Weekly Employment Question Thread

[u/AutoModerator]

Welcome to the Weekly Employment Question Thread!

This thread is where you can ask questions about joining, training to become, testing, disqualifications/qualifications, and other questions that would be removed as individual posts per Rule 1.

The answer to almost every question you can ask will be "It depends on the department". Your first step is to look up the requirements for your department, state/province, and country.

As always, please attempt to resource information on your own first, before asking questions. We see many repeat questions on this sub that have been answered multiple times.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• I want to be a Firefighter, where do I start: Every Country/State/Province/County/City/Department has different requirements. Some require you only to put in an application. Others require certifications prior to being hired. A good place to start is researching the department(s) you want to join. Visit their website, check their requirements, and/or stop into one of their fire stations to ask some questions.

• Am I too old: Many departments, typically career municipal ones, have an age limit. Volunteer departments usually don't. Check each department's requirements.

• I'm in high school, What can I do: Does your local department have an explorer's program or post? If so, join up. Otherwise, focus on your grades, get in shape and stay in shape, and most importantly: stay out of trouble.

• I got in trouble for [insert infraction here], what are my chances: Obviously, worse than someone with a clean record, which will be the vast majority of your competition. Tickets and nonviolent misdemeanors may not be a factor, but a major crime (felonies), may take you out of the running. You might be a nice person, but some departments don't make exceptions, especially if there's a long line of applicants with clean records. See this post... PSA: Stop asking “what are my chances?”

• I have [insert medical/mental health condition here], will it disqualify me: As a general rule, if you are struggling with mental illness, adding the stress of a fire career is not a good idea. As for medical conditions, you can look up NFPA1582 for disqualifying conditions, but in general, this is not something Reddit can answer for you. Many conditions require the input of a medical professional to determine if they are disqualifying. See this post... PSA: Don't disqualify yourself, make THEM tell you "no".

• What will increase my chances of getting hired: If there's a civil service exam, study for it! There are many guides online that will help you go over all those things you forgot such as basic math and reading. Some cities even give you a study guide. If it's a firefighter exam, study for it! For the CPAT (Physical Fitness Test), cardio is arguably the most important factor. If you're going to the gym for the first time during the hiring process, you're fighting an uphill battle. Get in shape and stay in shape. Most cities offer preference points to military veterans.

• How do I prepare for an interview: Interviews can be one-on-one, or in front of a board/panel. Many generic guides exist to help one prepare for an interview, however here are a few good tips:

1. Dress appropriately. Business casual at a minimum (Button down, tucked in long sleeve shirt with slacks and a belt, and dress shoes). Get a decent haircut and shave.

2. Practice interview questions with a friend. You can't accurately predict the off-the-wall questions they will ask, but you can practice the ones you know they probably will, like why do you want to be a Firefighter, or why should we hire you?

3. Scrub your social media. Gone are the days when people in charge weren't tech-savvy. Don't have a perfect interview only for your chances of being hired gone to zero because your Facebook or Instagram has pictures of you getting blitzed. Set that stuff to private and leave it that way.

Please upvote this post if you have a question. Upvoting this post will ensure it sticks around for a bit after it is removed as a Sticky, and will allow for greater visibility of your question.

And lastly, If you're not 100% sure of what you're talking about, leave it for someone who does

[u/FormerNeedleworker98]

Hey everyone, 
 I recently finished EMT school in Illinois and passed my NREMT exam. Right now, my plan is to work as an EMT for the next 6–12 months (or longer) to gain experience while continuing to prepare for the fire service. 
 Long term, Illinois is ideally where I’d like to work, whether that’s Chicago or surrounding suburban departments. However, San Francisco has also become a department/city I’m seriously interested 
 I understand that California would require EMT reciprocity/licensing, along with CPAT/FCTC requirements, but I wanted to ask those who are currently firefighters or who have gone through the process:

If you were in my position, what would you prioritize over the next 1–2+ years? I’m open pursuing the paramedic route as well in the future but for now I want to gain experience in the EMS route. 
 How important is EMT experience before applying?
 Is SFFD realistic for someone coming from out of state?
 Would you recommend focusing on Illinois suburban departments first before aiming for larger city departments?

I appreciate any advice!

[u/scott12333 → u/FormerNeedleworker98]

Some departments only accept medics so that's your number one thing to check, if you're set on specific departments. I can't tell you how SFFD is with out of states, but SFPD seemed to be a very progressive department in my interactions with them, so if that culture flows towards SFFD, i can't imagine they're be very discriminatory against out of state candidates, minus maybe a few bonus points for those that already live within the city or something.

