10 Steps To Becoming A Volunteer Fire Fighter

Step 1: Learn about the Fire and Rescue Industry

So you want to start a new career in the Fire and Rescue industry, but you don’t know where to begin? The first step in becoming a volunteer firefighter is to research the industry. For several hundred years volunteer firefighters have protected their communities.

Step 2: Desire

In this industry you have to have the will and the desire to get the job done, whatever that job may be. You may have to spend hours training with your department in new firefighting techniques and styles. You may have to fight for one more ounce of strength as you battle endless, angry flames during a call.

Step 3: Know Your Intrest

So you want to start a new career in the Fire and Rescue industry, but you don’t know where to begin? How do you choose between becoming a firefighter, E.M.T., paramedic, first responder or a HazMat technician? The roles of a firefighter have changed a lot over the years, and a firefighter’s job is not just to respond to a call and put out a fire.

Step 4: Mentally Prepare Yourself

At this point you have researched the industry, spoken with a few departments, and narrowed down your career path interests. Now you have to mentally prepare yourself for the job ahead. We all know that life is not mimicked by what you see on television and in the movies.

Step 5: Be Aware of Your Limitations

This is an industry that can demand a lot from you. Not sometimes, but most of the time. Being aware of your limitations is a humbling skill that all firefighters should have. Letting your officers know of any hesitations helps not only yourself, but your department as well.

Step 6: Be In Good Physical Condition

The Fire and Rescue industry is and can be very demanding, both physically and mentally. When most of us hear the word "physical," we automatically think of ripped abs and tones arms. This is not the context that we use this word. The phrase "good physical condition" simply implies that you can handle strenuous activity for a certain period of time.

Step 7: Possess Good time management Skills

Being a volunteer is a great way to start out in the industry, but there are also other factors you may have to consider. Most volunteer firefighters have full-time jobs and families. Learning how to prioritize your schedule will be one of the most useful skills during your time volunteering.

Step 8: Contribute Additonal Skills and Talents

It is important to bring productive personal skills to the table when you become a volunteer firefighter.

Step 9: Ask Questions

It doesn’t matter if you are a rookie on probationary status, or you are a tenured member of the team, always ask questions! Common knowledge states that there is no such thing as a stupid question. If you don’t know something, ask a person who does.

Step 10: Getting Membership

Congratulations on getting on a volunteer department! Hopefully, by reading through this guide you have gained some helpful knowledge to help you not only become a volunteer firefighter, but to help you along your career as well. Now that you are a part of the department, it’s time to really show what you’ve got.