FWFD Hiring Process is Closed

The Fort Wayne Fire Department application period is now CLOSED. No further applications are being accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions ( updated 08/17/15)

You may download and print this information by clicking here. 

Application and Qualifications

1)  Is the Fort Wayne Fire Department hiring?

          No 

2)  Where and when do I turn my application in?

During an active hiring process, the Fort Wayne Fire Department application will be available on our website.  Applications will be completed and submitted via the site. 

 
3)  What is the minimum age for applicants?

   You must be 21 years of age at the time of application.

4)   What is the maximum age for applicants?

You may not have reached your 36th birthday by the end of the Fire Academy.

5)   Do I have to be a High School Graduate or have a GED?

Yes, you must be a high school graduate with diploma or have obtained your GED or equivalent.

6)  What if I have a police record?  

No felony convictions are permissible.

A comprehensive background investigation is conducted on applicants to establish evidence of good moral character, a well-adjusted personality, community commitment, fire service adaptability, and a pattern of conduct acceptable to the FWFD.   A thorough background investigation is important because of the role the fire department serves to the community. The firefighter candidate will eventually hold a position of authority and responsibility.   Other convictions, depending on nature, severity/degree and the time period of the offense, will be subject to review by the Fort Wayne Fire Department.   

7)  Am I required to be a US Citizen?

 Yes.  Proof of US Citizenship is required at the time of the interview.

8)   What form of personal identification will be needed?

You will have to present two (2) forms of identification during the hiring process: driver’s license and birth certificate.

9)   I don’t live in Fort Wayne, can I still apply?

Yes.  You must have a valid Indiana driver’s license to enter the FWFD Fire Academy.  You must be a resident of Allen County or an Indiana county contiguous to Allen by completion of the Fire Academy. 

10)  I have a relative working for the City of Fort Wayne, can I still apply?

 Yes.

11)  Is there a testing fee?

 No.

12)  Will I be drug tested prior to being hired?

 Yes, during the medical physical component of the hiring process, a drug test will be administered.  As a firefighter you will be randomly screened.

13) If you have a class in 2016, how many people is the fire department looking to hire?

We are currently approved for a class of 15.

14)  Can I stop by a station to talk to a firefighter?

Yes, and you are encouraged to do so. The best time to stop by a station is between the hours of 2-4 p.m. and 6-7 p.m.

15)   How long is the hiring process?

The Fort Wayne Fire Department hiring process is a long process, not unlike most public safety hiring processes across the country.  From the time of application acceptance to the appointment to the  Fire Academy, the process can be 6-10 months in duration. Applicants must successfully pass each phase  to move on in the hiring process.  The process is governed by two entities: State of Indiana and the Fire  Merit Commission codes and requirements.   Please Click here for a hiring process component list.

16)  Do you keep an eligibility list?

 Yes, once the eligibility list is established it is good for two (2) years.

17)   I am a firefighter somewhere else.  Do I have to participate in the written test?  What about the academy?

 Yes.  You will need to successfully complete each step in the FWFD hiring process including the 17-week comprehensive Academy.

18)  Do I need to be EMT certified?  

No, you do not have to have EMT certification.  If you are hired, you will earn your EMT-Basic certification in our academy class.

19)   I am already Indiana EMT certified.  Will I need to take EMT-Basic again?

Yes.  As part of the comprehensive Academy curriculum, you will be required to take EMT-Basic course work.  You may not be required to take the State Certification test if you can provide proof and documentation of your current Indiana/National certification and have kept current with your training hours.

All recruits must maintain an 80% average during the academy.  Many of  the areas of study in subjects are specific to the Fort Wayne Fire Department.

20)  Do I need Firefighter I or Firefighter II?

 No, you do not have to have Firefighter I or II.  If you are hired, you will earn both certifications in our  academy class.

21)   I am already Firefighter I and II certified.  Will I need to take both again in the academy?

