What Firefighters Really Do

On the Job

The foremost duty of a firefighter is exactly what the job title says—to fight fires. Whether a fire breaks out at a two-story home, a 700-room hotel, or a 10,000-acre farm, the next sound you will hear is the familiar wail of those massive red trucks barreling their way to the scene, loaded with firefighters in protective equipment, helmets, and self-contained breathing apparatus.

But firefighters today do a lot more than put out fires. Natural disasters, bombing incidents, gas pipe explosions, and hazardous waste spills are just a few of the situations in which firefighters are called on to provide emergency services. Sometimes, these circumstances pose the threat of fire. Other times, a rescue operation may be the main order of business. Whatever the crisis at hand, firefighters are also trained to administer and coordinate basic medical care to any injured persons.

Increasingly, fire departments are finding themselves called on as the lead responders to and planners for natural and manmade disasters. In the post-9/11 world, the fire service frequently finds itself on the front line in homeland defense. What this means is that each firefighter has to be trained and cross-trained to work with agencies in adjacent communities and with federal and state agencies to fulfill these new tasks.

Fire departments are also playing an increased role in providing emergency medical services in many areas. Budget constraints have led to many municipalities combining or supplementing their emergency medical services with their fire departments. Fire departments provide a wide range of medical response, from immediate first response that provides basic first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), to full advanced life support response with paramedics who will accompany the ambulance crew to the hospital. Fire departments are often able to arrive at medical calls more quickly than the ambulance, and can make the difference between life and death in many emergencies.

Fire departments also provide many non-emergency services. One highly important task is to inspect buildings and facilities for compliance with fire codes and safety regulations. Another is to educate the public about fire prevention and safety procedures. This could include giving presentations to local schools and community groups or sponsoring campaigns aimed at making people more aware of fire hazards—sort of a local version of Smokey the Bear's "Only you can prevent forest fires" campaign! Firefighters often participate in public education efforts, but building inspection more often is handled by higher-ranked fire service personnel who have had special training.

What the average person may not be aware of is simply how much knowledge and training goes into firefighting. We see them driving the red truck, attaching a hose to a hydrant, dousing flames, breaking through windows with a pickax, and climbing tall ladders. These activities alone require a high level of technical skill and a great deal of physical stamina and strength. Firefighters also face serious physical risks from being exposed to flames, smoke, fumes, and explosive or toxic materials, as well as from walls and buildings caving in or collapsing.

To reduce those risks, it is critical that firefighters stay in top physical condition and master the use of various equipment and tools. But it is equally critical that they have a knowledge bank filled with scientific and technical information about combustible materials, building construction, ventilation systems, sprinkler systems, electrical circuitry, chemical reactions, and a host of other subjects. Firefighters are educated, trained, and drilled again and again in each of these critical areas.

Computers and other forms of advanced technology are becoming more common in firefighting. Computers are typically used for documenting call reports, staff activities, and other administrative functions. Most fire training is conducted using presentation software such as PowerPoint. There is a wide variety of training available over the Internet, including courses on incident command and many other subjects. There are database programs available for hazardous materials responses that provide information on how to deal with fires or leaks of harmful substances. Many chief 's vehicles, and an increasing number of other fire trucks, now carry laptop computers. Other forms of advanced technology such as thermal imaging devices are common in the modern fire service. To be successful as a firefighter, you will need a good, basic understanding of computers and technology.

Much of this preparation and learning goes on back at the station house. In departments with fulltime personnel, on-duty firefighters usually eat, sleep, and make a home away from home at the station. Although most rotate between day and night shifts, the length of their tour of duty and their shifts varies from department to department. For example, they may work four days on, then four days off, putting in anywhere from 10- to 16-hour shifts. Or they may work a 24-hour shift, followed by 48 hours off, then the cycle repeats. Whatever the work schedule, it's not the corporate nine-to-five routine.

Clearly it's not every day that a firefighter rescues a child from a burning building, and nobody hopes for disaster to strike. But since there is no predicting when it might, a firefighting force must be on alert 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Between sirens, their on-duty time is devoted to practice drills, training and education programs, equipment maintenance, and other routine activities.

