Fire service

fire service

About: "Firefighting is small portion of the duties performed by firefighters. Most Connecticut Fire Departments provide Emergency Medical Services to their communities. Approximately 75% of Fire Department responses are to EMS related calls such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, difficulty breathing, chest pain, etc. Other assignments may include Fire and Life Safety programs, commercial and residential fire inspections, community outreach, salvage and fire clean up and many other department or customer service-related activities" (How to Become a Connecticut Career Firefighter).

Training Requirements: Each city and town fire department has its own requirements. Check with the department where you want to work about its requirements.

All firefighter applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Some other minimum requirements or levels may vary from city to city and may include:

  1. Some type of Emergency Medical training;

      • Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or

      • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification or

      • A licensed Paramedic

  2. Obtained a CDL or Q endorsed driver license

  3. Have previous certification to the NFPA Firefighter I or II standards

  4. Pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)

Job Opportunities: Connecticut State Commission on Fire Prevention and Control