Yes.  As part of the 17- week comprehensive Academy curriculum, you will be required to take and complete Fire  Firefighter I and II course work.  All recruits must maintain an 80% average during the academy.  Many of  the areas of study in subjects are specific to the Fort Wayne Fire Department.

Written Test

1)   What kind of questions are on the Written Test? 

The written test is designed to assess an applicant’s ability in job relevant skills and ability.  You will be asked to:

•  Define and solve problems
•  Recall and understand written, visual and mechanical materials
•  Observe and accurately describe events
•  Solve work-related arithmetic problems

2)   Is there a fee to take the Written Test?

While there is no fee for an applicant to take the written test, there may be a parking fee associated with the facility the test is administered at.   Any parking fee will be communicated to the applicant prior to the written test date.

3)   Is there a study guide to prepare for the test?

There is no study guide.  Applicants taking the test will be provided study material two (2) hours prior to the test.  At the end of the study time, material will be collected and the test will be distributed.

4)   Do I need firefighter experience to take the test?

No, you do not need firefighter experience to be successful.

5)   How do I prepare for the written test?

While there is no one answer for this question, you may wish to brush up on your reading and basic arithmetic skills.  There are multiple resources available on the internet that may assist you in your preparation. 

3)   Once the Written Test Date is announced can the written exam be taken at another time?

No.  All applicants will be administered the written exam at the specified time.

9) What is the passing score?

The passing score is 70% or higher.

10)  How will I know if I pass?

You will receive notification within two weeks of the test administration date  if you passed or failed the written test component.  Scores will be posted on our website, as well.  Those who pass with a score of 70% or higher will proceed to the CPAT phase of the hiring process.  Those who score less than 70% are no longer eligible to continue forward in the FWFD hiring process.

11)  I don’t have an email account.  How will you contact me?

If you do not have an email account, and/or not able to receive email notification, we will use the mailing address you provided on your application.

Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)

1)   What is the CPAT?

The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is a sequence of events requiring the candidate to progress  along a predetermined path from event to event in a continuous manner.  This test was developed to  allow fire departments a means for obtaining pools of trainable candidates who are physically able to  perform essential job tasks at fire scenes.  

 The CPAT Test
 Candidates will be equipped with a 50 lb. vest to simulate the weight of a self-contained breathing  apparatus (SCBA) and firefighter protective clothing, a helmet and gloves.  An additional 25 lbs. using two  12.5 weights which simulate a high-rise pack (hose bundle), is added to your shoulders for the stair climb  event only.  

1. Stair Climb
2. Hose Drag
3. Equipment Carry
4. Ladder Raise and Extension
5. Forcible Entry
6. Search
7. Rescue
8. Ceiling Breach and Pull

2)   What is considered passing the CPAT?  How will I know if I passed?

This is a PASS/FAIL based on a validated maximum total time of 10 minutes and 20 seconds.  You will  be notified in person after completing the test. 

Additionally, scores will be accessible on our website using the last four digits of your social security number.

3)  I am already CPAT certified, will you accept my certification?

Certification acceptance will be determined at a later date and communicated prior to the Application period. 

4)  What is the mandatory CPAT Orientation?

Applicants will be required to attend a mandatory CPAT Orientation (approximately 30 minutes).  It will be held immediately following the written test. The Orientation consists of a 17 minute video showing the components of the CPAT.  After watching it, applicants may choose to sign a CPAT Waiver or choose to register for a CPAT Practice Program/practice sessions. 

5)   What is a CPAT Waiver?

A candidate that feels he/she is capable of passing the CPAT Test without participating in a CPAT Practice Program may sign a waiver after attending the CPAT Orientation.  By signing the CPAT Waiver, the candidate knowingly and voluntarily waives participation in all CPAT Practice Sessions and is only obligated to attend the CPAT Test Date.

6)  What is a CPAT Practice Program?

