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Five Steps to Becoming a Firefighter Introduction

Featured Author:

Battalion Chief Paul Lepore

Paul Lepore is a Battalion Chief with the City of Long Beach, California, Fire Department. He entered the fire service as a civilian Paramedic for the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1985. After completing his education at the Los Angeles County Paramedic Training Institute, Lepore worked in the high impact area of South Central, Los Angeles.

Lepore was hired by the Long Beach Fire Department in 1986 and completed their 12-week academy. He spent the next two years working as a firefighter until he was promoted to firefighter/ paramedic. Lepore was promoted to Fire Captain in 1998 and is currently a Battalion Chief.

For more information:
- Add Chief Lepore as a FireLink Friend
- Visit AspiringFirefighters.com

More articles from this author:

• Military Experience
• Step 5: Assess Your Leadership Skills
• Firefighter's Five Step Guide to a Promotion

Human instinct is to run away from fire for fear of being injured or killed. Firefighters are the only ones who run toward a burning building in search of people in need of help. They are willing to risk their lives for complete strangers regardless of race, creed, color, or socioeconomic status. What is it that motivates them to do this?

Are firefighters blind to the true dangers of their job? Hardly. They are conditioned to perform even though they may be frightened or uncertain of their fate. Don’t believe for a moment that firefighters are not afraid of losing their lives. Seasoned firefighters have been in situations where they were in fear for their lives.

How can firefighters perform when the average person would be paralyzed with fear? Most firefighters will tell you it is just a matter of keeping your composure and getting the job done, coupled with outstanding training and the knowledge that you are surrounded by competent co-workers who are always looking out for you.

If your lifelong dream has been to become a firefighter, this 5-step guide will help prepare you for getting through the very hiring process.

First Step: Learn About the Fire and Rescue Service