-paying states are:

• Washington
• California
• New Jersey
• Hawaii
• New York

List or Buy Fire Equipment at Fenton Fire Equipment

If you’re already part of a firefighting team, it might be time to upgrade your trucks and gear. Buy and sell fire equipment from rescue trucks to ladders and quints at Fenton Fire Equipment. You can list your equipment with photos and information on our site. We’ll help you find a buyer using our marketing know-how. Our representatives will take all calls, chats, requests and emails on your behalf and help you find a suitable buyer. If we’re unable to find a buyer, there is no charge for any of your services, so you have nothing to lose. 

Check out our selection of used fire trucks for sale from top brands, including Pierce, Seagrave, American LaFrance (ALF) and KME. Feel free to contact us to chat about any of our products.