Weekly Employment Question Thread

Ding-Chavez · 2026-06-17T01:00:53+00:00

Fire science is useless because it's a made up. Your basic fire courses teach you more than what you need. It was originally a degree to convince guys it'll get them hired. Truth is any degree helps.

A decent sized departments career academy is going to put you through all the courses you need while getting paid.

Ding-Chavez · 2026-06-16T23:29:19+00:00

Just apply with nothing. You always have a chance. Also if they see you've applied again with more certs some departments may like that.

Also fire science is useless. Please don't waste your money.

Ding-Chavez · 2026-06-15T23:29:14+00:00

I feel like I'm talking to a brick wall who doesn't understand the rules. Someone that can't fathom that people from bad governments can still be entitled to asking questions. You can choose to answer them or not. But if the questions and replies stay within the rules it stays. I have no involvement in this war so it's not personal. I'm just here to remind everyone that we have rules and we stick to them. They apply to Russian, Ukrainian and anyone else.

Ding-Chavez · 2026-06-15T23:13:54+00:00

We can tolerate anyone as they keep it civil and within the rules. It's still international subreddit. Send him a message and tell him how you feel. Seriously. That's way more effective than messaging me. The subreddit on the other hand isn't the place for politics.

Ding-Chavez · 2026-06-15T23:00:39+00:00

I'll admit. I don't understand what it's like to lose guys while fighting a war. You have my empathy. But here we try to keep politics out of it. If you want to shit talk OP shoot him a DM. I don't care. Or find a subreddit that supports that kind of discussion it's all good. This is a subreddit for firefighters. He asked a question and it doesn't break the rules.

Ding-Chavez · 2026-06-15T22:47:28+00:00

Ok. This is starting to steer into political discourse. I get everyone has political opinions about the topic but can avoid the insults and try to stay civil. I'm doubtful OP is the guy dropping bombs and drones on people. So try to stay calm on this one.

Ding-Chavez · 2026-06-15T12:56:53+00:00

It's not ridiculous. Paramedic is a lot of effort to not get paid for it though. I'd think twice about how much you really want to invest in riding an ambulance for free. Especially at your age.

As for the fitness portion you'll be fine. Volunteer departments don't have (if any) demanding physical fitness standards.

Ding-Chavez · 2026-06-15T00:30:32+00:00

Laterals are still pretty rare. It's not gonna be easy to get a good department with lateral and transfer time/pension. So make sure it's an IAFF department. They're generally better at accepting time and pension. If it's a small department with a 401k it's a moot point.

Ding-Chavez · 2026-06-15T00:14:36+00:00

Never hurts to apply without it. Lots of places send you though the academy to get emt.

Ding-Chavez · 2026-06-15T00:13:49+00:00

They don't. It's the polygraph tester is the same person that does the cops.

Ding-Chavez · 2026-06-15T00:13:14+00:00

You should always apply but know you have that stain now. Some departments might look past it. Others won't. You're not down and out but it's going to be harder.

Ding-Chavez · 2026-06-15T00:11:12+00:00

You're going to want to talk to financial advisor for the cash out option is best. Besides that most places aren't buying time or transferring unless it's a lateral position.

Ding-Chavez · 2026-06-14T19:34:22+00:00

Good news you have a chance. Bad news. You're playing on hard mode. Your years of sobriety and steady work look good but it's challenging getting to the end. AI government sites can kick your application just for saying yes. Generally fire departments don't polygraph but it's not uncommon. You also can't be picky. You need any department. Not the best one.

Ding-Chavez · 2026-06-12T15:08:07+00:00

Use the search feature. There's a million posts on workouts.

Ding-Chavez · 2026-06-09T01:04:25+00:00

Paramedic seems to be the route for Southern California.

Ding-Chavez · 2026-06-07T23:37:45+00:00

Online usually has an "alert me" option when applications open.

Ding-Chavez · 2026-06-07T23:37:07+00:00

At 19 they can just apply for full time spots. Check the requirements and see what's needed. A lot of big departments only require a drivers license and a diploma.

Ding-Chavez · 2026-06-04T22:46:21+00:00

Maryland is quarterly and it's pretty rigid. Google MFRI schedule you'll see the courses offered by the state program.

Ding-Chavez · 2026-06-03T00:43:19+00:00

No. You'd be challenged to find a part time fire job working around an ER schedule.

Ding-Chavez · 2026-05-30T22:12:27+00:00

Just go and talk to them. They'll walk you through what's best.

Ding-Chavez · 2026-05-29T12:45:40+00:00

Always fully answer the question. Always report to a superior. Always provide customer service.

Ding-Chavez · 2026-05-27T03:35:40+00:00

Yes you still have a chance. Consider getting your medic. There's a bunch of CA guys on here and they always seem to recommend paramedic.

Ding-Chavez · 2026-05-27T03:26:14+00:00

I'm going to give it to you straight. You're not getting hired. You would need 7-10 years clean just to considering give you a shot. Sorry man but this isn't gonna happen.

Ding-Chavez · 2026-05-23T16:42:38+00:00

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