Fire Careers
Find all things related to a career in the fire service on FireRescue1’s fire career topic page, including training requirements, promotion tips, leadership content and more.
The firefighting career field is very competitive; here’s a quick breakdown of what you should and should not do as you prepare to join the fire service
“Our goal is to make sure that when you leave, you are not just more knowledgeable, but also more inspired,” says NFA Superintendent Eriks Gabliks
What you do, how you act and the relationships you build now matter down the road, so get out of your comfort zone, put in the work and enjoy the ride
Your work as a firefighter is strikingly similar to the work you’ll face as a patient – and the team around you is similarly supportive
It may feel counterintuitive at times, but achieving trust starts by showing unilateral respect to everyone, even when you disagree
Our resistance to standardization and data-driven decision-making only feeds the chaos that runs counter to our mission
It is what we tolerate that will ultimately build the crew’s DNA
Training our minds to prepare for the worst possible outcome may lead to catastrophizing, which can cause fatigue and other mental and physical health problems
The film provides viewers with an unusually intimate look at wildfire devastation through the deployment of the Texas Canyon (California) Hotshots
Community outreach and education may not have been what you signed up for, but it’s a critical role of first responders
Devin Flannery shares his experience with the company officer to chief officer transition
The badge is a widely recognized symbol of authority; it is also a symbol of public faith and trust
A fire career isn’t always about flashovers and extrications; it’s often the little things that make the biggest impact on a community
Success in the firefighter interview is about far more than answering the questions
A simple mindset shift is at the root of a critical difference between biased and nonbiased people
A carnival crisis, cliffhangers, underground escapes and fiery extractions: First responders answered the call in 2023
According to a recent report, 80% of millennial workers say they consider work-life balance when deciding whether to take a job
Learn the five ways imposter syndrome shows up in first responders and how you can combat the feelings
We want firefighters who are willing to take risks, even if that means the occasional fail
Firefighters pinpoint their top stressors and acknowledge the impact of stress on the quality of service provided
To expand our perspective, we must look outside our insular ideas and accept that we may not have all the answers
Firefighters feel generally positive about the job, but they report high stress, and many have considered leaving their organization
No matter the challenges that face you, you find a way to respond to those in need
How officers mitigate these stressors for the benefit of themselves, their crew and the department as a whole
Identifying the top challenges facing new leaders, plus key guidance to help them succeed as they navigate new responsibilities
A lack of trust between firefighters isn’t just a concern on scene; it can also negatively affect day-to-day operations and disrupt harmony among members
There is no substitute for high-context communications and training that occurs between two people, engaging privately, face-to-face
If we use language that excludes others, that is a choice – and there is a message in that, whether it is intended or not
National awards programs can showcase those above-and-beyond moments and members
As “tactical athletes,” responders should focus on whole-body fitness to enhance their job performance
A trailblazing memoir from Clare Frank, California’s first (and only) female chief of fire protection
There will be people who will work against you, but it’s critical to stay confident in who you are and remain positive
While the fire service has made huge strides in recognizing the importance of member wellness, every fire department across the country has room to improve
