What is the life of a firefighter like?

Question

one day i wish to become a firefighter that is my dream. and people have told me to think about joining the navy because it has the best firefighting programs. does any one have any tips on what steps i would have to take in becoming a firefighter?

Answer 1

The life of a firefighter?

The life depends on whether you are a volunteer or a career firefighter.

Career firefighters work long shifts, either 12, 24 or 36. Some departments will let their members work longer shifts, like a black shift, 72 hours. When pulling one of these shifts, you will pretty much live your life at the department. You will do station duties during the day, when you would work a normal job, say, 9 to 5, then, when you are done, what you do is pretty much up to you. You can play basketball, watch TV and watch movies, play video games, read, hang out with guys- whatever you want. When a call comes in, whether it's 2 in the afternoon or 3 in the morning- you go on it.

Volunteers or paid-per-call firefighters live normal lives with a normal job and choose to volunteer their time to the department when they can. Typically, this consists of a weekly training, as well as staying in shape/trained on the equipment. When a call comes in, these members, if they are available, respond to the station and handle the call. When they are done, they go home and return to their lives. Same thing goes for calls at 3 in the morning. Everyone gets out of bed to handle the call, then go to work when that's done.

A lot of firefighters get their start in the service. As for better training, I'm sure it's more structured than civilian training. However, that doesn't necessarily make you a better firefighter.

My suggestion would be to join your local volunteer department, if you have one. That way you can decide whether or not the job is for you/what you imagined. That will give you a good feel for everything, as well as get you the training you need to move on to a paid department.

Good luck.