Hey, my brother's looking to be a firefighter. I think this is a brilliant idea. If anybody knows how to do this, or, even better, if anybody knows anyone in SAN DIEGO who happens to BE a firefighter....well, that'd be perfect. Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

Oh, he's a little nervous about a requirement he's read about---the EMT certification. He's a college grad with a BS in criminal justice but for some reason he's freaking out about the EMT thing. Is it manditory? Is it easy to get? Can a normal guy get it without worrying too much?

Thanks again,

Uecker

 

I know you must be CPR certified as well as a couple other certificates but I

 

XVIPER's one

 

I am a full-time firefighter and fire instructor. I have a similiar background as your brother, BS, except criminal justice was my minor. I also freaked out over EMT school. But I passed and so did seven other people out of my class of 40. Anyone can pass if they completely dedicate themselves for the six weeks or so of class. The fire academy is quite easy however. To get started he can either join a volunteer station or apply with a municipality. Either way he will be sent to the classes he needs for certification at no expense. Feel free to pm if you need any more info.

 

Your brother should find out if the San Diego FD has a website. Ours does and it tells you everything that is needed before applying. Another thing to do that will show he is interested is to contact someone in their recruitment and/or training divisions.
Can a "normal" guy get in? Hmmmmm, I think most non-volunteer fire departments are looking for people who are just a little bit more than "normal". They want people who have some life skills, ability to work with others, able to think quickly on their feet, able to handle situations that would cause "normal" people to pull back, deal with extremely stressful events and still function at the task at hand. They look for people who have "dynamic" personalities and backgrounds, can relate well to the general public, show an ability to learn new things, take orders, give orders when needed, have some history of community service (volunteerism).
Each jurisdiction will have different requirements. Good luck to him.

 

Up in portland, or we have 2 lists you can get on. One is for people who have little or no experience (no emt) and the other is for people who have some firefighting experience (emt-b atleast). The first list (which I am currently on (1/110 people on it...) puts you through the emt program at their expense but the training is much more in depth. I am not sure how many other departments have something like that, but its worth checking out

Definatly find out if they have a web site, its a huge help.

 

Don't worry about it. All it takes to be a fireman is to be dumb enough to run into a building that even the cockroaches are smart enough to get out of.

wino

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by winocowboy
Don't worry about it.