For many choosing a career can be a tough decision. In the public safety field there are many careers to choose from. Some of these include being a paramedic, police officer, or firefighter. All of these are very important to the citizen’s security and well-being. Being a firefighter requires the right kind of person. One who values life and enjoys helping others. Although firefighting can be a dangerous career, with the proper training and focus on the job it can be very rewarding. (Thesis)
To become a firefighter one has to have a minimum of a GED or high school diploma. Many prospective firefighters go on to post secondary education in order to better their understanding of the job and their chances of success. Another way to attain a position as a firefighter is to work as a volunteer firefighter for a year or two and then try to get on the department. This helps because it shows that one is willing to learn and has already attained some knowledge in fighting fires. After being hired on to a fire department the candidate must go to a fire academy. This schooling lasts sixteen weeks. During this time the new firefighter will study the characteristics of fire, how to mentally prepare for entering a fire, how to use all of the equipment used in fighting a fire, and they will also receive live fire training which is in a controlled environment, meaning the operators of the academy can determine how big or little the fire being dealt with is.
Being a firefighter requires a huge level of commitment to the job. Firefighters must be willing to spend twenty-four hours away from home as this is what their shifts require. “The reason for this is because it’s the best way to utilize man power, requiring only an A shift, B shift, and C shift all compiled of a different set of men or women” Although they work twenty-four hour shifts they receive forty-eight hours off which allows many to acquire a part-time job resulting in dual income. During their shift firefighters...