The yearly salary for a firefighter recruit in the Fire Academy is $56,227. We'll talk you through the application and selection process, from online tests, the assessment centre, fitness tests, through to ⦠Are you eligible to apply to become a firefighter? I'm having a tough time putting it into words. Either working through the day or working at night. It is a dream of mine to become a firefighter in all sense of the word. There are lots of reasons why people become firefighters. My biggest desire to be a firefighter is because I love the way the department functions first as a family, then as a job. Almost everyone you volunteer with has other interests and likely another profession. In order to be a firefighter you must be in shape, prepared, experienced, and ready to deal with your job emotionally as well as physically. The average pay for firefighters in the United States is $45,250 per year. Interviewers are looking for people inspired by teamwork and service. Her articles have also appeared in "Panama City Living" magazine and "The Lookout.". Firefighters work as a team, with each man and woman in uniform depending on the other to perform a job. If you would be interested in pursuing a firefighting career and are motivated by an urgent need to serve your community, becoming a volunteer firefighter might just be for you. The job is not only noble, but it is highly coveted, with an average salary of over 47,000 dollars a year and a job growth rate of 19% predicted between the years of 2008-2018. Other aspects are more important, such as physical fitness. Firefighters have jobs where they are expected to be in potential danger frequently to help other individuals within the community. Secondly, Nesdale emphasizes that making a change or trying something new is worth itâbut that doesnât mean itâs without hard work. Opportunity to learn and build your resume; Serve your local community; Build more than just friendships; A sense of pride Although a firefighter may get little rest at a busy department, fire stations with lower call volume can make for an easy day of work. I want to make a difference in peopleâs lives. This can be anything from preventing minor injuries, to preventing death. If you enjoy physical activities and staying fit, this is another reason to be a firefighter. You made a difference in my life. Apply to take the written Firefighter exam. While serving as a firefighter, you get to do this. Which means that layoffs in the fire service are minimal. The reasons why I want to become a firefighter are: I really like to help people- I work now as an EMT and I really enjoy somebody holding my hand and looking me in the eye and saying thank you. From remarkable mental abilities and emotional fortitude to excellent physical attributes, a fire professional needs to be in excellent condition. Your network grows even further when you attend events for the firefighting community, and in this day and age, the secret to success can be just as much about who you know tha⦠This time the teamwork is a little more critical because it involves more that winning or losing. Let the firefighter training begin! Check out our criteria for age, citizenship, skills and qualifications. And how to be part of a community. You will have a great salary and many benefits. We couldn't function as a society without firefighters. We help people when they might be upset or scared and it feels great to do the right thing and make a difference. Although trained to make wise decisions and prepare for emergencies, firefighters know the risk of injury or even death is present on every call. Overall, you learn that it is important to take other people into consideration, as much as yourself. 100% satisfaction guaranteed on every product or your money back. Being a firefighter isn't easy. In addition to earning firefighter certification at a vocational school or college, some firefighters become certified as emergency medical technicians to increase job opportunities with firefighter EMT credentials. I then sat on the front of the fire engine and from that point on I always wanted to be a firefighter. Firefighters must possess stamina, endurance and strength to perform in an emergency. This is an excellent salary, which pays a lot more than most jobs. Many firefighters work long shifts, followed by long breaks. Why I Want to be a Fire Fighter Being a Firefighter today is a demanding and dangerous job. Therefore, your time at work will keep you fit and healthy. With them, lives are saved and often, major property damage can be prevented by firefighters. After graduating the Academy as a firefighter, you receive a pay increase. Benefits To Becoming A Volunteer Firefighter. It requires quick thinking, courage, and physical strength. This is great for people that don't like to work conventional routines. 1. How to communicate with other people effectively. The great thing about being a firefighter is, is that it gives you the opportunity to work during the night if you want to. While serving as a firefighter, you get to do this. Firefighting is a career that can make you feel proud and accomplished, and it is a career in which I have a lot of respect for. For example, firefighter survival, which is making sure that we keep our cool and that we're able to get ourselves out of entanglements or collapse, or know what to do when we can't get ourselves out to put out that Mayday call. There are not many careers which are as rewarding as a firefighter. There are different work shift patterns that you can choose from when you are a firefighter. With fires raging across the Western states dramatic images of wildland firefighters attempting to contain the flames are a regular visual in newspapers and on TV and computer devices across the country. These striking visuals rouse the fighter in some of us and we might ask: Can I fight a wildfire? One of the positive benefits of being in the fire service is the choice of when you can work. Many individuals gravitate to the firefighting profession for the camaraderie that it offers. Why did you decide to become a firefighter? I get a sense of well-being from helping others, whether it is a serious incident or just helping someone. 11 requirements to become a firefighter Former NY FF wins deal on 'Shark Tank' for hose-inspired fitness tool Victim of rape filmed in ambulance sues Ky. city, convicted ex-firefighter Although some firefighters do receive a salary, about two-thirds of firefighters are volunteers, according to the National Fire Protection Association. You can even mix it up if you want to. Most people don't become firefighters for the cushy lifestyle. Depending on how far a fire has progressed, firefighters can prevent major property damage or major property loss. You can start your process of becoming an FDNY Firefighter as early as 17 1/2 years of age. But, there are so many rewards to being a firefighter. You become a very important part of the community. If you enjoy being a team player, working together toward a common goal and developing potentially lifelong friendships with those in your department, becoming a firefighter is an occupation to consider. And therefore, there is always a need for firefighters. It gives you the skills to learn to work with other people as part of a team. Wildland firefighter trainees windup a fire hose. I know I could. Firefighters are true heroes who go above and beyond to ensure the safety of their country's citizens. You become a very important part of the community. And if you are reading this, it must be a question that you have asked yourself at some time. As a firefighter, you will be working as part of a team. When you are putting your life on the line with the job you do, health insurance is important. The willingness to take that risk to save someone else is truly the nature of someone with a servant's heart. However, earning a traditional or online degree in fire science can pave the way to becoming a firefighter, working full time as opposed to volunteering and having the opportunity to be promoted to a leadership or management role in the field. That being said, the benefits of becoming a firefighter are many. Being in the fire service gives you job security and retirement security. And it will inspire you and motivate you to remain fit and healthy. Iâm having a tough time putting it into words. Serving as a firefighter is a very rewarding career and career path. NOT HAPPY WITH YOUR PURCHASE? Working hours are one great incentive to joining the fire service, another great incentive is in the salary and benefits that you will receive being part of the fire service. Firefighter Salary . Well, we are glad you did, because the fire service field is always looking for quality individuals to perform this highly critical and satisfying work! Volunteer firefighting is a great way to make strong connections. being a firefighter to me means that your going to help someone that really needs it. From a candidate: I have thought long and hard about the answer to âwhy do you want to be a firefighterâ. ... Now looking back those courageous people have inspired me to actually become a firefighter. When seeking a professional reference, a career recommendation, or even someone to help you out or share in your part-time hobby project, youâll have plenty of people to turn to. The No. She needed to pass two ⦠When you learn to work as part of a team with other people, you learn important life skills. Firefighters respond to emergency medical situations, building and outdoor fires, traffic accidents and work long shifts. Of course, sometimes fires have progressed too far to save the property that is on fire. And, you get to retire younger while in the fire service. 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