Be a Firefighter >> Browse Articles >> Ten Steps to Becoming a Volunteer Firefighter

Step 3: Know Your Interests

Featured Author:

Luther Berge

Luther Berge is a 2-year veteran volunteer firefighter at the Pickwick Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department located in Winona, Minnesota. After taking a tour of a local fire department back in elementary school, Luther had the natural passion to become a firefighter. He recalls chasing after responding sirens when he was younger, just to see if he could catch sight of the firetrucks. One of his proudest accomplishments was when he became a first responder, and making his childhood dream come true. Other than response calls, Luther's favorite part about being a volunteer is the opportunity to meet others from surrounding departments and build new relationships with those firefighters. Having several mutual aid calls, Luther understands the importance of branching out his relationships outside of just his own station.

More articles from this author:

• Step 10: Getting Membership
• Step 9: Ask Questions
• Step 8: Contribute Additional Skills and Talents

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. Firefighting has become a job with many roles and responsibilities. Some departments across the country run as fire/rescue only, while others may have ambulance services, or even a HazMat division.

Figuring out what it is that interests you is one of the most critical decisions you can make at the start of your career. Once you have your interests narrowed down, research the departments in your area that offer those services.

Quiz: What Fire are You Fit to Fight?

From medical emergencies to forest fires, EMTs, paramedics, and firefighters must hone their skills to step up to any challenge. Part of choosing specialties in fire & rescue is evaluating your personality, training, and experience. Take this quiz to assess your best fitting specialty as a fire & rescue professional.
Find out now!

And thanks to proper technical training, you can stay busy and safe while doing something you love.

Step 4: Mentally Prepare Yourself