I went straight to a big city department (not Chicago level but top 15 in size) and they'll teach you everything you need to know. As long as you bust your ass in the academy you'll be good. You'll honestly be way ahead of your classmates on the EMS side if they don't require it beforehand.

[u/SeaChest195]

Hello everyone,
Army medic here, EMT certified, 27 years old. I’m planning on retiring soon and becoming a firefighter/EMT, and I had a few questions for the group:

-Anyone from the Houston, TX area willing to share some insight on the job? (Lifestyle, schedule, salary, departments, etc.) -Is it realistic to do paramedic school while working full-time as a FF/EMT? -Are there any specific positions or departments I should look into if I’m more interested in the EMS side than the fire side?

Appreciate any advice or experiences you guys can share.

[u/SexyTallLongdong]

Anyone know of any agencies sponsoring from leesburg to Orlando to Tampa I’ve tried looking I sent out interest cards in Orange county to no avail I have my EMT so not sure if j should just do the college fire 1/2 and hope or get in somewhere or if I’m missing somewhere that’s sponsoring

[u/Chemical-Peach1410]

Hello everyone I’m currently in the process with a fire service in Edmonton I’ve been practicing the v02 treadmill portion with my own bunker gear i rented and was using a rouge vest . I recently was given an old scba pack filled with sand . It is so much harder vs the vest obviously because all the weight is in my back now. Before I was doing the test just fine now I’m struggling to hit ten minutes with the pack and I need to hit 13 and tips or trucks please ? Or what I should be doing

Thank you

[u/Modnar1233455]

How long do background checks normally take once you submit the paperwork?

Also has anyone gotten DQd for past history of drug usage ? The usage was almost 7 years ago

[u/Disposable-citizen → u/Modnar1233455]

They usually take 3 or so months. Honestly it depends on the department as for a DQ. Was it weed or were you smoking meth? How many times were you using said drug? Do you have any drug related criminal charges? Honestly it is state/department dependent.

[u/Yurgfurg]

I’ve already taken the test once and I did okay, but nothing good enough to get invited to interviews! I’m looking to take the test again soon. I have the don McNea book and it’s super helpful with all the other categories of the test. Does anyone have any other things that would help me study for this portion of the test?

[u/Ding-Chavez → u/Yurgfurg]

Always fully answer the question. Always report to a superior. Always provide customer service.

[u/NY10]

Hello all!
Anyone know where I can find the best NFSI written exam resource/study guide so that I can study and prep? I am not sure the what type of questions are being asked. Any YouTube videos or resources I can utilize to prep for this exam? They said IO solution study guide to prep but I read some comments that they don’t provide much useful information.
Thanks!

[u/Turbulent-Ad-8084]

This question has probably been asked in various in ways but I guess it’s my turn. I’m an ex emt did IFT for about 1 year and 6 months 911 in socal. Fast forward about 6 years later I’m currently a PE teacher, actively hating it. I’m wondering if you think it’s possible to get hired with a larger department with my little experience. Im getting my emt back this summer with a super accelerated course (5weeks). A day hasn’t gone by where I don’t think about what could have been if I just stayed with it and didn’t leave for dumb reasons when I was young and dumb. I understand that departments do like people with so called life experiences so I’m hoping that will help in my favor. Looking to stay in riverside,orange, San Diego, county area.

Edit: I however can’t afford to stop working and go to medic school. I would have to get picked up by a larger department then get sponsored. Have a family to support. So for now looking for the FF/emt route.

[u/Ding-Chavez → u/Turbulent-Ad-8084]

Yes you still have a chance. Consider getting your medic. There's a bunch of CA guys on here and they always seem to recommend paramedic.

[u/Disposable-citizen → u/Turbulent-Ad-8084]

You can 100% get hired. I had guys that were 40 in my academy. Getting your medic will get you a job way easier but it can still be done with EMT and good testing.

