Ask a Firefighter anything

273 Questions

Last Answer on July 20, 2017

I'm looking to be a firefighter but I am vary tall and my shoe size is 15. for your bunker gear do you get fitted (sort of like a tailor) and the factory makes it to your size? If not do you know if you can?

Asked by birdistheword123 about 4 years ago

Yes, Most firefighting gear is measured to your size.

I live in a sober living house, yesterday the management came and reversed our door knobs, putting the locks on the outside of the door. The danger seems obvious. Isn't that a violation?

Asked by trip almost 4 years ago

You dont mention where you live but yes this considered a obstacle

excape and is usually illegal. If you furnish your state should be able to locate the law.

381 Votes

So you wanna be a Firefighter?

Check our Jobstr's career page for salary information, educational requirements, suggested reading and more!

I wanna be a volunteer firefighter. I have a very clean record, but I'm worried about 1 thing. My car insurance coverage lapsed a while back. I am insured now, problem solved. But I'm worried that it may disqualify me from ever becoming a volunteer.

Asked by John almost 4 years ago

No it is not a problem

362 Votes

(Continued)

Also, would being a volunteer FF/EMT help someone's odds for college admissions? Could that be the alternative for an internship or other thing that shows you are a dedicated kid? (Of course I wouldn't join a VFD for that purpose)

Asked by 123 over 3 years ago

Some communities provide housing and income for college students that provide their ability to volunteer with their fire departments. There have been volunteers that have volunteered for years and haven't been hired cause they didn't make themselves more valuable to an employer with education. So don't think volunteering is the only way. Remember fire depts are running 90% medical calls to 10% fire calls

362 Votes

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Hi you answered my question about joining as high school senior. So between EMT and FF, which do you think would be a more enriching experience if I was not interested in being a professional FF or EMT. (to be continued)

Asked by 123 over 3 years ago

I started as an EMT then went fire, truthfully I get more satisfaction from EMS calls, those are the ones that can count the most. Possessions can be replaced lives can not So anytime you save or assist those in need is all the better.

357 Votes

I am considering joining the local VFD in about 4 years when I'm 17. From your experience, between being a FF and an EMT, which one might be better suited for a teenager still in high school?
Thank you.

Asked by 123 over 3 years ago

There are departments that have explorer programs that start at your age. You can check with the Boy Scouts of America to see if there is one near you. Law Enforcement does the same. I might suggest that you check with your local community college to see if they have dual courses where you get high school and college credit for the class. This can be a signficant boost to a career if you are able to get you EMT in your senior year. Firefighting and EMS are trending to be handled by the fire department.

345 Votes

How long after the station alarm goes off can the truck leave the fire station? In some FDNY videos it looks like the lights go on and then like two minutes later the truck comes out.

Asked by Dse almost 4 years ago

60 secs 24/7/365

343 Votes

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Firefighter

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

I'm looking to be a firefighter but I am vary tall and my shoe size is 15. for your bunker gear do you get fitted (sort of like a tailor) and the factory makes it to your size? If not do you know if you can?

I live in a sober living house, yesterday the management came and reversed our door knobs, putting the locks on the outside of the door. The danger seems obvious. Isn't that a violation?

So you wanna be a Firefighter?

I wanna be a volunteer firefighter. I have a very clean record, but I'm worried about 1 thing. My car insurance coverage lapsed a while back. I am insured now, problem solved. But I'm worried that it may disqualify me from ever becoming a volunteer.

(Continued)

Also, would being a volunteer FF/EMT help someone's odds for college admissions? Could that be the alternative for an internship or other thing that shows you are a dedicated kid? (Of course I wouldn't join a VFD for that purpose)

Also on Jobstr...

Hi you answered my question about joining as high school senior. So between EMT and FF, which do you think would be a more enriching experience if I was not interested in being a professional FF or EMT. (to be continued)

I am considering joining the local VFD in about 4 years when I'm 17. From your experience, between being a FF and an EMT, which one might be better suited for a teenager still in high school?
Thank you.

How long after the station alarm goes off can the truck leave the fire station? In some FDNY videos it looks like the lights go on and then like two minutes later the truck comes out.

Firefighter

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

I'm looking to be a firefighter but I am vary tall and my shoe size is 15. for your bunker gear do you get fitted (sort of like a tailor) and the factory makes it to your size? If not do you know if you can?

I live in a sober living house, yesterday the management came and reversed our door knobs, putting the locks on the outside of the door. The danger seems obvious. Isn't that a violation?

So you wanna be a Firefighter?

I wanna be a volunteer firefighter. I have a very clean record, but I'm worried about 1 thing. My car insurance coverage lapsed a while back. I am insured now, problem solved. But I'm worried that it may disqualify me from ever becoming a volunteer.

(Continued)Also, would being a volunteer FF/EMT help someone's odds for college admissions? Could that be the alternative for an internship or other thing that shows you are a dedicated kid? (Of course I wouldn't join a VFD for that purpose)

Also on Jobstr...

Hi you answered my question about joining as high school senior. So between EMT and FF, which do you think would be a more enriching experience if I was not interested in being a professional FF or EMT. (to be continued)

I am considering joining the local VFD in about 4 years when I'm 17. From your experience, between being a FF and an EMT, which one might be better suited for a teenager still in high school?Thank you.

How long after the station alarm goes off can the truck leave the fire station? In some FDNY videos it looks like the lights go on and then like two minutes later the truck comes out.

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(Continued)

Also, would being a volunteer FF/EMT help someone's odds for college admissions? Could that be the alternative for an internship or other thing that shows you are a dedicated kid? (Of course I wouldn't join a VFD for that purpose)

I am considering joining the local VFD in about 4 years when I'm 17. From your experience, between being a FF and an EMT, which one might be better suited for a teenager still in high school?
Thank you.