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A few Fire Dept. Questions

Discussion in 'Jobs & Careers' started by JDMrolla, Jan 18, 2011.

  1. Jan 18, 2011 at 1:00 PM
    #1
    JDMrolla

    JDMrolla [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I have no previous experience, however i filled out the application and now im scheduled to take the first step in the seven month hiring process. It is the written test and i was wondering what to expect and if i could get some tips, im aware that every city has diffrent procedures for hiring.

    I understand that it is very hard to get in, but do i have a chance?

    I also signed up for the volunteer fire dept, i was told i was going to be called for an interview 2 weeks ago and said i would get the call 1 week from the email.....never got a call
     
  2. Jan 18, 2011 at 1:13 PM
    #2
    DeeKay21

    DeeKay21 Lieutenant Dan.

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    So you filled out an application for a full-time position? Also, is it the same department that you signed up to volunteer for?
     
  3. Jan 18, 2011 at 1:15 PM
    #3
    joerussell610

    joerussell610 When all else fails read the directions

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    Try and take an EMT class. Can be a first responder. Easier to get on with EMT cert.
     
    EireBleuTacoma likes this.
  4. Jan 18, 2011 at 1:18 PM
    #4
    JDMrolla

    JDMrolla [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yes, full-time and yeah it was for the same city.
     
  5. Jan 18, 2011 at 1:21 PM
    #5
    DeeKay21

    DeeKay21 Lieutenant Dan.

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    Okay got yah. Well its always good to try and get your foot in the door like volunteering before applying for a full-time position just cause they will already be familiar with you and know that you have some kind of training and skills. It might be a little sketchy depending on how many people they are hiring cause usually the volunteers that have spent some time there usually get first dibs on full-time positions. But then again, I'm not sure how that department out there works.

    Even if you dont get on full-time, stay as a volunteer if you can and def try and take an EMT class. A lot of bigger departments these days wont even look at you if you arent an EMT-Basic. Most larger cities wont look at you if your arent a Paramedic.
     
  6. Jan 18, 2011 at 2:07 PM
    #6
    CoalMedic

    CoalMedic Molon Labe

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    +1

    Pay your dues as a volly and hopefully get a good look when the next round of hiring comes on. In the meantime, take every class you can, not just EMT. HazMat, NIMS (most of which are required anyway) are some good classes, and attend some sort of Fire College, usually a 3 or 4 day affair. You can find some info about these online, but the best thing to do would be to talk to your training officer.

    Good luck!
     
  7. Jan 18, 2011 at 2:18 PM
    #7
    DeeKay21

    DeeKay21 Lieutenant Dan.

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    X2. If there is a certain department, city, or county you want to work for, go into the station itself and find out exactly what "they" are looking for. Every department is different and if your just starting out, its best to do the training and classes that the "particular" department you are looking at cause every department is different. Some times they dont want firefighters that came from another state or county cause they want their particular firefighters trained "their" way so they havent picked up any bad habits from their previous careers.
     
  8. Jan 18, 2011 at 2:37 PM
    #8
    EndlessSummer

    EndlessSummer Well-Known Member

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    Everything above is great advice. Consider a seasonal job. Not sure about much wildland fire out there towards the right coast but most departments these days have a large population in urban interface areas. A lot of departments are looking for some wildland experience and expertise to contribute as well. Look into some basic wildland classes. Start with S-110, S-130, S-190, maybe S-133, I-100, I-700, L-180.

    Check out www.firecareers.com They have lots of good info on what departments are testing and they also have a large selection of practice tests available.

    Good luck
     
  9. Jan 18, 2011 at 3:22 PM
    #9
    JDMrolla

    JDMrolla [OP] Well-Known Member

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    only problem is that it looks as if the volunteer fire dept has already shut me down as I never got the said call i was suppose to get a week ago
     
  10. Jan 18, 2011 at 3:28 PM
    #10
    DeeKay21

    DeeKay21 Lieutenant Dan.

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    Be aggressive and be the one to call them back. Just like any other job it shows them that you are really interested in it. It cant hurt you know?
     
  11. Jan 18, 2011 at 5:42 PM
    #11
    JDMrolla

    JDMrolla [OP] Well-Known Member

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    true, i'll give them a call tomorrow
     
  12. Jan 18, 2011 at 9:39 PM
    #12
    DeeKay21

    DeeKay21 Lieutenant Dan.

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    Let us know what they say.
     
  13. Jan 18, 2011 at 9:47 PM
    #13
    socal16

    socal16 Well-Known Member

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    Good luck man just follow all the great advice that was given right now I'm going through all of it right now it will take time but just stay motivated and it will pay off in the long run.
     
  14. Jan 19, 2011 at 3:26 AM
    #14
    CoalMedic

    CoalMedic Molon Labe

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    We're pulling for you man. Keep after it!
     
  15. Jan 20, 2011 at 11:26 AM
    #15
    Andrew H

    Andrew H What is this "search" you speak of?

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    That was advice I gave to someone else a few months back.

    I am at a different station with nine other guys on my crew. We run two engine companies,a ladder truck, and a rescue out of it. One of the engine companies will move over to the ladder if a call goes out for it.

    I am no longer the junior guy at this station but it didn't change my work ethic at all.
     
  16. Jan 24, 2011 at 3:23 PM
    #16
    JDMrolla

    JDMrolla [OP] Well-Known Member

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    UPDATE: I have an interview with the volunteer dept.!, i still plan to take the written test for the real dept and see what happens.
     
  17. Jan 24, 2011 at 3:57 PM
    #17
    CoalMedic

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    Congrats on the interview. But a word of advice: Don't call a career dept the "real" dept. That really hacks off those of us who are volunteers and enjoy eating smoke to serve our community but hold down other jobs to pay the bills. There is no difference in the dangers volunteers and career guys share. Often times the volunteers do it with less of a budget, older gear, and less frequent training.

    *Off soapbox*

    But seriously, good luck with the interview.
     
  18. Jan 24, 2011 at 4:05 PM
    #18
    JDMrolla

    JDMrolla [OP] Well-Known Member

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    thanks man, yea i really didnt want to use real when i was typing but i didn't think of any other way to describe it between the two, but i fully understand what your saying, career dept is what ill use from now on
     
  19. Jan 24, 2011 at 6:06 PM
    #19
    DeeKay21

    DeeKay21 Lieutenant Dan.

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    Nice!!! Good luck on the interview and keep us updated!!;)
     
  20. Jan 24, 2011 at 6:13 PM
    #20
    Andrew H

    Andrew H What is this "search" you speak of?

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    Its simple. Paid Department.
     
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