Be A Firefighter! | Be-A-FireFighter.com

What Is It Like To Be A Firefighter?

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Fire statistics are given to us through television, newspapers, radio, and other media sources. It is apparent the damage that fire can cause when left to its own devices. This is why firefighters are so important to the community. Fire fighters are usually the first face to respond to any time of emergency. They not only help to remove people who are trapped in burning structures, they also help with medical emergencies, car accidents, and many other situations.

When they are not treating a patient or putting out a fire, they are cleaning the equipment and making sure all the items they need are in proper working order. Constant training is needed to make sure their skills are up to date with new equipment and techniques. They work together as a team and go where many others do not even dare to tread. Each team member has a different responsibility. You have regular firefighters, fire marshals, those who inspect buildings for fire safety, those who teach and train other firefighters, and those that are trained in search and rescue techniques. Smokejumpers are sent to fire

The Fire Act Of 1972: Ignorance Or Defiance!

While most of us were too young to remember 1972, many changes to the fire service were being started. Republican President Nixon took a very unheard of step to change the fire services. He created a special group to take a look into the issues within the fire service and come up with ways to correct these issues. This special group was made up of those individuals who were at the top of the fire service and who had a drive to complete the task given to them. It sounds simple enough but unfortunately what sometimes seems easy is the hardest thing you may ever do. This was not something that was small indeed.

This group or commission encountered some issues that were controversial in nature. Ti really shook up the fire service. The issues were not just at surface level but were delving into a depth of the fire department that some felt was better left alone. When they started questioning the deaths of citizens, preventing fires, changing things to provide more safety for those fighting fire, and dealing with the new types of high rise buildings coming up, some feathers got ruffled.

Their conclusion was given in a

The Art Of Firefighting Around the World!

Firefighting, the term brings images of martial arts and fire to mind. The fire part is correct, but there is no place for martial arts in the world of firefighting. It is definitely an art, and a skilled accomplishment for those that choose to attempt it, succeed, and are full fledged, certified firefighters.

Simply put, these are the men and women that are called to put out fires, rescue people and sometimes animals. Most of us have a broad, even generalized idea of what their jobs and training entail, few of us realize the details or difficulties they must champion through on a day to day, and week to week basis.

The profession of firefighting is known world wide, ranging in areas from urban and outback to cities and towns. Wherever the possibility arises for a fire to break out is where they will be.  Some of them are paid for their service as professional firefighters, and some are not.  Volunteers are not usually paid firefighters, but those that are referred to as "call" or "retained" are paid for the times they are called to respond to an emergency.

They are not employed full time as firefighters, and most usually

Supporting Your Local Fire Department!

Who are those men and women that respond to our 911 calls? Do we really know them?  Probably not personally, but as another human being, yes, we know them. They are mothers, fathers, sons and daughters and perhaps some of the bravest men and women of all. We need to familiarize ourselves with our local firefighters, and with today’s decline in certified firefighters, this is not very difficult to do. All it takes is a short trip to your local fire department. Take some form of baked goods and simply introduce yourself, then listen. They have more stories they could tell you than most people have in a life time.

A lack of community support for the fire department, makes them feel slightly ostracized or cut off from the rest of the town. They really are no different from you and me, except that they have been trained in life saving skills, and fire suppression/prevention. More often than not, most fire departments attempt to reach out to the community by having fish fry’s or other money raising events, but these are no the only ones. Holidays are special for everyone, including the firefighters of your community. They often have fun

Requirements To Become A Firefighter!

If you are interested in becoming a firefighter, you need to be aware of the requirements for the job. These will, of course, differ from state to state, sometimes from town to town as well.  Although there are differences, these general guidelines listed below will give you an idea of what you can expect.

The most general age is usually at least 18 years of age, but there are some fire departments that allow 17 year olds to apply. The age listed on some applications as maximum age for applying is 29 years old.  Your local fire department will have their age limits listed on their application forms. Most fire departments require each applicant to at least possess a high school diploma, or a GED. This is accepted as general practice in most states, and most usually is understood. This is a basis to work from when applying for continuing education specialized in your chosen field.

There are some fire departments that require the applicant to have already attended different courses and to have acquired special education in fire fighting. Some fire departments require the applicant to have acquired EMT-Basic, EMT-1 or equivalent skills for the position you are applying