*Job
Description:
Each year fire
destroys property and takes thousands if lives. Fire fighters must
respond quickly in these emergencies to save lives and properties.
Fighting fires require organization and teamwork. Each fire fighter has
a specific duty assigned to him by a superior officer. The assignments
include hooking up the hoses to hydrants, operating the pump and
setting up ladders. Sometimes the Police has to be called to keep back crowds and onlookers.
Fire fighters often go into
burning buildings to rescue victims. It may take hours to get a fire
under control and sometimes fire fighters stay at the site for days
rescuing trapped survivors. Besides fighting fires they also respond to
medical emergencies.
Between
calls, fire fighters will clean and check the condition of their fire
and rescue equipment. They will take part in fire and safety training
and participate in some type of exercise activity.
*Education/Training:
Individuals
applying for municipal fire fighting jobs usually have to pass a
written exam; tests of strength, physical stamina and coordination;
they will have a medical examination which will include drug testing.
Individuals 18 years or older with at least a high school education can
take the exam to become a fire fighter. Of course those that score the
highest have a better chance of getting hired. In the larger fire
departments individuals are trained for several weeks at the
departments training center. Almost all fire departments require fire
fighters to be certified as EMTs. Many fire fighters continue taking
courses to improve their performance and prepare for promotions in
higher level positions.
*Job
Outlook:
Becoming a fire fighter
attracts many individuals and consequently the number of qualified
applicants in most locales exceed the number of job openings. Those
with some fire fighting education along with being EMT certified and
who are physically fit and score high on the exams will definitely have
an advantage. Firefighter job openings are expected to grow between 18%
to 26% through 2014.
*Working
Conditions:
Fire fighters are often
exposed to hazardous chemicals and work long irregular hours. They are
at risk at being injured or even death from floors collapsing or walls
falling in. They have to wear heavy protective gear that gets very hot.
They go into dangerous neighborhoods where the Police
have to come for their protection. Most of a fire fighters time is
spent at the fire station. Fire fighters work longer hours than most
workers. Many fire fighters work 50 hours a week or more. They often
work 10 or 24 hour shifts.
*Estimated
Average Annual Earnings:
$42,239. A
fire fighter salary also depends on location, area size, population,
overtime, etc.
Pursuing a
fire fighting career and becoming a fire fighter is both challenging
and rewarding, which should provide you with job security for years to
come.
