volunteers corner ❘ By NICK CABRAL
A phrase not often heard in today’s workforce is “I love my job!” However, when I am asked about my job, it is always my reply.Firefighters inherently love their job, and what’s not to love? I go to work with my best friends; get to ride around in big red trucks; go through adrenaline highs and lows; help people get through their worst moments in life; and, when the craziness of the shift calms down, sit and a have a dinner with what has become my family.
You don’t run into many firefighters who are truly dissatisfied with their job. Sure, there are always going to be a few exceptions, but firefighters tend to be generally happy to do what they do. When you’re ready to “get on the job,” I hope to be of help.
This article addresses life before “getting on the job.” It is impossible for me to guide you through the testing process for every department, but you can reasonably expect some type of written exam, a physical agility test, and an oral interview. Before you even begin testing, think about your life before the application.
In the Beginning
The drive to be a firefighter doesn’t just start the day you see an exam announcement. Many candidates seeking career positions have found and fostered that drive while volunteering in their communities. Being a volunteer firefighter isn’t always a requirement, but it may be for some agencies. Some departments even “reward” volunteer firefighters with extra points in the testing process. My department, for example, offers one extra point for having Firefighter I certification as well as an additional point for having Firefighter II certification. Points are applied to the overall finishing score after a candidate has successfully met the minimum standard for continuing the hiring process. In a world where tenths of a point could mean the difference between shipping off to the academy and not making the eligibility list, two points can be a huge advantage.
Being a volunteer has many other advantages as well, such as gaining additional experience, training, and education. Many volunteer departments help you become an emergency medical technician (EMT), which may be a requirement before you can even apply to a department; although this isn’t always the case, it is becoming more so as time goes on. You can certainly become an EMT on your own, but doing so with the support network of a volunteer fire or an emergency medical services (EMS) department can really help.
The Testing Process
Chances are, if you’re reading Fire Engineering, you’re already a volunteer firefighter. So, here are some words of caution: The testing process doesn’t care about how many fires you’ve already been to; how many years you’ve been voted in as a chief, a captain, or a lieutenant in your volunteer house; or how many certification stripes you have on your shoulder patch. You do not automatically get the job. The testing process is designed for the inexperienced civilian and volunteer firefighter alike. Being the top responder 10 years in a row at your department is noble and shows enthusiasm, but it isn’t going to help you when taking the written exam.
Remain humble during the hiring process. You can highlight some of the noteworthy things from your volunteer experience, but no examiner wants to listen to a 10-minute diatribe of all of your certifications. Statements such as, “I am a state-certified firefighter and have been a volunteer for X years; this experience has helped me realize that I can handle the work and I have the drive and motivation to do it,” will work much better than trying to prove to the examiners you’re a “super-duper” firefighter.
For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a firefighter—a Danbury (CT) Fire Department firefighter, to be exact. Everything I did in my younger years was geared toward reaching this goal. I rarely got in trouble (or got caught anyway). I joined the Civil Air Patrol cadet program, working my way up the chain of command to become a cadet commander. I joined a volunteer firehouse at 16 years old, and I enlisted in the Connecticut Army National Guard.
The things you do in life before testing to become a career firefighter matter—for example, serving in the military. All military branches have a certain set of core values. For the Army, every soldier is taught to live by seven values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. In the interview process, these values shine through if you live up to them on a daily basis.
Military veterans are often given extra points on an exam as if they were a volunteer firefighter. However, do not treat this process as a promotional or “soldier of the year” board. Sitting at attention and in the stoic manner in which these interviews are conducted does not bode well with fire test examiners; they are looking for a more personal experience.
Of course, you don’t have to have served in the military to have values. Every member of society has some values. Values are defined as a person’s principles or standards of behavior—one’s judgment of what is important in life. If your core values are dishonesty, distrust, or deceit, you’re not going to make the cut. If you believe in integrity, respect, and duty, you’ll do much better in the process. It’s not just saying the words; it’s living up to those values.
General Norman Schwarzkopf once said, “The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it.” It is a simple sentiment but one that successful candidates understand. Departments look for the right candidate to fit their values. Does anyone really think a department is looking for someone whose core values don’t reflect a positive image? Stand up for what you believe in, and do the right thing! Live a life of worthy of respect.
Preparation
A chief operating officer does not go to a board meeting without having his facts straight. A Navy SEAL does not go into battle unprepared. Do not start the process of becoming a career firefighter without being ready.
There will be a physical fitness test, so have your body ready! Don’t fall into the trap that you will pass the fitness test with only a week’s preparation. Some states, like Connecticut, offer a standardized candidate physical ability test (CPAT) that you can take on your own (which I highly recommend). Then, there is no question of whether you have what it takes. Take a CPAT annually (at minimum) while you’re testing for fire department jobs. Some departments will place candidates who already have a valid CPAT card ahead of those who do not. Other departments may require you to have a CPAT card prior to the exam process.
Next, do not wait until the written exam announcement to start studying! You can find a multitude of available resources to help you study at any bookstore. If you have a certain fire department in mind, call its civil service or personnel office and ask which study guide may be best for its particular test. Research the Internet for tips and practice tests. Practice basic mathematical skills, vocabulary, and reading comprehension continually, not just right before the examination. The readiness process begins when you decide to pursue a career in firefighting; this process must never stop.
There will most likely be at least one type (or maybe even two or three types) of oral interviews. Be prepared to answer questions about yourself, your values, and your understanding of what is right and wrong. Always go to an oral interview in professional attire, and always act professionally. Have a prepared answer to the questions, “Tell us about yourself” and “Why do you want to be a firefighter in this city?” Prior to your interview, search the Internet for common oral board interview questions or seek the help of a compensated interview preparedness counselor.
When you finally apply to a department, know the department and its jurisdiction. If you travel the country taking tests, hoping to get on the job anywhere, you are already at a disadvantage. Departments like to see people who are going to be committed to their cities or towns. You don’t need to be an expert on the city or town, but do some basic research and know some basic facts about it. How many firefighters serve in the department? What is the city population? What is the ethnic makeup of the city? These basic facts will help you better understand the department for which you are applying, will show the examiners that you care about their city, and will help them decide if you fit in there.
The task of becoming a career firefighter can be an arduous one. You must always seek to improve and never give up. You may get hired after your first test, or your first hiring may take years. Maintain the “warrior” spirit and never quit. Be prepared. Be hungry. Be successful.
NICK CABRAL is a lieutenant with the Danbury (CT) Fire Department, an engine company officer, and a Region 5 Hazmat Team member. He is an 11-year career fire service veteran, with eight years of past volunteer experience. Cabral is also an Army veteran and a certified firefighter I and II, fire officer I, fire service instructor, incident safety officer, rope rescue technician, advanced emergency medical technician, pump operator, and aerial operator.
