Information about becoming a Firefighter
Anyone interested in becoming a firefighter needs some information before jumping into this action-packed career. Yes, the firefighter is known as “The city’s bravest”, but it’s for good reason. It is the firefighter’s job to run into burning buildings, to risk their own lives to save strangers. They spend large periods of time away from their families and friends. Plus there is always a risk of something terrible happening.
The fire department takes a lot of things into consideration with this position. This is a dangerous job and you must be prepared. They have all sorts of gadgets to keep the firefighter and the victims of fires’ safe. This position is not for the faint of heart, the firefighter deals with death, pain and destruction on a daily basis, but this position has its rewards too. Firefighters are heroes. They do what the average person cannot.
First, you may want to know approximately how much a firefighter makes annually. According to payscale.com the average firefighter earns $28,661.00 - $76,121.00 plus bonuses, overtime and retirement benefits. If you would like to look into these figures go to Payscale and reviewFirefighter's Salaries.
Next, when anyone becomes a recruit, they have to take exams. Fire departments want to test your physical and mental aptitude. If you want to become a firefighter start to prepare at home. Practice running up and down stairs, do pushups and get physically fit. Make sure you get checked out by your doctor, you don’t want to go through all the trouble just to find out you can’t physically do the job.
Depending on where they live, firefighters have different schedules. Some areas have a volunteer fire department. Other areas work a (3-3-3) schedule. That is three days of “day-shifts”, three days of “night-shifts”, and three days off. It all depends where you work. Some firefighters work a 24 hour shift followed by 48 hours off. Now remember, you will be living with your team in the fire house. The firefighters do all their own shopping and cleaning in the fire station. So you will have to respect your home away from home.Fire Prephas a lot of useful information along with exam testimonials.
To sum things up, if you are really interested in becoming a firefighter try going to your local fire station and talking to the firefighters. Ask if they will come to your school and talk about their career and how they really feel about this amazing job choice.