A CPAT Practice Program consists of four (4) sessions:  two (2) CPAT Practice Sessions and two (2) CPAT Timed Sessions prior to the Final Test date.  ** If a candidate chooses to participate in a CPAT Practice Program, he/she must attend all four (4) sessions prior to the CPAT FINALTest Date.  Failure to do so will result in him/her being eliminated from the hiring process. 

Two CPAT Practice Sessions – Candidates have two scheduled sessions to receive “hands on” familiarity with CPAT equipment.  An individual can attempt each task independently, as well as speak with a CPAT proctor. 

Two CPAT Timed Sessions – Candidates will have two opportunities to attempt the CPAT in its entirety.  The timed session will be conducted exactly as it will be on the actual test day.  Therefore, if the candidate successfully completes the CPAT during the CPAT Timed Session, he/she will have fulfilled his/her obligation for the hiring process. 

If a candidate successfully completes the CPAT during the CPAT Timed Session #1, he/she is exempt from attending CPAT Timed Session #2 and the Final Test Date. 

If a candidate is not successful during CPAT Timed Session #1, he/she must attend CPAT Timed Session #2.  Successful completion at CPAT Timed Session #2 fulfills the individual’s obligation for the hiring process and is exempt attending the CPAT Final Test Date.

If a candidate does not achieve a passing time at either CPAT Timed Session, he/she will receive a third opportunity on the CPAT Final Test Date.

7)  When can I sign up for the CPAT Practice Program?

Registration for the CPAT Practice Program will be at the Written Test at the CPAT Orientation. 

** If a candidate chooses to participate in a CPAT Practice Program, he/she must attend all four (4) sessions prior to the CPAT Final Test Date.  Failure to do so will result in him/her being eliminated from the hiring process.

8) What should I wear to the CPAT Practice Sessions and/or the CPAT Test?

Throughout all events, you must wear long pants, footwear with no open heel or toe, a provided hard hat  with chinstrap, and provided work gloves. Watches and loose or restrictive jewelry are not permitted.

9) How do I prepare for the CPAT?

Preparation is a key to successfully completing the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT).   Resources have been posted on the Fort Wayne Fire Department website, www.fortwaynefiredepartment.org  including a CPAT Preparation Guide and video illustrating the CPAT testing sequence.

10) What should I be doing between now and the CPAT Test date?

This test is physically demanding and requires that you be physically fit to be successful. It is never too early to begin physical training and preparing for this test. 

Panel Interview

1)  What is the Panel Interview?

Candidates who successfully pass the written test and CPAT move on to the Panel Interview.  A panel of firefighters provide you, the interviewee,  a list of questions.  You respond and are scored on your answers.  This is not an interactive interview.  You will be responsible for formulating and communicating your answers to the best of your ability.  You will be scored by the individual panel members. 

2)  How do you prepare for the Panel Interview?  Are there sample questions?  

Many resources exist on the Internet to help you with preparation.  Often, interviewees prepare sample questions and practice answering questions.  If available, answer questions in front of a mirror, or video  your responses.  You can develop and refine your interview approach. 

3)  I don’t have firefighter experience?  Will I still be able to answer the panel’s questions?  

Firefighter experience is not necessary in any stage during the FWFD hiring process.  Preparation is the key to success.  Be ready to convey your life experiences as items that have prepared you to be a  firefighter.

4)  What should I wear to the interview?  

You are interviewing for a job so professional attire is recommended. 

5)  When will my interview be?   

Candidates will be provided a letter after successfully completing the written exam that will provide your individual interview date and time.   

General Firefighting Questions

1)  Do firefighters sleep at the station?   

Yes.  Every fire station is designed to accommodate a crew for 24 hours.  This includes a kitchen, dorm,  restrooms, showers, exercise equipment, and a TV room.  Sleeping is permitted, as is cooking, working  out, and studying, although you must be ready to respond to alarms and fulfill other duty requirements  at all times.

