Without question when it comes to how to become a firefighter you have to realize it’s far from an easy career. For many reasons some clearly evident to the more sub surface thoughts, feelings and challenge each firefighter goes through it is not for the faint of heart. You have to be fearless, capable of seeing and experiencing things most of us would have issues coping with and you do it professionally. The firefighters are members of The Thin Red Line and they exude excellence.
What are the requirements for becoming a firefighter?
The list below are some and certainly not exclusive to any one US State. These serve as examples of many of the requirements on how to become a firefighter.
• Have a high school diploma or a GED equivalent
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Be physically fit
• Be a United States citizen
• Participate in volunteer firefighting activities
• Pass all entry tests, including physical fitness and psychological tests
• Pass EMS training
Once you are on the way to becoming a firefighter many will come to realize that the field of fighting fire encompasses many firefighter jobs. Once you are on the road and have decided on how to become a firefighter take a look at some of the interesting options that most departments have available.
• Volunteer firefighter
• Inspector
• Wildland Firefighter
• Firefighter Engineer
• Airport Firefighter
• Firefighter/EMT
• Firefighter Paramedic
• Fire Investigator
• Fire Marshal
• Fire Chief
One of the many reasons a person works for a fire department is that it does offer many opportunities and training within the field of fire that keeps the interests lit. The growth potential, the amount of hard core training and physical hands on experiences cannot be compared to. There is pride among firefighters and deservedly so. One reason their artistry, imagination and their dedication to the craft of firefighting can be seen in many of firefighter tattoos they display. Just part of the history and traditions that are expressed visually on the arms, legs, back of the men and women of firefighting.
For every tattoo there is a story and from each story there was an event or activity that came to light when first learning what it was like to be a probee to becoming a firefighter to the last days on the shift prior to retirement. This is the part of life of firefighting.
So you want to be a firefighter? You think its easy? It isn’t and the number of firefighter close calls one experiences in a single shift might change those who don’t fully understand what it takes. For others its an invitation to join the IAFF ranks and become a first responder. Open warehouse roofs, running through traffic, billowing smoke from a house fire and more can be a regular thing in the life of a fireman.
Some of those close calls and other experiences in the world of a firefighter and those looking at how to become a firefighter also can’t stand to laugh sometimes at the fun side of this career with a few well chosen firefighter quotes.
Let’s face it. Firefighters will always have a special place in our hearts. They are loved by their friends, their brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers and by those they battle the flames with daily. What do you get the firefighter that has everything? You get them a firefighter gift that stands apart and is inquie in design. At Fireandaxes.Com they have just that sort of thing.