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Are there any people who have been a firefighter out there?
I just completed all my preliminary stuff to be a firefighter like T-DAP, immunization, fingerprints, polygraph, physical ability test which all was pretty difficult to get. Heck, I completed the written exam March 2013. I've been working at a decent job for the last year but I am getting rather close to the cut off age (34) for firefighter. I have a few questions for anyone who's been or knows about the job.
Is it worth it? How do you like the shifts? How about the pay? How often do you have to suit up and fight fires? Is it bad for someone with skin conditions like eczema or rosacea? So basically what are the pros/cons?
I'm weighing my options between this and another possible opportunity I might have. I will have to make my final decision in the next 2 months. It's just if I don't take this firefighter now, I won't have the opportunity again.
No one can answer you question as to whether it is going to be worth it to you. The answer to a lot of your other questions is going to be "it depends." In order to get the biggest response, I suggest you go to a firefighters forum like firehouse.com and pose your questions.
My brother's dream job was to be a firefighter. He went to the Fire Science Academy, studied on it, volunteered his services and put out the Crown King fires while he was up there, and he still cannot get a job as a Firefighter. Why? State budget cuts.
The state cannot afford more firefighters, there isn't enough money for them. He searched all over the state in different districts, even as far as NYC and Washington state! I'm sad for him, but all isn't for naught. He's currently attempting to put his EMT training to good use by trying to become a doctor. Whenever that happens.
I will recommend you look at your states and all states' budgets for firefighters. It's better to know your options. If only 2-3 new firefighting positions open each year and there's thousands of firefighters waiting to get in - it's not worth it.
What state are you in? It is extremely competitive in Southern California. Most of your calls will be medical calls. These days most places in Southern California only hire dual function fire fighters...fire/medic. Not just BLS/EMT. I remember when I applied for Long Beach, there were something like 10 openings and 4500 applicants. I would suggest starting an EMT course then working towards a paramedic. Out here you need at least 2 years on a BLS rig before you can be accepted into a paramedic course though.
As for shifts it all depends, and even when you are off you can still be considered on call. I worked the Kelly Schedule which was 1 on 1 off, 1 on 2 off, 1 on 1 off, 1 on 4 off. 24 hour shifts.
It isn't an easy job, lots of hard work, but worth it.
NightSparrow, Calfire are the forest fire fighters. Its a great place to start, but most want to work in a municipality.
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You cannot have a career without getting a job
