With the long days of summer, there are more daylight hours in which to exercise. Many people focus on running and outdoor activities. These days, though, it may be best to stay indoors and do another type of workout instead of breathing polluted air during strenuous cardio activity. In an email this week, I was asked about running during the summer, ...

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 ...

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. There are very real dangers and horrors that one in fire and ...

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. Thankfully, a lot of departments across the country have set meeting ...

It is important to bring productive personal skills to the table when you become a volunteer firefighter. I know at my department, we have volunteers with backgrounds in electrical work, mechanics, plumbing and farming (yes, farming). Volunteer departments will sometimes work on their own vehicles and equipment if the work is something that can be done at the station. This helps ...

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” This statement certainly applies to the interview portion of the firefighter exam, where you only have one opportunity to make a favorable first impression. Even before the start of an interview, the first thing the raters will notice about you is your overall demeanor and appearance. Your eye contact, facial ...

Questions about how to get started in firefighting and EMS? Want to share tips with others considering joining? Become a member of the "New Recruits":http://firelink.monster.com/groups/31-new-recruits group in FireLink community.

Last week we rolled out a major update to our video channel that should make it much easier to share videos on FireLink. First and foremost, you should now be able to embed a video hosted on another site. So if you see something you like on YouTube and you'd like to pass it along to your friends on FireLink, simply ...

_Q: What is the hardest part of the CPAT that you have to do in order to become a firefighter and what is the test called?_ A: For me, the hardest part of the Candidate Physical Ability Test has always been going all out for that length of time and then having to drag the dummy at the end. It ...

_Q: What's more important to becoming a firefighter, a degree in fire science or having your firefighter 1 and 2 certificates?_ A: You can get in with your one and two but you come out with more knowledge with your degree. Related Links More Information on Fire Science Degrees Which Fire Science School is Right For You? A: Right, FF1 ...

_Q: Hey, I’m about to graduate from Highschool in San Jose, CA in a few months and I want to become a firefighter after or during college. I’m just trying to find out what’s the best. Even if it’s out of state. Also if anyone knows of any places where I can take classes to become an EMT?_ A: Check ...

_Q: I was wondering how old you have to be to become a volunteer. I'm only 16 but I'm wanting to make firefighting my career. I thought I might as well start as soon as possible. so if anybody knows or has any idea let me know._ A: You’ll need to join an Explorer Post or a Junior’s program with ...

_Q: Well, I've just completed my second oral board interview today with the DFW Airport Fire Department, and I have also made it to my oral board interview with Fort Worth Fire department. So far 2 strikes. What I'm curious is what do they really want to know about you. I've done everything that my friends who are firefighters have ...

_Q: Can I step foot into a fire station and request an application for hire?_ A: Volunteer or Paid? If it’s paid you will need to apply through city, town hall HR dept. If volunteer, your best bet is stop in and ask. If you are a resident of the area, you have the right to “step foot” into the ...

_Q: How do I get into shape to keep up with training?_ Related Links More Fitness Tips by Stew Smith The Firefighter Workout - Ace the CPAT PhysEd Scholarships A: Click on “HOME” at the top of this page. Then click on “Training Center” at the bottom of the list at the left. Then click on “Fitness with Stew Smith” ...

_Q: I am a student in high school and I want to be a fireman. What do I have to do?_ A: First decide if you want to be volunteer or paid. If you live in an area with a volunteer department start there. See if they have a juniors dept. or explorers post. As far as education, you will ...