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Firefighter Career

Best job in the world for many reasons. I wouldn’t go into the CPAT thinking it’s a joke. If this is a profession that you want to do, then go into it and give it your all. Get into a good strength and conditioning program, learn about what the job takes and depending on what career departments are in your area, find out what the hiring process entails.
 
I am not a FF by any means, but I work with a lot of them at the refinery I work at. I don't know many who don't love it. We are all trained in exterior fire fighting and I went to Texas A&M advanced fire school last fall. I have often thought I should have went that route for personal satisfaction. (something you don't get in a refinery). Unfortunately pay and age factor now would make it very difficult for me to get hired. What I can tell you though is if you think it interests you go for it. Don't get to my age and or find a job that pays what mine does and regret not doing what you feel may have been something much more fulfilling with your life.
I was in the Military for 4 years and it was some of the best and worst times of my life. I can only assume that being a FF is much the same. To me you are being a part of something much bigger than what you know and this world needs a lot more people like that! Good luck on whatever you decide.
 
I recently retired after 33 total years in the fire service. 32 as a career paid firefighter/EMT, 18 of those yrs as a lieutenant. Never wanted to be a chief or anything because not much for politics and desk work and wouldn’t want to have the 5 day a week schedule. St Louis county is one of the higher paid areas in the country based on cost of living. Therefore, I really never needed a side job being an officer. It also depends if you work for a Fire District or a Fire Department. Pensions, benefits, pay scale, call load, etc. varies depending on where you work. It is also necessary to become a paramedic at most places anymore. It also involves constant training. The schedule is awesome if you like time off but can be hard to manage if you have younger kids. Of course seniority makes a huge difference. There are a lot of variables. It is a great career and wouldn’t of changed my choice for anything. Just remember ever job can be aggravating and the grass always looks greener on the other side! It was not the same as when I started to when I retired. It truely is a younger mans job. Even though I can hold my own, sometimes the body doesn’t always agree! Feel free to PM me for any advice or info. Good luck at whatever you choose!
 
I started off being a firefighter right out of high school. I started in a paid on call department and they paid for my firefighter training and EMT basic training. I did that for about 6 years while working two other jobs. I then got the chance to apply for a federal firefighter position. I got hired and it was the best thing ever even though we worked 24 hours on and 24 hours off but also got 3 days off in a row every 2 weeks and 5 days off in a row quarterly and vacation time also on top of that. They eventually sent me to paramedic school and paid for that. I wouldn't think of doing anything else for a job. I loved it. Now I say loved because I no longer can do the job. In 2013 I was injured on the job moving a patient to the ambulance cot. I blew out a disc in my thoracic spine. After surgeries and tons of other procedures I have use of my legs back but I am in pain 24/7. After 4 years of doctors trying everything they could I had to retire in 2017 at the age of 37. If you get into the job you will know in short time if it is for you or not. If it isn't get out. I worked with some guys that hated the job and they made everyone miserable. The job is what you make of it and how you handle stress and traumatic situations. One word of advise is take care of your body and stay in shape and do anything you can to protect your back. One thing I did 1,000's of times ( moving a patient) came back to take me out of the job forever.
 
Wow. That's a lot more feedback than I figured I'd get.

I'm not 100% sure it'll be for me. I did call a few of the local branches and shoot a few emails asking about volunteer positions. Signed up for the CPAT. We'll see what happens. If I get into it I'm definitely taking y'all up on your invitations to talk more.
 
I started in the fire service when I was 16 as a volunteer, Im 49 now with 25 years in a career department. I personally couldn't imagine having any other job. There is a great feeling of satisfaction knowing you did your job well and made things better for someone else, but it doesn't always work that way and seeing bad outcomes can really eat at you over time. Most of the calls you will run will not be filled with excitement, as the other guys have stated. The job takes a toll on your body too. Bad back, aching joints, it can be emotionally draining, definite high risk for cancers as was stated.

Most departments don't have fantastic pay, but the benefits and retirement can be pretty good- definitely look at what they offer. Im very fortunate to work a 24 on / 72 off schedule, 1 mandatory day off every quarter plus leave time earned.... definitely great for hunting and fishing.

If you do decide to get in, always remember that your life, your crew's life and the public's life are in your hands.
Take it seriously. Learn the job and know you'll learn something everyday.
 
@Nutterbuster, I made a short post yesterday but retracted it thinking I would add more. At this point, I would echo everything @shwacker, @Brian_goes_hunting and @fireman43 have already said. I've been in the fire service for 20+ years and have been career for 16+. It's the best job ever, for me. I work with some people who are completely burned out on it and it's not their cup of tea anymore. If you want to talk sometime, PM me and we'll have a chat.
 
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