2)  What are the firefighters' hours?

Firefighters work 24 hour shifts with 48 hours off.

3)  How much do firefighters get paid?  

See Job Information/Salary and Benefits. 

4)  Is there career advancement?  

Yes, career advancement is possible.  Firefighters can assess after seven years on the job to Lieutenant, then Captain after two years.  After five years at Captain, individuals can promote to Battalion Chief.

Additionally, career opportunities outside the Operations Division exist.  Career advancement in other  areas such as Public Education, Fire Prevention, Training and Development, Administration and  Investigations are available.

Other Questions

1)   I don’t have Internet access? What should I do?

Local libraries also have public computers and free Internet access. Check with your local library branch for their specific hours.

During an active FWFD hiring process access to the Internet and to computer terminals may be found at the City of Fort Wayne’s Human Resource Department’s Job Kiosks between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at
Citizens Square
200 East Berry Street, Suite 370
Fort Wayne, IN 4680

2)  Who should I notify if I have a change of address or my personal contact information has changed?  

At this time, if you have submitted a "Hiring Updates Request Form" and your contact information has changed, please resubmit a new form. 

3)  I still have questions.  Who should I contact?

Any information regarding the hiring process is available at www.fortwaynefiredpepartment.org.  After consulting the site, if you still have questions, you are encouraged to call 260.427.1478.

Hiring Process - Basic Rules

Basic Rules to know throughout the Hiring Process

The following basic rules apply throughout the entire hiring process:

1. If you move, change your phone number or change your email address, you must fill out the Applicant Contact Information Change form found on the website at -currently under construction.
2. You must show a valid government issued photo ID each time you report for a testing phase.
3. You CANNOT report late to any test or appointment. Being late will automatically eliminate you from any further consideration for employment. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE.
4. You CANNOT change the time of a scheduled test or appointment for any reason. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE.
5. Any information we are able to provide is on the website.  Please consult the website in lieu of calling the Fire Administration Office.  Due to the large number of applicants, we are unable to respond to phone calls.

Top 10 Firefighter Traits

As public servants, firefighters must have integrity, flexibility, dedication and more

By Tony Vitalie, FireRecruit.com

Firefighters, more than most other professionals, need to possess a multitude of skills and talents. There are also many personal traits necessary to ensure that firefighters are properly and respectfully representing their department and profession as well. This, combined with the unique work and living conditions place many demands on firefighters, creates a long list of traits that are necessary for success.

The firefighter candidate should be aware of these traits, make sure they possess and work on them, be able to show proof of such traits and be able to articulate them in an interview if such a question arises. You never know when an interview question may come up where you need to provide examples of specific times in your life or explain how your life experience or lifestyle is evidence of any of these essential traits. By clearly articulating such traits and giving examples from your own life, you will show the interview panel that you truly understand them and live by them.

There are dozens of essential traits firefighters must possess in order to find success on the fire ground and in the firehouse. Below I have highlighted ten of the most important. These are the traits that were the most frequently mentioned when firefighters around the country were asked to give the top three most important traits for the job. Some of the categories are very broad and could be broken down into many specific characteristics, but for the purposes of this article I have created ten very broad categories. They are in no particular order.

1. Integrity (Honest, Trustworthy, Reliable, Accountable): Unlike famous figures such as actors and athletes, when public safety professionals end up in the headlines in a negative way, people don't remember their names; they remember the occupation and city associated with these stories.

Trust is of the utmost importance in public safety. The public needs to trust us in order for us to do our job. They need to trust us with their personal property, their safety, their privacy, their loved ones' care and even their lives. A firefighter's misconduct of any kind not only hurts their department but hurts all firefighters because it chips away at the public's trust that is so essential. Our firefighting forefathers established a long legacy of trust and respect in our profession that we must continue to uphold. The reputation of a firefighter as being trustworthy and someone you can always rely on in any situation is something that all firefighters are responsible to help maintain.