Because of the many demands on a firefighter's abilities, many departments now emphasize some secondary education beyond the simple basics requried for the job. For example, many departments require training in such areas as driver/engineer courses, Fire Officer 1 and Fire Officer 2, and even Fire Science degrees for promotion through the ranks. Most advanced positions in the fire service require a college education, up to and including advanced degrees such as a Master's of Art or Science degree. Degrees in public policy, business management, or other areas are often required. There are also Bachelor of Science degrees available in Fire Science and Fire Protection Engineering, which deals with the design of fire safety systems in buildings.

Just the Facts

In the days of steamers and horses, dogs were a welcome occupant of the fire house. They not only kept the horses company, but also rid the fire house of rats and mice that were attracted by the horse feed. Dalmatians were long associated with horse-drawn coaches. They were trained to run alongside or ahead of the team and drive off animals that would otherwise scare the horses. They came to be used by the fire service for the same purpose and thus entered firefighting lore.

The Payback: Salary and Benefits

As with nearly every job, firefighters earn different salaries depending on where they work and who they work for. The size and location of the department or agency makes a difference, and so does a firefighter's level of experience and time on the job. Salary data for several municipal departments in your state are provided in later chapters. The statistics that follow will give you a sense of the "big picture" nationwide.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistic (BLS), in its 2006 edition of Occupational Employment and Wages, cites the median annual wage for firefighters as $41,190, with the middle 50% earning between $29,550 and $54,120. These are average figures based on national and regional reports and are calculated on a 40-hour week. These figures do not consider that most firefighters work a longer week, nor do they account for significant benefits such as health insurance, sick days, vacations, and retirement benefits.

The current trend is to offer certain incentives, thus increasing the pay range for firefighters who choose to expand their professional horizons. This includes incentives for paramedic pay, advanced education, and increases for technical certifications such as CPR Instructor or Fire Service Instructor.

If you work in a small city, you can expect a smaller annual salary than is paid in large cities. Geographically speaking, salaries tend to be lowest in the southern region of the United States and highest out west.

Typical working hours for full-time firefighters range from 40 to 56 hours a week. They are entitled by law to overtime pay, which kicks in at an average of 53 or more hours a week during a work period. Many departments also offer longevity pay to career fire- fighters, usually around $1,000 a year. This extra pay is generally separate from any salary increase that comes with a promotion.

Scheduling varies from one department to another. Many departments operate on variations of 24-hour schedules, either 24 hours on and 48 off or 24 on and 72 off. Some departments operate on more traditional 40-hour work weeks with shifts from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., and so on. These scheduling differences can also affect how overtime is paid.

Employee benefit packages for firefighters also vary from department to department, but they tend to be substantial. Common benefits include medical, disability, and life insurance; sick leave, vacation, and holiday pay; educational incentives; and a generous pension plan. Departments also supply the uniforms and personal equipment that firefighters use on the job.

Unions play a large role in negotiating and protecting the salaries and benefits that firefighters earn. The BLS notes that most firefighters in medium to large departments are members of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), which maintains a national office and local chapters. The IAFF and other professional organizations also work to resolve labor disputes and sponsor governmental legislation on behalf of their members.

Hiring Trends

Employment of firefighters is expected to increase about 12% between 2006 and 2016. Some new jobs will be created in suburban communities where populations are on the rise. New positions will open up with suburban departments as they add career positions to their volunteer departments to form combination departments. These new positions will provide more rapid response to emergencies and supplement the volunteer response. Employment in large urban departments will be stable—not producing many new jobs, but holding steady on the large numbers they already employ. Overall, the majority of job openings will come about simply to replace firefighters who retire or leave the job for other reasons.

For the most part, firefighting certainly can be called "a steady job." Although budget cuts have reduced some departments, community pressure has been supportive of better fire and rescue services. Even when local governments call for budget cuts, communities generally rally to keep or increase the number of firefighters their tax dollars support. For the most part, too, the job market is not subject to seasonal fluctuations. One exception is forestry firefighting, which offers mostly seasonal employment and is available almost exclusively through state and federal agencies.

