Job Change to Career Fire Fighter

So, while the company i work for right now isnt the worst place ever, the County i live in is hiring Career Fire fighters. its probably my dream job, but im not quite sure its the right fit and wanted some opinions from you guys on here. They are offering to provide all of the training required, so i dont need any prior certs or experience to apply (never done any FF work prior and dont currently hold any certs). im not the most fit guy, but im not a couch potato either. Long hours/being outside in a high stress environment dosent phase me as thats what im doing now. im also Diagnosed ADHD, but function normally on meds, and dont have a complete breakdown off of them. Just turned 20 in january, and no other outstanding health problems aside from the one listed. Do you guys think i would be a good fit or should i keep looking?

 

Why the hell not, what have you got to lose?

You're 20 man, go for it.

If not,.... you'll be sitting around one day when you're 40 and wonder why you didn't....!

 

You're at the right age to do it and get in the pension. Do you think it is something you will like? If you're looking to get rich this isn't the field to be in. Most medic's/FF's work a second job. OF course most people in this career aren't in it for the money either because they enjoy helping people. The main thing is most departments are going to a CPAT process during hiring. That's what gets a bunch of people. If being a FF is your dream give it a shot. Seems like opportunity is knocking at your door. I've been in EMS for 22 years and have enjoyed almost every day of it. I've worked in standalone departments and Fire and EMS departments that were combined. Enjoyed both of them. Go for it!

In all honesty you will probably make more money in the FD than you do outside of it because of the OT you will get. I almost doubled my salary when I started in EMS.

 

There's no minimum medical to apply?
That's the career I'm chasing right now too, I have been gaining skill on wild land crews (just got hired for helitack so now I get to go up in helicopters) but it's all trying to build a solid resume for career structure, also I'm just about done with my advanced emt, but everywhere around here in the west is moving to paramedic so that's enevidable..

But for your sake if your really unsure of what career you want I would go for it! There's a lot of great people in this field too! It's damn hard to get a structure job in the west

 

definetly not looking to get rich, I really just want to be able to make a difference and help other people. my current job dosent really fulfill either of those. I just went and looked the the CPAT test videos, everything that they test I'm sure I could accomplish with a bit of time in the gym, and the position has a thing talking about 12 weeks of training to help you pass the test.

No medical, they specifically advertised the posisition as no prior experience or medical certs required to apply, although I belive I have to pass the EMT B course by the end of training

 

Go for it. Start lifting some weights and running cause your going to have to carry a fire hose in full gear and they are heavy.

 

ok that makes sense, good luck if you go for it! I've never met a fire fighter who has regretted their job

 

I don't regret it, 12 years in the volunteer service, with 1 year in a paid department, 10 years in a combination department. There are a lot of different oppurtiunties in the fire service, aside from just fighting fires. Instructor, Inspector, Investigator, Rescue Technician ( Rope, Trench, Structure Collapse, Vehicle, Confined Space) Hazmat Technician, Driver / Operator, Officer, etc. I tend to call them "niches" everyone has one, usually takes people a few years to figure out if they fit any of them, or if they just like fighting fire.

There is a lot of ball busting, competitive spirits, assholes and the list goes on, but there is a solid comradely that really only can be compared to or found in what military guys have with in their platoons. Same goes for working on an ambulance or in a cop car. It's like joining a massive family.

 

Sounds like I would be a good fit for this. My next question is, out if the CPAT tests, which one is usually the hangup for most people? I'd like to start working on getting myself in shape. I'm not super overweight or anything, but I definetly fall a bit short in the upper body strength category

 

Get your EMT. Work on an ambulance. Put yourself through a Fire Academy and start testing. Prepare for those interviews. Here in California, having your medic is a huge plus!

ps... Best job in the world!

 

Yeah, I honestly think that's the only reason they might not hire me, Anne Arundel County is mostly volunteer so I've got to go up against guys already certified and with field experince.

 

If you are asking about Anne Arundel send me a pm. In my 27th year with them.

 

feel free to shoot me a PM if you have any questions as well.

 

I'd follow up on those offers dude, hell, go if they offer it (@Fire Arrow ) spend the day with them, you probably couldn't go on calls but go in and see what station life is like. Ask questions, listen to answers, listen to their stories. If you're looking and he's in that department no better source of info then coming from the source your interested in.

 

For sure. @Fire Arrow if thats something i could do i would hugely appreciate it. i also sent you a PM (though a bit rushed since i was at work)

 

Fire service is full of alpha males. If you have thin skin or shy away when someone calls you out and picks on you for screwing up don't bother applying.

If you are not sure if you would like it, go to your local department (pick a busy one, usually a bigger city) and sign up for a ride along. You can see first hand what it is like.