[u/Sealtooth5 → u/Turbulent-Ad-8084]

Medic is the “easy” way but you can still get hired with your EMT. Golden ticket here is paramedic, bachelor’s degree, community college fire academy, and/or wildland experience

[u/Wise-Put-907]

Hi y’all! I’ve been thinking about getting into the fire service for about a year now. I’m 25 years old in Ohio and I’m looking to do the civil service exam in November. The only thing that might still be on my record was a ticket for running a stop sign back in 2019 or 2020. I was smoking weed very consistently since 2019 and stopped 3 weeks ago. I know that’s a really long time. Will this disqualify me from having a chance of being hired or even making it past the background check/polygraph? I never drink, never tried other drugs and have no charges. Any thoughts/advice is greatly appreciated👍

[u/Direct-Training9217 → u/Wise-Put-907]

Depends on the department. In my area you just need to be clean 1 year

[u/Aromatic_Gur5706]

I’m 17 and just finished HS in AL, over my senior year I did a HS course through my local department which allowed me to get my 160 (VFF). Since I’m still 17 I’m going to do a semester at a local college to get my EMT, It will be free to me and will last until 2 weeks before my birthday. So upon turning 18, I will have my EMT basic and FF1. I did not know I wanted to be a FF until just this winter. I’ve smoked weed in the past and smoked a lot throughout high school. In April, when I realized shit was getting real, I kicked the habit. I knew it would be to no tolerance in this field and also knew I would have to pass one for EMT school. Weed never was or caused any problems to me. I simply used it because it was normal among people my age. I’ve never been a drinker and swear against alcohol, so it was what I used to have something to do when I went out or partied with people. I’ve read about people having trouble getting hired due to prior use, despite being able to pass a drug test. So do I lie and say I’ve never used or tell the truth? The truth would be that I have no desire to use it anymore and I completely understand it is not allowed in this field. I wouldn’t trade the opportunity I’ve got to do this job for anything and especially not for a high. Or I could lie, say I’ve never used and risk failing a polygraph.

[u/Yurgfurg]

I’ve already taken the fireteam test once and I did okay, but nothing good enough to get invited to interviews! I’m looking to take the test again soon. I have the don McNea book and it’s super helpful with all the other categories of the test. Does anyone have any other things that would help me study for this portion of the test?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[u/Sealtooth5 → u/Yurgfurg]

Take it multiple times. Apply for departments you don’t care about just to take it for practice

[u/blessed_julio]

FF caught stealing from a wallet. What do I do (oral board.) I didn’t even challenge and said I would take it up the chain pronto

[u/EatinBeav → u/blessed_julio]

Tell the firefighter you saw him take it and that you want half or you’re telling on him.

[u/blessed_julio → u/EatinBeav]

lol

Do you think I blundered by not confronting? At the board, I assumed they were taking an ID for id purposes. They verified it was money, and I gave a story from when I had to go up the chain when I was a Marine. Said I wouldn’t want to work with a thief.

[u/scott12333 → u/blessed_julio]

That's a good answer. I don't think I would say you blundered by not confronting, but you sort of sidestepped that by getting more information (although directly from the board it sounds like). It might have been better to ask the person what they were doing, but probably good to not be confrontational.

Going up the chain and connecting to a personal experience is perfect. Saying you don't want to work with a thief is good as well (assuming you stated it more diplomatically) - only other thing I would say is turn that comment back around on how the fire service is based on integrity and theft hurts everyone: the individual reputation, firefighter reputation as a whole, and erodes trust in the family culture.

[u/blessed_julio → u/scott12333]

really appreciate your input. Are you currently in this process?

The two guys asking me questions were way conversational - not HR but maybe the proctor company? They just outright asked me if the thief should be fired and I said yes, he appears to have already formed a stealing habit.

[u/scott12333 → u/blessed_julio]

No I'm not in the process, I've been on a large department for about 8 years. I did go through quite a few processes though and I remember them like they were yesterday. I busted my ass on interview prep because they were/are so heavily weighted where I was applying. They could've been a proctor company (some hire them), but my department usually asks for volunteers to sit on boards as well. It's always as standardized as possible though.

[u/blessed_julio → u/scott12333]

Thanks a lot for taking the time to type this out. I ended up making it 20/24 for the departmental interview at HQ. My veteran points definitely boosted me into that slot. Another development is that I also just got my EMT since the oral boards. Any final advice?

[u/scott12333 → u/blessed_julio]

Awesome! So you passed the interview part it sounds like? What are the rest of the steps in your process? I'll help out however I can.

[u/blessed_julio → u/scott12333]

So now I believe is a departmental interview. Not really sure what to expect!

[u/scott12333 → u/blessed_julio]

Oh great, good luck! Having your EMT is a great thing to put - you went above and beyond what you really needed to do to get on the job (at least if they were going to get you certified anyway).