Along with job security, you have the other advantages described earlier: relatively high wages, good benefits, a generous pension, and the chance to do challenging, exciting, and important work. All these benefits add up to steep competition for these jobs. Most fire departments—especially large urban departments—have many more applicants than they do job openings.

Just the Facts

Firefighters used to slide down a brass pole to respond to alarms. The first of these fire poles was installed on April 21, 1878, by Captain David B. Kenyon in New York's Engine 21. Fire poles are one of the dying traditions in the fire service, because while they allowed a rapid response, they caused injuries. Some are kept in place or even installed in new construction for tradition's sake, but for the most part, they are no longer used.

Applying for the Job

Because municipal and county fire departments operate independently, no one set of qualifications and hiring procedures is used by each and every department nationwide. However, though the particulars may vary, certain standards are likely wherever you plan to apply. For example, most departments:

• have a minimum age requirement between 18 and 21
• require a high school education or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED); some departments have a higher education requirement
• run a background check on your employment and education and a criminal record check
• require that you pass a series of tests, including a written examination, a physical ability test, a medical exam (often with drug screening), an oral interview, and possibly psychological testing.

Departments often have residency requirements stating that you must live in the city or county in which you apply. Experience as a volunteer firefighter or an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or paramedic is always a plus and is sometimes a requirement for employment, either at the time you apply and test for the job or to be satisfied before you begin active duty. Affirmative Action or other hiring requirements may also factor into the selection process.

Many types of previous work experience look good on the application form. Jobs in construction, mechanics, landscaping, masonry, and plumbing are some that demonstrate the physical strength and dexterity needed to be a firefighter. But the basic idea is to show that you have held a responsible job, have followed a boss's orders, and are a team player. Also, whether it is required or not, departments tend to look favorably on applicants who have attended college. Even better is having taken courses in fire science. Keep in mind how much competition you are apt to have for a firefighting job. Any advantage you have or can give yourself—which includes preparing yourself for the written exam—can really make the difference in getting hired.

Military service is also beneficial to an applicant. The fire service is basically a paramilitary organization, with ranks and a structure similar to the military. Although service in any area of the military would be a benefit to the applicant, training as a military fire-fighter may be even better. All of the major services have firefighting opportunities. The U.S. Navy typically provides some amount of firefighting training to all of its personnel because firefighting is a critical function for damage control aboard ship. Military service is an excellent way to serve your country in addition to preparing you for a career in the fire service.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has established standards that have been adopted by many jurisdictions, and the two certifying agencies, the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications and the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress, use these as a basis for their national certifications. Many jurisdictions have based their hiring, physical, and training requirements on the standards developed by the NFPA. Also, some states require applicants to pass state certification tests, in addition to meeting requirements and passing tests at the local (city or county) level. Normally this certification testing is also available to volunteer firefighters, so if you are a volunteer or are considering becoming a volunteer to gain experience for your career, you should investigate becoming certified. A word of caution, however: Some states have training requirements that do not necessarily follow NFPA or other national guidelines. Certification from one state may not transfer to another. You should carefully investigate this if you plan to relocate to another state.

As for federal and state firefighter jobs, you can expect similar requirements and testing procedures. Application procedures for these jobs are handled by the individual hiring agencies, state civil service commissions, local branches of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), or other government organizations. In the private sector, you will find more variation in the employment procedures. Basically, it's like looking for a job in any private business: Companies make their choices based on an applicant's education, experience, and ability to handle the responsibilities and physical demands of the job.

Just the Facts

Benjamin Franklin founded this country's first volunteer fire department in 1736 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He also became its first volunteer fire chief.

Starting Out and Moving Up

Once you are hired as a firefighter, your department will make sure you get all the training you need to do the job. Many large urban departments run their own on-site formal training programs or fire academy. Smaller departments may send new recruits to a fire academy in their region. Some stick mostly to on-the-job training supervised by experienced fire service personnel.

Academy training generally lasts several weeks, with part of the time spent on classroom instruction and part on practical training. You will cover areas such as firefighting and prevention techniques, hazardous and combustible materials, local building codes, and emergency medical procedures. You will also learn how to use various kinds of firefighting and rescue equipment.

