How long are the classes, is it a two year program? Probably could be something I can start out takin in the evenings for now.

 

All of these guys have given great advice. I'm 23 and have been on our community's volunteer department since I was 18. I grew up around it with my dad and grandpa being FF's. It is absolutely the most rewarding thing I have ever done. Like all these other guys have said though it changes your entire life, when you enter the fire service your whole family is affected. I would say talk to your local department and get on as a volunteer, it will give you a good idea about the time you'll need to give and if it's something you really really want to do. I'm working on my EMT cert right now (already got all my FF certs done) so that hopefully I can get hired on fulltime sometime in the near future in the city next to me. The best thing I can tell you though is to give it a try. Good Luck.

 

Hey Blue are you just a tech(diesel) or can you operate equipment. If so you should check into the national forestry services. They are looking for people at least here in North Carolina. If you are an operator that will help.I personally suggest checking out your local community college for fire science classes. I grew up in Peotone,Il not far from Valpo and spent 15 yrs. on Peotone VFD my brother just retired Dec. 1.08 as a Bat. Chief he had 32/33 yrs..Also if your really serious check out the military and air national guard. I tried to join Air Force years ago after a smoke divers training school in Champaign,IL (university of Il.) and they were ready to sign me up until i told them my age. I was 30 yrs. old then and 3 yrs over cut off. Needless to say i couldn't get in. But at least i tried. I really miss fire services and i would not wait any longer. It's probably the most rewarding career i could think of.The comradery is second to none. You become each others family and rejoice and mourn together. If i were younger i would do it all over again only become full time. Good luck!! That's us forestry services not national

 

Hey blue It took me a year to get all of my classes done. I could have gotten it done in half that time if I didn't have to work full time and support the wife.

 

Lot of good advice here. I think that volunteer is a good way to start, help to get your feet wet before you dive in head first.

It depends on the department how they do hiring. In my area most of the major departments hire from a series of tests. Most of the smaller ones will hire from an application. Also some departments may take you on as volunteer and then pay for you to advance in training to become full time.

As for classes, at least in my area are broken down into Vol- 36 hour, FF 1- 120 hour, and FF 2- 240 hour. I think that may be the general breakdown for the majority of the fire service.

The best way to find out what is in your area, is to get in touch with one or more area departments and ask questions.

 

where you live it shouldnt take long. in bigger cities it is very difficult. start FIRST by signing up for a EMT class at your local community college. SECOND, swing by your local fire station(bring a gift: ice cream, cookies, etc!) and make friends! THIRD, if you are not in good shape you better start working out. FOUR, school school school, fire science classes, paramedic class. you have to understand the fire dept is a brotherhood and you have to know someone and earn trust. at your age you need to either pursue it VERY hard or dont pursue it at all(it is a VERY competitve job!). after you get your EMT start applying everywhere. also, interviews are the bread and butter of getting hired as a fireman. you need to be able to sell yourself in an interview(google captain bob for good interview help). if you do all this, i promise you will get hire within a couple years. people that half *** their pursuit it take forefreakin EVER!