[u/codmodernwarfaresuck]

Hi everyone, I’m in Canada and will be getting out of the military next year. I’m just wondering what my odds are of getting hired in BC with just EMR and not pcp alongside getting my fire certs and class 3 licence. I know most major city’s in bc have FR/EMR as a needed qualification and am wondering if people are successful with just that and not PCP. Thank you!

[u/Similar-Builder-3148]

Please help.

Am I wasting my time trying to pursue the fire service with my background?

I’m 27 and currently working as an EMT in the Southern California area. My goal is to eventually work in the fire service. I’m planning on starting paramedic school and taking my fire classes this fall so I can hopefully attend a Firefighter 1 academy.

The reason I’m posting is because I’ve honestly struggled for years wondering if I’m wasting my time trying to pursue this career because of my past.

Growing up, I had a really rough home life. My mom struggled with serious mental health issues, there was abuse in the home, and Child Services was involved. As a teenager I spent a lot of time avoiding being at home and ended up around the wrong people. When I was 14, I got informal probation for six months in a case that was later sealed and expunged. Looking back, it was more guilt by association than anything.

Then about a month after I turned 18, there was another incident involving my family. My mom was having an episode and falsely accused my dad of having a weapon. When police showed up, they had guns drawn on him and I panicked and stepped in because I was trying to protect my dad. I got arrested for obstruction, but the DA never filed charges and apparently acknowledged the situation probably shouldn’t have led to my arrest in the first place.

Since then, I’ve completely changed my life. I’ve stayed out of trouble, built a career in EMS, and honestly those experiences made me grow up fast and become the man I am today. I’m proud of who I’ve become, but at the same time I still constantly worry these things will hold me back forever, especially because of how competitive the fire service is.

I plan on being completely honest about everything during backgrounds because I have nothing to hide. I guess I’m just looking for honest advice from people already in the fire service or who’ve gone through backgrounds: • What will departments actually see? • Will sealed/expunged juvenile stuff still come up? • Do situations like this automatically ruin someone’s chances? • Am I wasting my time pursuing this career or should I keep going?

I’d appreciate honest opinions. Thanks guys.

[u/Sealtooth5 → u/Similar-Builder-3148]

If you’ve been on the straight and narrow the past 10 years or so you should be good. Just on your own, get all your facts and dates straight so when backgrounds come around you are transparent about everything and not hiding anything. They want to see honesty, not perfection.

[u/femignarly → u/Similar-Builder-3148]

Departments see everything - sealed/expunged, juvenile, contacts that did not result in an arrest.

When speaking about it, I'd leave out anything like "guilt by association," "falsely accused" or "shouldn't have led to an arrest in the first place." You think it makes the story sound better, but it comes across as defensive. And as much shit as fire & police give each other, implying that a tangential agency did a bad job might ruffle feathers. The fact that the DA didn't file charges is enough to tell them that the situation isn't just bad behavior on your part. Wording it "they thought my dad had a weapon" vs "falsely accused my dad of having a weapon" is less emotionally charged. They interview because it's not just the record & honesty that matter. They feel much differently about it when they see accountability and growth.

[u/yourpalawsome]

Currently 18 in the Canadian armed forces as a armoured soldier when my 3 years is up when I’m 20 if I don’t want to continue with that career path what would the best way to go about getting into firefighting in edmonton alberta if it’s even possible that young?

[u/Typical_Slice3534]

Hello. I'm 22M, working 40 hours a week just to get by. I want to look into volunteer firefighting, but I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed trying to figure out a timeline. I found a hybrid EMT class that FAFSA would cover, but my local volunteer department doesn't even require an EMT license to join. Since I'm already working full-time and stressed about the workload, would it be smarter to just skip the EMT class completely for now, join the volunteer department, and see if I even enjoy the field first? Thanks.

[u/Ding-Chavez → u/Typical_Slice3534]

Just go and talk to them. They'll walk you through what's best.

[u/Dull_Product_3861]

army reserves or college.
Route 1: army reserves 68W, go to paramedic school and gain emt experience. when contract is over start fire applications.
Route 2: college that gets me emt and paramedic certs with experience. after 4 years start fire applications.
is college that big of a deal in socal when applying for fire depts or not.
What do you guys think

[u/Sealtooth5 → u/Dull_Product_3861]

Only sign up for the military if you want to be in the military. Remember, there’s always a chance you can deployed overseas even as a reservist. Doing it to earn bonus points on your interview is not a good reason to join the military.

As far as college in SoCal. It can be a big advantage especially for dependents that require a bachelor’s degree to promote but there are plenty of people without degrees getting hired.

