Standing out from the crowd

If you want to become a firefighter, you’re not alone. There are usually multiple candidates for every opening. In some cases, there maybe as many as 50 or more candidates vying 3, 4 or 5 openings. In other words, the competition for every position is fierce.

If you want to stand out from the crowd and maximize your chances of winning that dream job, there are certifications you can get that will help you win that firefighting job.

In fact, some authorities say that in order to get that badge with your name on it, you should have all or most of the following:

·        EMT certificate

·        Paramedic license

·        EMT experience on an ambulance or in a hospital -- either full-time or part-time.  You see, in most jurisdictions, firefighters respond to about 60% of emergency medical service calls.  Can you imagine that your fire department would want to hire someone who had no EMT experience?

·        CPR for the Professional Rescuer (American Red Cross) or CPR Healthcare Provider (American Heart Association)

·        Firefighter 1 Academy Certificate and/or Firefighter 1 State Certification

·        Specialized training certificates. These can include such specialized training and Is Public Education, Fire Prevention, Fire Investigation, Auto Extraction, Rescue Systems, Swift Water Rescue, and Hazardous Materials First Responder. Etc.

In addition, you should have:

Volunteer experience. Most authorities say it doesn't matter exactly what kind of volunteer experience you have come up so long as whatever you do you have done it well.  Many counties and small municipalities are almost always looking for volunteer firefighters.  You might also contact your local fire department to see if it uses volunteers in non-firefighting capacities, such as administration, hazmat training, fire prevention, etc. whether you become a volunteer firefighter or a volunteer within your local fire department, these all help demonstrate that you are a well rounded person.

Bilingual ability as many jurisdictions give preference to those who speak a second language.  The most common second language is, of course, Spanish.  However, if your second language or something such as Russian, you would most likely stand out from many other candidates.

Ambulance drivers license

Clean drivers license

Memberships and affiliations.   Don't wait.  Start getting involved in the fire service.  An excellent way to do this is to join those organizations that will help you better understand what is required to be a firefighter and how to be an exemplary one.  These include associations such as:

·        State firefighters Association

·        International Association of Arson Investigators

·        National Fire Protection Association

·        National Association of EMTs

Fire Service -- EMS Publications.

You can use these to educate yourself about many aspects of firefighting and, in some cases, to discover firefighter openings. Some of the best of these are:

Some of these suggestions may seen daunting, but if your really want to become a firefighter, they are worth the effort.