Best Careers 2009: Firefighter

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definatly a good carrer if you like helping people.
The fire department is a very competetive field so if ur not physicaly fit, now is the time to start working out. theres a lot of competition

daaaat of TN 3:29AM December 14, 2010

like many of u said i live in Miami . fl and the job market for firefighting is impossible never see myself being a fire fighter the best job i want but that's how it goes everyone says oh its hard to be a firefighter but like many of you guys said its not about the requirements its about the positions and no one is trying t hire but up in central Florida they are hiring firefighters but i do not want to move to the middle of Florida for a job and im thinking about going state trooper. But for the guys that cant find jobs as firefighters there's always state trooper and police.

wow of FL 2:04PM December 12, 2010

i definitely want to be a fire fighter i like to help people. The only problem is in my city there are too many : (

wow of FL 1:54PM December 12, 2010

I am currently in the Military and doing quite well in it for that matter, yet I am trying to set myself up for a job once I retire at 41. I am extremely fit and I know that my fitness level will decline some with age but I think I will still be able to become a fireman when I am 41. I am currently taking online classes towards a BS in Fire Management. I have a good gene pool for longevity. My dad is 69 and did the same thing, Military and then Fireman while also owning a business. He is still going strong working 12-14 hours a day. My fall back plan is Game Warden I guess. I would rather be hunting than chasing down hunters though! LOL

Johnny of GA 2:21PM June 23, 2010

I served 20 years for the Laredo Fire Department and 10 years as an international instructor. Firefighting is a world of it own and all firefighters are brothers. We put the wet on red in the same way but in third world countries sometimes the old fashion way. It is truly an exciting job and complements my Vietnam service.
For all the future firefighters,"its a hell of ride" and God will be there for you, promise.
Happy retired in Mexico.

Cpt. Alex Quintanilla of TX 6:37PM June 05, 2010

Overview. Most prestigious careers require many years of higher education. One exception is firefighter. According to a Harris poll, after scientist and physician, the career that the public rates as most prestigious is firefighter. That's probably because in addition to their well-publicized bravery after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, firefighters are often first responders to medical emergencies. They save people trapped in burning buildings, hurt in car accidents, and endangered by earthquakes and floods, and also clean up hazardous spills. If another terrorist attack hits the United States, firefighters will assuredly be on the scene saving many lives.
This career's appeal goes well beyond prestige. Firefighters are truly in a helping profession, one in which success is frequent. Plus, typically only a high school diploma or two-year degree is required for entry into the career. That makes firefighting one of the rare jobs in which you get to assume great responsibility at a young age.
And firefighters aren't limited to careers in the firehouse. They are, for example, employed at airports, manufacturing plants, and in forests.
Firefighting's danger might turn some away from this career. After all, every time a firefighter enters a burning building, he or she is exposed to flames and toxic smoke and the risk of walls toppling or floors caving in. In the United States, 92 male and one female firefighter died between Jan. 1 and Oct. 29, 2008.
And most firefighters must live a few days each week in a firehouse, where they're often awakened by a middle-of-the-night alarm. Firefighters' frequent exposure to stress, smoke, and hazardous materials can do long-term damage to their health. Firefighters have above-average rates of cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, according to a survey by the National Opinion Research Center, except for the clergy, firefighters ranked No. 1 in job satisfaction.
A Day in the Life. This is far more than any firefighter would experience in a single day, but it will give an idea of this career's range of activities. You've just been off for four days, so now it's time for your three days of living, dorm style, in the firehouse. It's your turn to cook. Even though firefighters love to eat hearty, they're

2 much infomation 1:55AM May 04, 2010

I have been in the fire serivice for 26 years starting out as entry level firefighter at the age of 27 after serving in the US Navy and private industry for some years. I am now a Division Chief with 20 plus stations and about 300 firefighters and civilians I am responsible for. I have a college degree I earned while on the job. Most of the folks we are hiring are paramedics with a Firefighter 1 Fire Academy under their belt. We then put our folks through a Tower to train them in how we do things in my department. The fire service has provided my family of 4 with a nice way of life, my wife and kids both adults are proud of what I do for a living. My advice for anyone who is trying to get into the fire service is be tenacious in your pursuit of the job. We hired one man who was 49 years old when he get hired, he had worked in private industry for many years and decided he wanted to be a firefighter so he started taking classes and testing and was hired. He is a wonderful employee.

Barry of CA 4:52PM April 10, 2010

I'm in Florida and down here it is a struggle to gain funds even for public safety. Many departments are downsizing and laying off and if they do hire it is usually only a few people at a time or now you even see part time positions. Like one commentator said earlier once you get in it is the greatest job in the world but getting the job is a career in and of itself. I've seen tests with as many applicants as 10,000 for 50 positions with variations within that. Know that yes this is a wonderful amazing rewarding career. But that secret is out and only those truly tenacious and who really want it, or are just plane lucky will get it. you are seeing many applicants with college degrees and higher who are not getting hired it's tenacity and character that will win out in the end so if you're up for it it's totally worth it. If you're in it just for the perks don't bother it take anywhere from 5 years to never to get hired and I have seen a lot of die hard men and women give up on there dream beacause they couldn't wait there whole life. Though it is the greatest job in the world I would not recomend it unless you're ready for a long haul far beyond just the schooling.

Fire Fighter Fl of FL 12:58PM December 22, 2009

For about a year now I have thought of trying to become either a cop or a firefighter for my hometown in Jessamine Co. K.Y. Only problem is that I'm out of shape and not sure if I could handle it. I was told that there is a civilian training program for both feilds to see if you have what it takes. is this true?

Wes Smith of KY 11:54PM December 14, 2009

When I took the fire test for a major city I had taken a few in and around the city first. The first thing I noticed was that the small cities only hire a few guys at a time and those guys are usually the mayors son, the fire cheifs nephew etc. It is not fair but it is reality.
In the first big city test I took in Akron Ohio there were some 33 jobs to be had so I was excited at my chances. When I showed up to take the test there were tables as far as I could see. In desperation I asked the lady checking ID's if all of those tables were for test taking applicants. When she said "oh no!" I was so relieved. she followed up with "we have a larger group coming tomorrow but couldn't test all of you at once." There were some 2000 plus applications for 33 jobs. My odds were 60 to one. When I took a test in cleveland farther North there were 4300 applicants but 80 openings. Those 80 turned into over 200 hirings and I was ranked 104 of those with a combined score in the written and physical test. Both of which were difficult but I learned this huge lesson: If you truly want the job and train as much as possible for it you will get it. This is the best job in the world. I turned down law school for this and my part time better than compensates for the lower pay.

tj of OH 10:56AM December 10, 2009