Best & Worst Things About This Career
As reported by people currently doing the job
"The best part of being a firefighter is being able to serve the community. Firefighters are highly regarded by the public and enjoy an enormous amount of respect and trust. We are allowed access into peoples homes in the event of an emergency and are given complete trust with their lives and valuables. The worst part of the job is seeing the suffering that comes with house fires, vehicle accidents and medical emergencies. The devastation or total loss caused by a house fire is tremendously painful for its inhabitants who often lose everything. Sometimes we are unable to save the lives that we work so hard to protect, and the loss of life can be very painful to see."
School : MA, Public Administration
Career: Deputy Fire Chief, currently based in Massachusetts.;
"The best part of the job is helping people and saving lives. But the most exciting part is fighting fires. You get an amazing adrenaline rush that helps you to do it. The worst part of the job is being awakened out of a dead sleep and being forced to make urgent decisions, especially in the dead of winter. It is very tough on the body and the mind."
School : BA, Psychology, North Adams State College
Career: Firefighter, currently based in Massachusetts.;
Tips for Succeeding in This Career
Helpful Info From Insiders
"The fire department is a great career with many rewards both personally and professionally. Civil service jobs are very competitive and have many stipulations. Most civil service jobs allow some form of "veteran's preference," so serving in the country's military is an ideal stepping stone to becoming a firefighter. There are college courses in fire science that can help provide you with a foundation for the exam. Becoming an EMT or paramedic is also an excellent way to make yourself more marketable"
School : MA, Public Administration
Career: Deputy Fire Chief, currently based in Massachusetts.;
"1. Become a paramedic before applying. A lot of towns will only hire paramedics these days (unless they have a private ambulance company) 2. Stay in great physical shape. Firefighting is a very physical job and being out of shape will make it that much tougher. 3.Take fire science classes. What you learn will be invaluable and may allow for a higher rate of pay or a yearly stipend."
School : BA, Psychology, North Adams State College
Career: Firefighter, currently based in Massachusetts.;
