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Step 5: What to Expect Your First Year

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Step 5: What to Expect Your First Year

Schedules and Timelines

Most commonly firefighters work in 24-hour shifts, reporting to work at 0700 and work until 0700 the next day. Firefighters usually work a total of 56 hours per week (but since these hours are worked on a continual basis, firefighters enjoy a lot of time off). On the average, firefighters work ten 24-hour shifts each month, leaving them to enjoy 20 days off each month.

Some departments on the east coast work 8-hour or 12-hou...

Featured Author: Battalion Chief Paul Lepore
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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

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