Q&A Feature: How Do I Become a Firefighter?
FireLink
We here at FireLink are constantly being asked questions such as: “how do I become a firefighter?”, “what is expected of me physically?”, and “do I need a college degree?” There is no one better equipped to answer these questions than firefighters themselves, so we have compiled a list of responses found in our Forums. So, here’s a quick guide to some of the best Q&A we’ve found to help you get started in your career. If you don’t find what you need, post a new thread!
If you have already gone through the process of becoming a firefighter, or are plowing through it at the moment, and would like to submit your own advice, email us. Your submissions are greatly appreciated as we want to keep our information up-to-date and accurate to serve the firefighting population as best we can.
Click the links below to read up on a specific question, or just follow the links at the bottom of the page to flip through all of the topics.
Q&A Topics
7. Preparing for Physical Training
9. How Do I Become a Firefighter?
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Note: These Q&As are taken directly from our Forums as a compilation of user advice. They are in no way a reflection of FireLink.com’s opinions, research, or advice. They may or may not have been edited solely for the purpose of readability, not content. For an official FireLink guide, please Battalion Chief Paul Lepore’s article on “5 Steps to Becoming a Firefighter.”
Stephens127
about 10 hours ago
2 comments
Hey im wondering what i have to do to get on a wildland crew. I live in the north columbia basin in washington state where summers are dry and hot. Not to many towns so most of the fires are wildfires and i want to help out.
kmstoner
14 days ago
2 comments
It may be that you are also missing heart. I mean I would love to be a firefighter. Reasons being, I like helping others, I would feel a sense of accomplsihment, I am up for every challenge and refuse to give up. If I was on the board and interviewed myself, I would be exstatic about the determination and morals of the person. It's not just a job, it's a responsibility.
pbaird
21 days ago
2 comments
"A: Agreed, a GED is the absolute minimum you need. Truthfully we look at a candidate with a GED and believe that he or she does not have the basic competency level. You will learn the basics in High School. Failing to get a diploma indicates that you will struggle in the academic portion of the academy. We don’t look to hire minimum achievers."
This statement truly dissapoints me, not only should people be not judged by past mistakes, but to say that they are not competent or underachievers is a total false. People change, mature and just may not have the best direction at an early age, if you ask me it's down right discrimination!
Boomer44
11 months ago
114 comments
yeah this is a good one
SuperTrooper
11 months ago
1312 comments
good article