[NeedAPlanB]

I am currently a career Firefighter/Paramedic in another state. Due to budget cuts our department is facing, I am in need of coming up with an Emergency Plan should the cuts reach me.

My question is to anyone who has information regarding my options of any type of lateral transfer between states (my guess is that they are limited to non-existent). If that is not an option, I am also looking for information regarding Florida area departments that are stable, skilled departments to work for. Also, any information regarding pension systems is useful (I am already 36 years old).

Thanks you for your consideration.

[RMD3819]

Firefighter Minimum Standards

Florida - Firehouse Forums - Firefighting Discussion

Recertification - Emergency Medical Technician - Recertification

The job market is near zero here.

FF cert is nearly impossible to transfer. Most find it easier to just take the academy in FL.

Paramedic will be much easier.

Sorry, not much good news.

[doggiebus]

Its not good in South Florida, I know three people who have come out of the academy and can't find jobs. All have gone back to be paremedics also. Sorry I don't have better news.

[Maggi07]

I know the Tampa Bay area is rough as far as Firefighter jobs right now. I wish that weren't the case. I agree that going the paramedic route might be better.

[Occifer]

Just like it is with transferring law enforcement certification, you will have to prove to the state that your current level of training meets or exceeds what Florida requires. You'll then have to take Florida's written and practical examinations. I do not believe that you have to take a crossover course to transfer a firefighter certification like you do for law enforcement. This is something that you will have to do on your own, as pretty much any decent agency here requires you to already be certified before you put in an application. I know in many other states that's not how it works, but here in Florida the community college system runs the training centers so people go to the academy on their own (at their own expense) and then start applying for jobs.

I will second those who have said that finding a firefighting job here (at a good agency) is tough now. At least you're also a paramedic, which is something that most departments do not require for new hires. You will easily be able to find a job on an ALS ambulance with a private ambulance company while you're waiting to get hired, however the pay is terrible.

[Jlopes26]

Yea usually with a academy you get a certificate good for 20 states. But Florida has it's own fireman standards so a transfer won't happen here. You would have to start over.

[NeedAPlanB]

Thanks for all the responses and info.