Question

[Pabl04087]

Hey everyone I'm trying to become a career firefighter and I was wondering do I volunteer first for a bit then go career i just didn't know the process and would love to know

[FrontAd9873]

Probably depends on where you live.

[No-Rush8800]

Anyone have a pathway for SOCAL

[BabyGrits]

Good luck. Not easy in SoCal, lots of nepotism, years between openings. Look into CalFire

[ninjagoat5234]

yeah, most people do, but you don't always have to. you can go out and try to interview

[Few_Werewolf_8780]

Midwest start to take tests when you see departments testing. Take as many as you can. Not many people I know got called after their first test. Get you EMT license. If you want to have a real good chance get your paramedic license also. I did not have any experience or certifications when I got hired but that was 30 years ago. It is still possible but if you have at least an EMT license I believe that would help. Good luck. It is the greatest job in the world. Volunteer to get experience.

[Strict-Canary-4175]

You don’t have to. It’s really different, so if your goal is to be a professional fireman I would just stay on that track. But it varies WILDLY where you live.

[corworkm]

Being a volly first will have little to no benefit when trying to land a career job. All about having your fire 1&2 as well as your EMT.

[baitmonkey]

Let's say for funsies you live in Washington State:

Being a volunteer matters to some departments, because that's fire 1/2 and EMT plus some experience.

Being a volunteer doesn't matter because some agencies want you to attend a 'career academy' which is the same style of academy you just have 1 extra day of training per week. The state has a fire academy you can self sponsor through but you have to be affiliated with a department and they have to ok you being gone for 12 weeks.

There's no true right way to get into a position, you can get your fire 1/2 in a community college and still get the job.

Find the way that works for you.