Firefighter help please?

Question

Hi, my ultimate goal is to land a spot at orange county fire department in California. I'm 17 right now, I'm taking an Emt class next year and I'm an EMr class right now I would like to join cal fire the summer of 2013 possibly? I want To know what I can do to get hired for cal fire? Im planning on becoming a paramedic but I've heard its better to cal fire for experience and work offseason to get my paramedic license and then start to testr everywhere . What are all the requirements and what do they really look for I want to stand out and l I'd like to finish them all as soon as possible so if i can take any classes if I'm allowed over summer I'd love to but I'm not sure because of my age? And help is greatly appreciated thank you!

Answer 1

I understand your enthusiasm but you need to realize that this takes some time and your plans may not pan out as fast as you want them to. Many departments are looking for well rounded firefighters with life experience. They want mature firefighters that will make sound decisions on the fireground. This is more likely to happen when you are older. At least, you have a plan but make sure you have a backup plan in case it doesn't happen as quickly as you want.



I would also look into a firefighter academy. Since you mentioned the OCFA, I assume you live in Orange County or close to it. Santa Ana City College has a firefighter academy. There are firefighter academies throughout the state at community colleges. In order to be hired by Cal Fire, you will need a Cal Fire 67 hour academy. This is the basics in wildland firefighting. This may or may not be covered in a firefighter academy at a community college. It was in my firefighter academy but that was many years ago and I don't know if they still provide it. Check around that state for the 67 hour academy. It is usually put on during the winter or early spring.

Answer 2

Don't set your hopes on 1 department. Especially big ones like that. People apply from all the way across the country when fire departments hire. Most likely you will be certified as a firefighter and wait quite a while for a chance to even apply as most departments only hire once or twice every 10 years, sometimes less. You will most likely be stuck working private EMS until then.

Answer 3

Find a small station that accepts volunteers first. You need to get experience, and work your way up. I don't know what it's like in the states, but in Canada I know small town fire stations only have volunteers. My dad also started as a volunteer, and now he's one of 4 captains and president of the union. Nuff said.

He handles the hiring in my city, and I know one of the main things he looks for is references. You have a good reference, your way more likely to get the job. And not someone you cat sit for, but a chief, captain, lieutenant, someone like that. And if you don't tell the references and they get called (which they will) your chances basically go down the tubes (one guys reference didn't even know he was moving stations. He didn't get hired) To get them, you need to volunteer and then move to a bigger fire station. In other words: volunteer, move to another station, and get as much experience as you can before applying at this fire station.

My dad also looks for guys that would fit in with the current employies. If your hard to live with, you won't get hired, it's that simple. So make yourself as likable as possible durin the interview. If you act like Sheldon off the Big Bang Theory do you really think you'll be hired?

As for the courses, I have no idea. EMT training is a must, but maybe take an additional CPR course (unless it's part of your EMT stuff. I have no clue if it is, I'm a 16 year old girl. I'd be happy if they just let me be Sparky in the parade :P)

I don't know what else to tell you, I was pretty little when my dad took all his courses (I wasn't even born yet when he took some of them) but maybe try to work at like, 3 fire halls before applying at this one? Again, it'll give you more experience. If you have any more questions, feel free to email me.

Answer 4

the fire department is one of the hardest job to obtain right now. go for EMT now. take the fire fighter test. score high. wait. and wait. till you get called. in the meanwhile do things such as emt that looks good on your resume. also since your 17 you need to work out alot till they call you (which can take sooooo long) make sure you arent a slob when they do call you.