Firefighters must be prepared to respond to a fire and handle any emergency that arises. This is dangerous work that requires courage and expert training.
Firefighting requires organization and teamwork. Each firefighter at the scene of a fire has specific duties assigned by a company officer, but each must also be ready to perform any of the duties-such as connecting hoses to hydrants, positioning ladders, or operating pumps-at any time, because duties change in the course of a fire. Firefighters may also be called on to rescue people or to administer first aid.
Between fires, firefighters spend their time cleaning and maintaining equipment, carrying out practice drills, and maintaining their living quarters. They also take part in fire prevention activities such as building inspections and educational programs for schools and civic groups.
Ninety percent of all firefighters work for municipal fire departments. The remainder work on federal and state installations or in private firefighting companies.
Most firefighters are members of the International Association of Firefighters (AFL-CIO).
Places of Employment and Working Conditions
In some cities, firefighters are on duty for 24 hours and then off for 48 hours. In other cities, they work a 10-hour day shift or a 14-hour night shift, with shifts rotated frequently. The average workweek varies from 42 to 52 hours, but some firefighters work as many as 84 hours a week. These duty hours usually include free time which can be used for personal interests or study.
Firefighters face the risk of injury or death in the course of their work and must work outdoors in all kinds of conditions and weather.
Qualifications, Education, and Training
A firefighter must have courage, mental alertness, physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and a sense of public service. Initiative, good judgment, and dependability are essential. Because firefighters live together as well as work together, they should be able to get along with others.
Applicants for municipal firefighting jobs may have to pass a written test and medical examination that includes a test that screens for drug use and tests of strength, physical stamina, and agility. They must meet other local regulations as to height and weight, have a high school education or equivalent, and be at least 18 years old. Experience as a volunteer firefighter or fire-fighting training received in the armed forces improve the applicant's chances for appointment to a job, and some communities also give extra credit to veterans of the armed forces.
Beginners are usually trained at the city's fire school for several weeks and are then assigned to a fire company for a probationary period.
Fire departments frequently conduct training programs to help firefighters upgrade their skills, and many colleges offer courses such as fire engineering and fire science that are helpful to firefighters. Experienced firefighters also continue to study to prepare for promotional examinations.
Potential and Advancement
Employment of firefighters is expected to grow slowly through the years to come. Although there is a great need for firefighters as the population continues to grow, local government spending will limit the number of available jobs. Also, turnover of firefighting jobs is relatively low. Opportunities for promotions are good in most fire departments. Promotion to lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, assistant chief, deputy chief, and finally chief depend on written examination, seniority, and rating by supervisors.
Income
Earnings vary for firefighters with experience depending on city size and region of the country. Most fire departments provide allowances to pay for protective clothing such as helmets, boots, and rubber coats, and many also provide dress uniforms. Firefighters are usually covered by liberal pension plans that often provide retirement at half pay at age 50 after 25 years of service or at any age if disabled in the line of duty. Generous sick leave and compensation are usually provided for any firefighter injured in the line of duty.
