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CAPT. STEVE PRZIBOROWSKI CAREER ARTICLES:
- So, You want to be a firefighter Part 1
- So, You want to be a firefighter Part 2
- You want to become a Firefighter- should you become a Paramedic
- How Do I Find out Which Departments are Accepting Applications Phase 1
- How Do I Find out Which Departments are Accepting Applications Phase 2
- How Do I Find out Which Departments are Accepting Applications Phase 3
- How to Best Prepare Yourself to Become A Firefighter
- Better Understanding the Firefighter Job Flyer
- 15 Tips to Successfully Completing the Job Application
How To Best Prepare Yourself To Become A Firefighter Continued
Memberships & Affiliations - Start getting involved in the Fire Service. What are you waiting for? There are organizations you can join as a student that will give you more insight on the career you plan to spend the rest of your working years in (at least I assume you do). Many of these organizations provide a monthly newsletter. Examples include:
State Firefighters Association
International Association of Arson Investigators
National Fire Protection Association
National Association of EMTs
Being a member of various fire-related organizations is another way you can be unique, while also educating yourself on the fire service.
Fire Service / EMS Publications - There are many of them that you can use to better educate yourself on current trends in the fire service. Some of the best choices include:
Firehouse Magazine
Fire Engineering Magazine
American Fire Journal
Journal of Emergency Services Magazine (JEMS)
Firehouse Magazine even has email update services (free of charge) where they send you daily fire service related news updates.
NOTE: I've had entry-level firefighter oral interviews in the past where they asked me what are some current trends in the fire service. Because I was a subscriber to the above publications (and others), I was able to talk about the information (such as current fire service trends) that is contained in each monthly issue. Doing so showed the oral panel that I was motivated at keeping myself up-to-date with the fire service, and I was willing to invest in my future.
Now I apologize if I discouraged any of you after looking at that list. If anything, I hoped I motivated you to strive to be the best you can be! Don't think you have to get every one of those items done to become a firefighter. Some get hired with very little (or none) of the requirements and some have almost all of the requirements. THERE IS NO GUARANTEED FORMULA ON BECOMING A FIREFIGHTER! I'm just trying to give you suggestions to help guide your way. Remember, having some of the above requirements might allow you to take the test (minimum requirements) or compete with the other candidates.
If you cannot sell your qualifications or market yourself properly, you're not going to get the job! Just because you have it on paper or have done it in the past, doesn't mean you can communicate effectively what you have done. That communication is done in the oral interview, whenever you encounter a person related to the organization you're attempting to get hired onto, on your application, and on your resume (if you're allowed to turn in a resume).
SUMMARY: The information contained is my opinion, based on my experience and education. Remember the saying about opinions, they're like stomachs (I know I changed the word that usually goes there) - everyone has one! There are many right ways to do something. Not just the way that a firefighter told you, whether they are your neighbor, your friend, or a relative. Remember that what worked for that person getting hired, might not work for you. They did something right to get them their badge. Respect their opinion and listen to what they have to say.
I CHALLENGE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU TO FIND OUT AS MUCH AS YOU CAN ABOUT BECOMING A FIREFIGHTER! I am a resource to you, just like many other firefighters or ex-firefighters are. The information I provide you with is for you to use, as you feel appropriate.
YOU CAN LEARN SOMETHING FROM EVERY FIREFIGHTER OR EX-FIREFIGHTER. Talk to as many people as you can to get information on becoming a firefighter. That way, you will not get locked into just "one person's opinion." Remember - you are in control of your own destiny! What you make of your life is up to you and the effort and hard work you put into getting what you want.
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