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From Fire Volunteer to Career Firefighter: A 5-Step Guide

Volunteer firefighting is one of the most rewarding, most fun, and least financially viable professions. Most people don’t have unlimited income to spend, so most volunteer firefighters are stuck between a rock and a hard place trying to work their day job and also get in a few calls. They want to be able to serve their community as a firefighter, yet sometimes they may not be able to afford it.

We’ve compiled a 5-Step Guide to get you in the firehouse full-time, paid. We know you deserve it!

2. Volunteer for other causes.

We know firefighting is an obsession for most, and you’d rather be kicking back at the firehouse playing cards than be out in your community- but this is actually not an effective strategy if you want to get hired. Fire department officials, when selecting a candidate, look for community involvement. Think of it like your high school extra-curricular activities. In order to get to the next level, you need to show that you’re well-rounded and dedicated to your town. There’s nothing that says “I care about this town” like helping out the local school at their bake sale, or visiting the retirement home.