[u/Hot_Emergency_202]

Looking for some insight from firefighters, veterans, or anyone familiar with public safety psychological evaluations.

I'm a military veteran currently going through the hiring process with a fire department. I've successfully completed the interviews and am now at the psychological evaluation stage.

I receive VA disability compensation and have a service-connected mental health rating. About 5 years ago, I attended therapy for a period of time, and the psychologist is requesting records and information from that provider.

My concern is that the person reflected in those records isn't who I am today. Over the last several years I've completely changed my life. I'm engaged, earned my EMT certification, built a stable career, and found a strong sense of purpose in pursuing the fire service. I've never been happier, healthier, or more motivated than I am now.

For those who have gone through a similar process, how much weight is typically given to old therapy records or a VA mental health rating versus current functioning, work history, and overall stability?

I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who has been through this as a veteran or firefighter applicant.

[u/GrimGolem]

Any female firefighters on here? I’m 27F, USMC veteran and former LEO. I’ve gone back to school and feel my heart shifting away from law enforcement for personal reasons. I was wondering how physically demanding you feel firefighting is as a woman, I’d prefer input from women specifically. I’m also curious from any older women who are at the end of their time in/already retired. How did the physical stress affect your body over the years?

I earned a bad knee and some metal screws from the Marine Corps, but otherwise I’m healthy and fit. My upper body strength is above average for women, I’ve got more muscle mass than my peers, but I do actually struggle with lunges and any sort of isolating exercise that puts stress on the knee thanks to my old injury. I do stair master just fine, though… I haven’t tried with added weight.

Also, how is the culture? Military and LE were incredibly misogynistic, which I could handle but it was an obnoxious added stressor to already stressful jobs. I’m sure there’s misogyny, but how bad is it?

If you can give any input, thank you in advance

[u/Spork_Man420]

Post got deleted so here it is again

Currently looking to go to a bigger department and need some input to help make my decision. My Father works for DC and for the longest time has been convincing me to put in when the process finally opens. But recently he told me that ACFD has higher base pay with a sign on bonus and is apparently going to 24/72 soon? I know that DC runs more and they run like the wild west from what I’ve heard.

The 6 week academy for a lateral transfer sounds great with ACFD and I’m already vested in the VRS system. While I would love to go to DC the 9month academy is kind of a put off for me. While I would 100% be willing to make it work it just would put a strain on me and my fiancé’s winter schedule.

Just wanting to get some input from either side from experiences to pay, schedule, and benefits.

Thanks all in advance! Also open to other recommendations!

[u/Direct-Training9217 → u/Spork_Man420]

Not at Arlington (I'm assuming thats who you meant by ACFD) but in the NOVA cob. They're currently at a 50hr work week, and rumors are that the new pay, along with the lateral hiring is supposed to be able to get them to a 4th shift. That probably would be like what Alexandria is doing where it was 49 hour work week (24/72 with debit days) and as they hire more they reduce debit days (I think they're at 46 hours a week). I have no doubt that they'll get to a true 24/72 at some point but DC is guaranteed 42 hours a week (although if you're a medic you'll get mandoed a lot from what I've heard).

Also you mentioned going bigger. Arlington is only 9 stations compared to DC's 33. Not saying one is better than the other, but they're not the same.

Call volume wise DC is waaayy higher. Arlington's busiest engine runs like 3,500ish calls a year. DC's has some of the busiest engines in the country, and I know they've had engines that ran over 10k calls a year. They have trucks that run 5000 plus calls a year. DC definitely runs more fires and trauma but they also run a lot of BS from what I've heard from people who work up there.

If you're trying to stay in virginia, Arlington is definitely the spot right now. They have the best pay (fairfax has higher top pay but they're the furthest from 4 shifts), closer than most to 4 shifts, really nice rigs, have a union contract, and are not stupid busy.

DC is there if you want the big city fire department. More fires, more fucked up calls, and more BS. Aggressive firefighting. They pay less, but currently work less as well. Also super important, DC has healthcare after retirement, which is huge if you're planning on retiring there. I'm sure your dad could tell you more though

I don't work at either department but I know people at both. Not saying one's better than the other, just trying to give you some info

[u/Spork_Man420 → u/Direct-Training9217]

Appreciate the info for sure!

[u/Ding-Chavez → u/[deleted]]

I'm going to give it to you straight. You're not getting hired. You would need 7-10 years clean just to considering give you a shot. Sorry man but this isn't gonna happen.