As you continue on the job, you will regularly receive training to learn new skills and keep you up to date on the latest equipment and firefighting techniques. This ongoing training is aimed at improving your overall performance as a firefighter. If, down the road, you want to move up the ranks, you will have to meet a different set of training, education, and testing requirements.

For any rank promotion, factors such as your on-the-job performance, a recommendation from your supervisor, and how long you've been on the job are taken into account. You will also need to pass a written exam for most promotions—to become a driver operator, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, assistant chief, deputy chief, or chief. You will probably have to pass a physical performance test in which you demonstrate techniques or use equipment relative to the position you want. You might have to become certified in specialized areas, usually through a combination of skills training and knowledge-based education programs, followed by a written certification exam.

Higher education is another requirement you may face for promotion. If you haven't done so already, you may need to take certain college classes or earn a college degree. For example, many departments require an associate's degree to become a lieutenant or captain. The BLS reports that generally a master's degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field is required for any rank at or above battalion chief. Advanced education and training programs are available through a variety of sources, including community colleges and universities, professional organizations, and state-sponsored fire academies.

Just the Facts

One of the legends told of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 is that it was started by Mrs. Catherine O'Leary's cow when it kicked over a kerosene lantern in her barn. Most historians now discount that story as urban legend. The facts show that the hot, dry weather combined with an overworked and understaffed fire department made conditions perfect for a conflagration. This fire and the larger deadly fire in Peshtigo, Wisconsin, on the same day in October, provided a date for what would become Fire Prevention Week. The first Fire Prevention Week was proclaimed by President Calvin Coolidge in 1925.

The Future

The days of fighting fires by bucket brigade are long gone. Professional firefighters are here to stay, a permanent fixture in every community. Meanwhile, their job is becoming more sophisticated all the time.

You can see this happening even with the tools of the job. It's true that there may be no substitutes for basic firefighting equipment like hoses, pumps, and ladders. Yet even the most basic equipment continues to be improved—made more lightweight or built to operate electronically instead of manually. The same thing applies to developing better materials for uniforms, ones that are more lightweight, heat-resistant, and flame-retardant.

When it comes to the job itself, experts in the field are constantly at work developing new methods to prevent and control fires. They are coming up with chemical solutions to quench fires and computerized models that simulate and solve fire-related problems. They are also perfecting devices such as smoke detectors and indoor sprinkler systems, which are widely used and can help to avoid full-scale destruction by fire.

Not all changes in society work to the firefighter's advantage, however. For example, the size, design, construction, and high-tech elements of buildings today can make the firefighter's job a whole lot tougher. We also have chemical spills, bombings, and large aircraft crashes—firefighters play a big role in handling these and many other kinds of crises. After the Oklahoma City bombing in1995, for instance, firefighters were a significant force in the search-and-rescue operation. Fire- fighters also played a major role in saving thousands of lives after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

As a firefighter, it is important to stay aware of changes and advancements in society that affect your profession. Any number of hot items in the news—from antigovernment groups and toxic waste dumping to the latest pesticide or home security system—may pose new job-related challenges for you. To keep up with these challenges, you can expect to see fire departments\ boosting their standards for hiring, training, and educating firefighters. That is why it is so important for you to show, right from the start, your willingness and ability to constantly develop new skills and knowledge.

Just the Facts

St. Florian, born in 256 A.D., is considered to be the patron saint of the fire service in countries around the world. Legend has it that a person can be saved from fire by invoking his name.

Making the Commitment

What would we do without firefighters? Somebody has to snuff out major fires. Somebody has to make a dedicated effort to prevent them in the first place. Somebody has to be there to lend an expert hand during all types of emergencies. These "somebodies" are the fire service professionals who have the knowledge, training, and courage to do the job.

If that is the kind of somebody you want to be, there's no time like the present to begin preparing for the application and selection process. Along with all the tips and practical guidance you will find in this book, here are five steps to help you get headed in that direction.

