How to Build a Career as a Fire Rescue Officer

Today I have an expert guest post from the field of fire rescue!

He is here to share with us what it takes to become a fire rescue officer. As I and many of my readers have older teenagers and young adults, I thought this is a relevant and interesting career path to learn about!

Building a Career as a Fire Rescue Officer

Being a firefighter is a noble profession, but it is not easy and neither is the process of becoming one. You will face immense competition, and the entire hiring process can be very challenging.

This is not something a lot of people succeed at, and over 70% of the applicants give up their dream of becoming a firefighter and opt for another profession which is easy to clear.

There are many reasons for it. One could be the lack of preparation. Many do not know what they are getting into when they start the process and do not prepare themselves appropriately. If you dream of becoming a firefighter, here are the things you must do to increase your chances of getting hired. 

1. Get an EMT certification

The majority of the departments require an EMT certification to apply, and almost 90% of them will need the certification once they hire. The fire department sees 70% or more of emergency events and it needs immediate medical-related responses which is why it makes sense to clear this prerequisite.

It also means that they will have to provide less training in the recruitment academy. Before you apply, you must pass the EMT training and gather experience as one. It will be very beneficial for you in the long term. If you are certain that you want to choose the path of a fire rescue officer, you must get an EMT certification and work as a paramedic. It will increase your opportunities in the industry. 

2. Volunteer

Whether it is a fire-related experience or a non-fire-related experience, volunteering will benefit you significantly. Some departments are looking for people who have the ability and desire to provide community services and doing volunteer service is a great way to build your resume and get references.

You will find several opportunities out there. All you need to do is find something that interests you. Burn camps can be a good place to volunteer and begin networking. Other opportunities include the American Red Cross or homeless shelters. 

3. Enroll in the fire technology class

While this is not a requirement for a job, it will look good on the resume and will help you prepare for a career in the fire industry. It shows that you are committed and dedicated to the career you have chosen. Take a semester-long class in building construction and fire behavior to make the most of this profession. You will get adequate training on the subject, and will help in case of injuries or line-of-duty deaths. 

4. Always have a clean background

No matter the profession you choose, having a clean background goes a long way. The best way to predict the future is your behavior. If you have a track record of problems like traffic tickets, accidents, violence, or arrests, it will become difficult for you to stand out in the crowd and beat the competition. While you cannot change your past, you can certainly make changes in the present which will benefit you for years to come. 

5. Be aware of the phases of the hiring process

If you are aware of the different phases of hiring, you will be able to approach it in the best manner. On the other hand, if you do not know how hiring works, how will you ever succeed? Different regions and different departments will have a unique selection process, but there will be some similarities you need to find. When you are familiar with the process as a whole and the steps that go into it, you will be able to prepare well. Do some research on the different departments in the area, where you will be tested, what are the different stages, and how you will be marked. 

6. Take firefighter tests 

The best way to understand the hiring process is by taking firefighter tests. With each test, you will be prepared for the next one. Do not worry even if you fail a part of the test, you should be concerned about the exposure you are getting, and you will get a better idea of what to expect in the future.

It is okay to fail at some point in the examination, and some of the best firefighters may have failed, but you still get to learn. Accept your mistakes and learn from them so that you do not repeat them. Once you begin taking tests, you will know more about your strengths and weaknesses. Keep yourself updated about the opportunities in the country since most departments will test infrequently. Some test every six months while some do every two years. Some also take one test in 10 years. This is the only way to get hired, and as long as you keep taking tests, you will continue to gain experience and be prepared for a life as a fire rescue officer. 

7. Visit the local fire stations 

You must take out time and head to the local fire stations. Try to visit the ones that are a part of the fire department you want to apply for. Speak to the firefighters there and learn more about the department, and the programs they may have. Talk to them about their journey, about their experiences, and the life they live now. If you see firefighter trophies there and are motivated to get one, speak to the right people and get as many insights from them as possible. Besides being a great resource, they are also the best people to start networking with. They have gone through the entire process and know what it takes. 

8. Prepare for a background investigation 

Many candidates are so well prepared for the different testing phases, but fail the background. This can be because they lied or had something in the report that got them disqualified. A background investigation is about 25 pages in length. It will ask for details about information from every employer and school you went to. Plus, they want details about the licenses, certificates, family members, credit history, accounts at different banks, and so much more. You will need to provide all the information once you make it through the process. Do not be the candidate that is out in the background check. 

Lastly, remember that it is not easy to build a career as a fire rescue officer. You will need to educate yourself about the opportunities. Be proactive in your quest for information and knowledge. Get hands-on experience to make the most of your education, and look at any opportunity to volunteer. Do not try and rush things because nothing will happen overnight. Hard work, patience, and perseverance will pay off.