Be a Firefighter >> Browse Articles >> Five Steps to Becoming a Firefighter
Five Steps to Becoming a Firefighter Introduction
Featured Author:
Battalion Chief Paul Lepore
Paul Lepore is a Battalion Chief with the City of Long Beach, California, Fire Department. He entered the fire service as a civilian Paramedic for the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1985. After completing his education at the Los Angeles County Paramedic Training Institute, Lepore worked in the high impact area of South Central, Los Angeles.
Lepore was hired by the Long Beach Fire Department in 1986 and completed their 12-week academy. He spent the next two years working as a firefighter until he was promoted to firefighter/ paramedic. Lepore was promoted to Fire Captain in 1998 and is currently a Battalion Chief.
For more information:
- Add Chief Lepore as a FireLink Friend
- Visit AspiringFirefighters.com
More articles from this author:
Battalion Chief Paul Lepore
Human instinct is to run away from fire for fear of being injured or killed. Firefighters are the only ones who run toward a burning building in search of people in need of help. They are willing to risk their lives for complete strangers regardless of race, creed, color, or socioeconomic status. What is it that motivates them to do this?
Are firefighters blind to the true dangers of their job? Hardly. They are conditioned to perform even though they may be frightened or uncertain of their fate. Don’t believe for a moment that firefighters are not afraid of losing their lives. Seasoned firefighters have been in situations where they were in fear for their lives.
Becoming a Firefighter
How can firefighters perform when the average person would be paralyzed with fear? Most firefighters will tell you it is just a matter of keeping your composure and getting the job done, coupled with outstanding training and the knowledge that you are surrounded by competent co-workers who are always looking out for you.
If your lifelong dream has been to become a firefighter, this 5-step guide will help prepare you for getting through the very hiring process.
benitorios123
20 days ago
2 comments
used to be a firefighter but was layed off because i was not certified and new cadets were coming back with certifications on hand but i like this field how and is ther any service available to help me on my way to getting certified.
dezeraefirestone
about 1 month ago
6 comments
hey,. my dream has always been to be a firefighter. i am working on a forestry crew now, but my goal is to be a firefighter. i love the hard work and excitment. I plan on going to school for firescience and technology in january and take it from there. I m not sure if a criminal back ground will get in my may, but all i can do is hope for the best....
Motsuflex
about 1 month ago
16 comments
OK! Lets see here in short I'm prior army 03' 04' afgh. then went to back to work as a contractor after that came home started doing personal training and mma fighting, just got married. I have always wanted to be a firefighter just haven't tried to pursue it enough now that the personal training isn't panning out I want to start a new career and thats firefighting, so any help from anyone would be awesome because i need to know who to call, and where to go to get this going thanks for your time and hope to hear something real soon.
scottfirefighter1582
about 1 month ago
22 comments
I am looking into going to school for Fire Science and then getting a job as a firefighter!! but it dont help where i live because theyre all volunteer
CPLNessa
about 1 month ago
108 comments
I am looking to start a career in the fire service. I was a United States Army Combat Medic for 6 yrs on Active Duty. I currently have 8 yrs on Active Duty and am looking at going Reserves and then start a career in the Fire Service. I have always wanted a chance to be a fire fighter but when I joined the United States Army they had aready started to change to civilian contractors for the fire protection services. I am waiting to see if I can use my Montgomery GI bill to attend a college not very well known to many butthe name of the school is Training Division.
bendra
2 months ago
2 comments
Hi my name is sandra and i really want to persue a career in the fire department,n because my father Sulia was working in the fire department in American Samoa for 16 years, and he still is...i am attending a medical school which is known as everest college and was wondering if i can apply as a dispatcher for this department, the fire department to help keep our community safe.
WillNorris
2 months ago
2 comments
I'm a volunteer firefighter already and have been an explorer for 4 years. I just about have my basic certification and just graduated high school. Looking for some anwsers for making the transition from volunteer to career paid firefighter.
bmw7930
3 months ago
2 comments
would a criminal background prevent you from becoming a firefighter?
enl985
3 months ago
154 comments
nice article.
Account Removed
3 months ago
Dangerous but my kind of job
tyroneargyle1
3 months ago
8 comments
Hello Name's Tyrone Argyle 4859 Slocan street vancouver argyleprince@live.ca I request assistance to apply to become a firefighter
lhayeng
about 1 year ago
2 comments
Hello,
Although I am up in age and have no previous firefighting/paramedic experience, I would like to finish off my career in this fascinating field. My interests would stem around wildfires and urban fire and rescue. I am 48 years of age and in relatively good shape. I would have to improve my stamina and endurance. I live in the Phoenix Metro area and would prefer to remain here.
cgolo90179
over 2 years ago
6 comments
of course, this is dangerous work, this must realy to helped. the people like to life, but I can all understand.
So is the work.