Why do People Want To Become Firefighters?

Firefighters are one of the hardest working people in the world. Expectedly, their job is one of the toughest and hazardous there is. Unlike most professions where you have an eight to five shift, firefighters need to be on the edge of their seats 24 hours a day seven days a week.

However, curiously, thousands of individuals still line up every year to get a chance to feel what it’s like jumping into blazing areas with only their guts and training as their weapon. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics even believes that there will be as much as a 5% increase in firefighter applicants in the coming years.

An even bigger wonder would be the fact that according to the National Fire Protection Association Protection, at least 69% percent of our brave brethren in the US are volunteers.

Hence, I bet you are asking “If they hardly get paid any money, why in the world would anyone want to risk their lives every single day?” So to answer your question, we’ve gathered some of the most common reasons we believe why people still want to become firefighters.

Common Reasons Why People Want To Become Firefighters

Help and Serve Their Communities

The most common, also noble reason why many people apply to become a part of their fire department is their sense of servitude and responsibility to their community. Just like police officers who see themselves as keepers of the peace, or doctors who believe that it is their duty to save lives, firefighters often consider themselves as the only thing standing between blazing flames and their beloved neighbors.

Furthermore, it is common for people who live in fire hazard areas like California to always be on alert of wild fires or urban fires. Hence, they find it upon themselves to fill in any lack of workforce their fire departments have. (2)

Carry On Family Legacy

Ever since time in memorial, having a firefighter in a family is something to be proud. It has always been something worth boasting about and with a valid reason of course. Hence, many families make it a tradition always to have someone in the present generation to take the helm of being a firefighter.

Although it was then seen as something a father passes to a son, more and more daughters are now given a chance to become a firefighter. Thus, it is no longer uncommon to hear women saying they became firefighters as part of their family legacy. Nevertheless, although they only entered due to family pressure, most of them eventually fall in love with the job.

Personal Experiences

Ever heard a police officer say they became one because they were inspired by a police officer they saw once or a lawyer who took the bar exams because he once experienced injustice in their lives? The same thing has happened to many firefighters.

It could be because a person once saved them or someone they love, or they saw a firefighter on duty risking his or her life to save another’s. Whatever the reason is, the emotions they feel in those few moments can lead a person to pursue a passion their whole lives.

Thirst For Action And Adrenaline Rush

If you think jumping off a bridge or parachuting can give someone an adrenalin rush like no other, then I bet you’ve never tried being a firefighter. Risk takers around the world love looking for situations that could make them feel excited and have a sense of rush, and no other occupation can do that as much as being a firefighter.

Adrenaline junkies are perfect for the job since being a firefighter requires unbelievable amounts of courage. What attracts them to the job isn’t just the rush that they get; but also the idea that they can be contributing members of the society.

Sense Of Family Among Fire Fighters

Being a part of a fire department is like being a part of a large family. The risk involved in their job requires firefighters to have each other’s back all the time. This responsibility creates a bond between two persons as if they are brothers and sisters.

Lastly, going through so many challenges together can create a sense of family among them. This may not be the reason why many fire fighters apply for the job, but it is definitely one main reason why they stay.

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How To Become A Firefighter

No other profession in the world is as risky as being a firefighter. Thus, one can’t help but wonder why thousands of applicants are still falling in line just to have a chance to be one of these modern day heroes. Who better to answer that question than a firefighter himself?

[Other than the adrenaline rush] There is another far more powerful feeling that comes from firefighting, and that is the overwhelming feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment that comes from saving someone’s life.

–George Kellerman, former firefighter, partner and fire chief at 500 Startups

In 2014, a whopping 1,134,000 individuals placed their lives on the line every day as firefighting men and women. There are so many applicants for firefighting that in 2015 alone, California’s Salinas fire department received and estimated 1000 applications from individuals from every walk of life.

Furthermore, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the number of firefighters would steadily grow at a rate of 5% annually for the next ten years. The Bureau also predicts that competition for the job would be incredibly high due to the number of applications.

If this million of people can’t convince you enough that working as a firefighter is worth it, then nothing will. But if you are now headstrong in pursuing a career as a firefighter, then take out a pen and pencil as we are going to talk about the steps necessary to become a fire fighter.

Steps To Become A Firefighter

STEP 1: Volunteer For The Service

Most fire departments accept volunteer firefighters on a regular basis. What is even better is most of them do so without requiring much background checks or formal educations. However, volunteers would still be of course necessary to undergo the training provided by the fire departments themselves.

You may ask; why in the world would people want to work for something incredibly dangerous for a tiny or no pay at all? Well, there are two common answers to that question. The first one is that people who volunteer in fire departments often find it easier to get formally hired if ever they decide to do so. The second one would be of course related to the satisfaction people feel when they help other people.

STEP 2: Get A High School Diploma

If you decide to become an official firefighter and not just a volunteer, make sure that you were able to obtain at least a high school diploma. Some fire departments, however, may also prefer applicants who graduated with a fire related bachelor’s degree. Nevertheless, they are the only exception to what most fire departments want.

STEP 3: Get A Bachelor’s Degree (Optional)

As we stated a while ago, attending a four-year course for firefighter applicants is only optional. But just in case you do, it is highly recommended for you to get a fire, or medical related degree. These two courses would prepare you for the everyday situations firefighters face. A medical-related degree can prepare you for times you are called not just for fire-related emergencies, but also for victims that require immediate medical attention.

Another benefit of getting a bachelor’s degree is that it would make your life way easier if ever you would want to advance your firefighting career. Some fire departments may even go as far as requiring aspiring fire chiefs to get a master’s degree.

STEP 4: Take The Exam

Most fire departments often require their applicants to go through a rigorous screening. Furthermore, these screening almost all of the time include a physical and written examination. Physical exams often check the applicant’s physical fitness and overall health to make sure when the time comes; it is not them that needs saving.

On the other hand, written examinations often test the applicant’s cognitive and technical skills. Firefighters should have the ability to think of solutions for any problem in the shortest possible amount of time. Furthermore, they should have enough basic knowledge of facts critical to the job.

STEP 5: Get An EMT Certification

Some fire departments may require applicants to earn an EMT or Emergency Medical Technician certificate. EMT courses often involve training for emergency situations where lives are on the line. This would be a very indispensable knowledge for any firefighter; hence, making certified EMTs highly attractive to fire departments.

STEP 6: Attend The Fire Academy

Now that you have been accepted as a potential firefighter, you will now be required by your hiring department to participate in the training program. By participating in fire academies, fire departments make sure that you are equipped with the most important details that would make you a capable firefighter.

Fire academies are no walk in the park. It will test how willing you are to become a firefighter. Furthermore, the academy will place you simulated situations to let you have a feel of what working as a firefighter feels like. Nevertheless, after all the sweat and tears, you will now be a proud owner of the title “FireFighter.”

Now that you know the steps on how to become a firefighter, go out there and pursue your dream. And if you’re lucky and good enough to become one finally, make sure to send us a message and share your success story with us.

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