Recruit, Rookie and Probationary Firefighters
From age requirements to interview prep, we’re answering the top questions we hear about how to become a firefighter
While completing fire academy training is a rigorous challenge that’s not for everyone, it’s a necessity if you want to enter the rewarding field of firefighting
Follow these rules from Day 1 to lay the foundation for a long and successful career in the fire service
For the first time in 16 years, the Denver Fire Department will skip a training academy in 2025 as the agency reaches nearly full staffing, with 99.4% of its authorized positions filled
Chief Goldfeder offers several simple tips
Beaufort-Leslie Fire Protection District Junior Firefighter Chevy Gall was killed in a POV crash while responding to a water rescue
Detailing the requirements to become a wildland firefighter, what they do day to day, and how to get started on this career path
With available tuition discounts, higher education can enhance a firefighter’s career growth, salary and leadership potential
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
The O’Haras met D.C. firefighters who found their son’s body and the rookie firefighter and Marine who stood guard over him
An essential guide to help new firefighters navigate the early days of the job with confidence
A positive experience with a firefighter is sometimes all it takes to motivate someone to consider a new vocation
Here are things you can do now to navigate retiring from the fire department and end-of-career change
Firefighter Sean Wathen, a former Marine, saw Sgt. Ryan O’Hara’s flight suit and stood by his side for nearly four hours
Getting inside the teenage brain to engage new recruits
Chief Caughey urges fire service leaders to focus on developing new firefighters’ critical thinking skills
“I just wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps,” Probationary Firefighter Dennis Meyran said, recalling the motivation to complete the FDNY academy
It’s our responsibility to mold and train new firefighters in every aspect of the job, because failure to perform has dire consequences
The clock begins to run against you as soon as new members report for duty, so start building their muscle memory and slide deck now
Retired Captain Cindie Schooner-Ball offers readers a woman’s perspective on working in this male-dominated profession
Leaders must instill in firefighters early that recruitment is a part of their identity
Using social media to research potential firefighter candidates could cause problems for your department
It’s important to underscore the danger of the situation while not instilling an unproductive level of fear
An Alabama recruit school is under investigation after video emerges of a staged EMS response in a bathroom
A Rural Metro Fire Department recruit’s condition worsened after becoming ill during training
Two new Jacksonville firefighters received black helmets highlighting a milestone in their careers
FDNY
Probationary Firefighter Jessica Chiodo’s father Peter Chiodo was on the job for 25 years and died of a 9/11-related illness
The memorial scholarship was set up to honor Stormy McInerny, a former engineer/paramedic with North County Fire Protection District
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