Why become a Firefighter?

Over 25 years ago, I went through the same troubled and stressful thoughts that many of you might have about your future after high school.  What do I want to do?  What kind of money will I be making?  Will the hours be long?  What if I get bored?  What if I don't like what I'm doing?  Will I be stuck in an office all day?  Will I have to wear a tie?  What happens if I get a job that goes away due to technology?  What happens if I don't get hired after I get a college degree?  The questions and concerns were never ending.  I happened to have stumbled across the greatest career that answered all of those questions and more when I failed combat controller training in the Air Force, and wound up going to the Department of Defense fire academy as an alternative.  I spent six years as a military firefighter, and knew I wanted to purse this career on the civilian side of things.  I thought I was going to have a career in the military, but the universe had much better plans for me.....

As a firefighter, you get to be part of something that is far more fulfilling emotionally, physically, and spiritually than any other calling in the world.  You get to help people in need, be their hero when they are in their darkest hour and provide the kind of community leadership that people look up to.  You will make a very comfortable salary while working an average of 8 days a month.  There are not that many careers that offer the kind of down time that is afforded in the fire service.  You typically work a 24-hour schedule, followed by 48 hours off.  You get 'Kelly days' (these are free days off after every 5 or 6 shifts), personal days (approximately one day a month), and sick days (approximately one day a month).  The hours go by fast on shift when you have a team of friends that you work with, eat with, workout with, celebrate holidays with, and save lives with!  It is not a typical office job.  Everyone knows each other's families, and you become lifelong friends who will put their life on the line for you.  There is never a plan for each shift; you respond to 911 calls that will run from the mundane water leak to the adrenaline pumping five alarm structure fire.  You will spend your days outside in the rain, sun, and snow and visit just about every building in your city.  You will meet different people every day and develop a sense of community with those who call your city their home.  The dress uniform will typically be a comfortable pair of work pants or shorts along with a t-shirt.  

You'll have the opportunity to work in fire prevention, training, public education, public affairs, and other administrative jobs that will offer other work hours (typically 9am-5pm, five days a week) and job details that keep things interesting and new. 

The fire profession has been around since the days of Ancient Rome, and there is no sign of technology preventing houses or buildings from burning.  There are no robots that can replace you.  The job is completely recession and technology proof.  College degrees are valuable, but not required to get hired.  The only skills you need are integrity and commitment.  The rest will take care of itself!

Take a moment to look back on those questions I had as a teenager; I've tried my best to answer them.  If you have more questions, please ask.  When you reflect back on the career choice you will have to make, remember that the fire service is an amazing and honorable way to have spent your time and effort on this planet.  By having a servant's heart and putting people before yourself, you'll realize that this is what life is all about.  I'm blessed to have served and want to make sure you have the opportunity to do so as well! - Mr. King