How to Become a Firefighter

Many
kids dream of becoming a firefighter, but for some reason this subject
isn't covered very often in school or career counseling.  Following is
a discussion of how to become a firefighter.   

The first step in how to
become a firefighter is being the right age (usually 18-24, but check
with the municipalities you plan to apply to) and having your high
school diploma or GED.  If you meet these criteria, the next step is to
make sure you're in great physical shape.  Firefighters must pass a
physical fitness test that measures their strength and endurance. 
You'll also have to pass a medical exam that will test your general
physical health, and be drug-free.   

Another helpful step in
how to become a firefighter is taking CPR and other emergency response
courses, because fire departments are often the first professionals on
the scene in cases of accidents and other emergencies.  You'll need
these skills on the job and if you haven't taken them already when
you're accepted to a fire department, they'll require you to afterwards
so it's better to be proactive and look better when you make the
application. 

The next step in how to
become a firefighter is taking the exams.  Contact the departments
you're interested in applying to and they will give you dates, times,
and information on how to prepare.  Be warned that firefighting is a
highly competitive field even though it's difficult physical work, and
in many areas you may have to go on a waiting list before you can take
the exam.   

Once you've passed the
exam, you're a long way down the road to your dream, but there are
still a few more steps in how to become a firefighter.  One is to
complete any training requirements your local fire department has. 
Many of them conduct their own training and it can take up to four
months, during which time you may or may not be paid, so if you're
still working another job, make sure that you have the flexibility to
attend these mandatory sessions.  Once you're done with the training,
it's likely that the last requirement is to join your local
firefighter's union.   

Finally, once you've
completed any necessary training and joined the necessary union, the
final step on how to become a firefighter is accomplished on the job. 
Most professional fire departments will have a probationary period that
lasts from one to several months, during which you'll be working as a
firefighter and getting paid but they'll be keeping an eye on you.  If
you successfully pass muster, at the end of the probation you'll be
awarded a contract.  Congratulations, you're now a professional
firefighter!  Though the work is difficult physically, mentally, and
sometimes emotionally, you can rejoice in the fact that little kids
everywhere are looking up to you as a hero and you're performing a
truly necessary job that not only helps people, it saves their lives.