While it may come as no surprise that firefighting is a physically and mentally rigorous profession, many people do not realize that it is an exceptionally competitive field. Because prospective firefighters must outshine a number of other candidates, it is essential that those with a passion for firefighting prepare themselves thoroughly. When selecting recruits, leaders within the firefighting community prioritize several professional and personal qualifications. Consider the many obstacles future firefighters must overcome to join their local fire department.
Education
There are few specific educational requirements for prospective firefighters. In fact, the only strict condition is that they complete high school or earn their GED. Even so, taking relevant courses after high school may significantly increase one’s odds of securing a spot in a fire department.
One smart way to gain relevant expertise is to take community college classes that focus on fire technology. Additionally, it is wise to study to become an EMT and even to attend paramedic school in some cases.
Examinations
Before a firefighter secures a job, he or she must pass multiple different tests. Some of these examinations, such as those involving multiple choice questions or oral interviews, require a great deal of studying. The physical fitness examination, on the other hand, requires preparation in the form of intense exercise. Finally, psychological tests analyze a person’s ability to manage the stress involved with being a firefighter, a trait that is mostly intrinsic.
Responsibility
In addition to knowledge and physical skill, recruiters are looking for future firefighters who are trustworthy, dependable, and mature. To evaluate whether an applicant possesses these traits, those in charge of the hiring process must access personal information about candidates. This includes work, credit, and criminal histories. It’s critical that prospective firefighters offer complete, accurate data and demonstrate how they are improving in any areas that may concern the hiring board.
Dedication
Finally, the intense nature of the firefighting profession necessitates that each member of a fire department be passionate about and committed to his or her work. One way to demonstrate this is to volunteer at a local fire station as a reserve or cadet firefighter. Other types of community service, even those that are seemingly unrelated to firefighting, are also useful. Additionally, competitive applicants must go above and beyond to understand the profession and the hiring process. It is generally a good idea to stop by fire stations to gain insight from other firefighters and to stay up to date on any changes in the field by reading relevant publications.
Firefighters must be highly competent in a wide range of areas to accomplish their day-to-day work. Because their skill level may impact the well-being of civilians and the rest of their department, these professionals are evaluated and selected scrupulously.
About Provident Fire Plus
At Provident Fire Plus, we offer custom tailored packages to best protect firefighters and volunteer firefighters. We understand the risks that emergency response teams are subjected to on a daily basis, and have worked to serve these dedicated professionals for over 87 years. For more information about our products and policies, we invite you to contact our experts today at (855) 201-8880.