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
The week starts with motivation, weaves through myriad activities, and concludes with a restorative weekend – and possibly some duty officer work
A nonprofit group of Hispanic firefighters connects with the community and mentors potential firefighters
FDNY said 41% of its 2021 probationary class identified as people of color, but it can take up to six years for an applicant to be called
Leaders should encourage members to merge, even pass on occasion, as they accelerate on the highway to success
Melanie Figueroa, who is one year over the maximum age limit to take the test, could be the Haverhill Fire Department’s first female firefighter
Our work to change a N.C. general statute focuses on keeping junior members interested and building our volunteer base
Eric Wisher, president of Troy Uniform Firefighters Association Local 86, suggests the city lower the requirement to an EMT certification
A cautionary tale for fire service personnel who are just starting in their careers
Those with an active fire and EMT certification can receive $2,500, and those with a fire-paramedic certification can receive $3,000
The class of 90 includes one woman and recruits who speak a variety of languages
Chesterfield Fire and EMS released findings from its internal investigation, and NIOSH is continuing its inquiry
Rep. Torren Ecker said he sponsored the bill to address staffing shortages at volunteer departments
“This is an absolutely tragic day for the fire service, Andrew’s family, and his wife, Stephanie,” said Greensboro Fire Chief Jim Robinson
Louis Brown allegedly entered a Subway shop wearing a Gary Fire Department shirt, had a verbal altercation and displayed a firearm
“There were insufficient facts to determine if the testing process was violated by the other members of the class,” a D.C. Fire and EMS spokeswoman said
Hours earlier, a probationary D.C. Fire and EMS firefighter rescued a woman from an apartment fire
The city medical examiner found that Vincent Malveaux, 31, died of illness tied to exertion
Fostering a family environment keeps members engaged, but what happens when that “family” becomes a little too exclusive?
The Syracuse Fire Department recruit who helped evacuate residents before crews arrived will graduate from the training academy on May 20
“This research potentially shows us the mechanism through which the exposures that firefighters face on the job lead to increased health risks,” said Dr. Jeff Burgess
Why boot camp EMT classes are the wrong answer to putting meat in the seat
When dealing with the public, too many members either clam up and say nothing or say way too much beyond the scope of what’s appropriate
12 strategies for laying a foundation for a rewarding career while onboarding new employees
It’s time for some tough love: They signed up to be a firefighter, and now they have to follow a ‘Behavioral Rental Agreement’
Horton reacts to some of the social media commentary elicited by the article, explaining why leaders must be honest about the realities of a fire service career
Lubbock native Ynez Spencer got to learn about being a rookie from his hometown firefighters
After months of self-reflection, Sacramento Firefighter Desmond Lewis has been working with department personnel to regain his position
Humans are hard-wired to share stories; we must harness this instinct and use it to better the fire service
As one fire chief said, “Perhaps we should advertise firefighter jobs as a paramedic job, and in small lettering add, ‘You go to an occasional fire’”
A simple A-Z guide to ease the lingo learning curve – and even give aspiring firefighters a head start on the job
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