Firefighter

Firefighters are men and women who are extensively skilled in firefighting. Their primary goal is to extinguish dangerous fires that threaten civilian populations and property, and to rescue people from hazardous situations (such as burning buildings). Firefighters are usually employed full time and paid a salary, but there are also volunteer firefighters who may be unpaid and retained firefighters who are permanently on call as required and paid for the amount of time they are on duty.

Education

Although not required, attending an accredited college and graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science is a huge plus when it comes down to applying for a position. These degrees can be obtained online (for example the University of Florida https://catalog.distance.ufl.edu/program.aspx?p=2 and Columbia Southern University https://www.columbiasouthern.edu/Degree/Bachelor/Safety/Fire-Science) or in the classroom. While in the program, students will learn about fire science and fire control, as well as disaster response and fire response operations. You will also want to complete a first aid and CPR course (if you have done so already, make sure it is not expired). You apply for a firefighting position by contacting your local fire department (each department will have its own requirements). You will then take some form of written exam that will measure your knowledge of firefighting and assess your ability to read and write in English. Thus, having a Bachelor’s degree is incredibly helpful for taking this exam. You also have to pass a physical fitness test and medical checkups. If you are accepted, you will then attend the local fire department’s firefighting academy, which will give you both hands on experience and classroom instruction. You will learn firefighting techniques, how to handle the equipment, and fire prevention strategies as well as many other things. If you successfully complete this training, you will be placed on a probationary period of no more than six months to determine if you will be hired full time.

Job Description

Firefighters are trained traditionally to control and extinguish fires in response to situations where the environment, life or property is in danger. Recently, however, firefighters are more often responding to emergencies such as vehicle accidents. They are usually the first responders on the scene. They work in teams, headed by a supervising officer known as the chief fire officer. Depending on the situation, at the scene of an emergency, firefighters may need to provide medical attention, operate fire hoses, break through debris or enter into a burning building. Firefighters spend their time living together in a firehouse when they are not responding to an emergency. Firefighters generally work schedules that exceed 50 hours per week. For example, they may work two 24 hour shifts each week and have the rest of the week off. Or, they may work four 10 hour shifts, followed by 3-4 days off.

Pros & Cons

One of the biggest pros of firefighting is the team centered environment you will be working in. You respond to emergencies with other firefighters, you spend time together in the firehouse, and you enter burning buildings together. You have their back and they have yours. You develop a very strong bond with your fellow firemen, and these relationships carry over into your personal life. The pay, job security, and benefits are all very high. In 2010, the average pay for firefighters was $45 250 per year (according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics). Most firefighters receive full benefits, including health insurance, a competitive pension plan, vacation pay, and early retirement. Fire is not easy to control or predict, however, and firefighters put their lives on the line every time they respond to a call. Thus, there is a strong risk of injury or death. They are exposed to intense heat, toxic fumes, hazardous road conditions caused by accidents, and unsafe building structures. They also have to enter unsafe areas to rescue trapped victims, including burning buildings and submerged vehicles. While it is a dangerous profession, those with a passion for rescuing people will find firefighting very rewarding.