1. Get fit. Make a physical fitness program part of your daily routine. You will need to be in top shape to pass the physical performance test in the hiring process and to do the job once you are part of the force. High-energy activities, like recreational sports, weightlifting, and jogging will help you build endurance. You might also want to try the martial arts. Karate, judo, and the like are great for improving your endurance and strength, but also for developing a mind/body connection that can help you stay in control and focused under stressful circumstances. (For some specific training tips, see Chapter 15 on the Physical Ability Test.)
2. Do some networking. The best resources for learning about a career as a firefighter are people now working in the field. Start with your family and friends and then move on from there—you are bound to find someone who knows or who can lead you to fire service professionals. Ask them questions. Get some pointers. Find out what it's really like to be a firefighter from people who have first - hand knowledge.
3. Do some research. Spend some time at local and college libraries or on the Web reading about the fire service profession. Contact professional organizations for any newsletters, articles, and papers they publish. Subscribe to magazines in the field. Don't forget to scan the daily newspaper for articles about firefighting and on topics that affect the profession.
4. Prepare for the written exam. Your test score on the written exam really counts. It's not just a matter of passing the exam. Your goal is to wind up with a score that gives you an advantage over the competition. So give yourself plenty of time to get ready—in other words, start studying and taking the practice exams in this book as far in advance of the exam as you can.
5. Prepare for the oral interview. Naturally you want to feel confident and comfortable when you are interviewed for this job. To help your cause, put in some practice time. Think about why you want to become a firefighter. Think about the abilities, knowledge, and experience you can bring to the force. Think about your long - term goals. Then have a friend or family member run you through a practice interview. The point isn't to memorize what you plan to say. It's to get a good sense of your talents and goals and to help you feel comfortable talking about yourself. (You will find out more about what's involved in the oral interview, and how to prepare for it in Chapter 16, The Oral Interview, which covers this part of the selection process.)

If you really want to be a firefighter, it's up to you to make the commitment. So take these next steps. Get yourself ready. Take charge of your future. A career in firefighting promises many challenges and rewards. All of them could be yours.

The Firefighter's Prayer
When I'm called to duty, God,
wherever flames may rage,
give me strength to save a life,
whatever be its age.

Help me to embrace a little child
before it is too late
or save an older person from
the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert
to hear the weakest shout
and quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling and
to give the best in me;
to guard my neighbors and
protect their property.

And if, according to your will,
While on duty I must answer
death's call,
Bless with your protecting hand
My family, one and all.

–Anonymous

Helpful Resources

Listed below are several major professional organizations, publications, and websites in the fire service field. You may want to take advantage of the information and assistance that these organizations have to offer regarding fire service opportunities, training and education, union activities, and other career-related matters. You can also learn more and keep up on the latest fire-service news by reading dedicated magazines, journals, and websites.

Organizations
International Association of Fire Chiefs
4025 Fair Ridge Drive
Fairfax, VA 22033
703-273-0911
www.iafc.org

International Association of Fire Fighters
1750 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20006
202-737-8418
www.iaff.org

International Fire Service Training Association
930 N. Willis
Stillwater, OK 74078
405-744-5723
www.ifsta.org

National Fire Protection Association
1 Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02169
617-770-3000
www.nfpa.org

Publications
Fire Chief Magazine
330 North Wabash Avenue, Ste. 2300
Chicago, IL 60611
312-595-1080
www.firechief.com

Fire Technology and NFPA Journal, published by the National Fire Protection Association. See the previous information listed for the National Fire Protection Association.

Fire Engineering Magazine
PennWell Corporation
21-00 Route 208 South
Fairlawn, NJ 07410
973-251-5055
www.fireengineering.com

FireHouse Magazine
3 Huntington Quad
Suite 301 N
Melville, NY 11747
800-308-6397
www.firehouse.com

Web sites
National Fire Sprinkler Association
www.nfsa.org

National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH)
Main Page: www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage
Fire Specific: www.cdc.gov/niosh/firehome.html

National Institute of Standards and Technology
Main Site: www.nist.gov
Building and Fire Research Library: www.brfl.nist.gov

U.S. Fire Administration
Main Site: www.usfa.gov
Publications: www.usfa/publications
Technical Reports:
www.usfa.gov/publications/techreps.cfm

U.S. Forest Service
www.fs.fed.us