In order for the team to function optimally each member must also trust everyone on their crew as well. Firefighter's rely on each other in every. Integrity and trust within the crew is essential. You must be able to trust your fellow firefighter; trust them to know their job, trust them to have your back, trust them to keep your secrets, trust them with your safety and even your life. A person who lacks integrity can never be truly trusted in all of these ways within the firehouse or on the fire ground and can be detrimental to the safety and cohesiveness of his crew.

The fire department's primary recruitment concern is that we are hiring people with the utmost integrity. People who will ALWAYS represent themselves, their department and their profession well. As a firefighter and candidate, you need to understand that you represent your department and your profession both on duty and off and are held to the highest standard of conduct and public opinion at all times.

This is why I place integrity on the top of the list of essential traits all firefighters must possess and is what I consider to be the most important trait in any firefighter.

2. Physical Fitness (Ability to perform the physical tasks): Many aspects and the most crucial aspects of the job require firefighters to have above-average strength and agility. Many job functions simply cannot be performed without maintaining a high fitness level. Health and fitness is an essential part of our job and it must become an essential part of your lifestyle if you are to become a firefighter. I had a Fire Academy Instructor drill it in to our academy class that, "Physical fitness is the most essential trait of a firefighter." Although I do not necessarily agree with him, because I personally feel that integrity is more important, I do understand his logic, which is: if you can't physically perform the job, then nothing else matters.

3. Communication (People skills, Articulate): One could fill a novel discussing the importance of communication in the fire service. Communication is essential in any successful relationship. As a firefighter you will have many different types of relationships with different types of people. Clear, intelligent, courteous and open communication is essential within the firehouse, on the fire ground and when interacting with the public. You will need to know how to be an active listener, just like they teach in couple's therapy and live with, work with and get along with a multitude of personality types. You will need to know how to handle irate citizens, use radios to relay essential information to your crew, IC or others, calm frightened patients and victims, console distraught family members and even co-workers, relay essential patient information to paramedics, nurses and doctors, instruct children in the area of fire safety, educate adults in fire prevention and CPR, explain and enforce fire codes to business owners, enlighten residents as to what their tax dollars are paying for, and do all of this with the utmost tact, patience, intelligence, professionalism and courtesy. Some people are naturally better communicators then others, but it is a skill that can be improved and must be improved if you want to not only land a job (excel in an interview), but be a successful, well functioning firefighter as well.

In today's world, and today's fire service, communication and the way we communicate is rapidly changing. Communication is not just verbal. Writing communication is also equally important. We are communicating via e-mail more and more and using computers to communicate in new and different ways every day. Whether it is report writing, or communicating via e-mail, or other high tech avenues having professional written communication skills will also be very important and essential to the job.

4. Flexibility/Adaptability (Low-maintenance, Work under stress, Compromising, Adapt and overcome): These are actually two separate traits that I have lumped together into one. Like many of the other traits these traits also apply to both the fire ground and the fire house. I will define a flexible person as one whose specific needs are few and dynamic rather than many and static. One who is flexible can sleep anywhere, eat anything, do any job under any circumstance, function as a part of any team or group and thrive in any group dynamic, has few, if any, pet peeve's and does not burden those around them with his or her wants or specific needs. Those who are not flexible are instead "rigid", or "high-maintenance". They have specific needs, many pet peeves and are particular about certain things. As firefighters these individuals not only have a hard time themselves, but they can make it difficult for everyone else around them. Firefighters need to make many sacrifices and compromises and have the willingness and ability to live and work very dynamically.

A related term is "adaptability". This is defined as finding a way to change with their environment and overcome various situations, whether they are living situations or stressful fire ground situations. Things are constantly changing for firefighters, from the environment we work in, to those we work side by side with, to the job itself. You must be able to easily adapt to new people, new settings, changing job descriptions and the changing conditions under which you perform those jobs. When one road is blocked you must be able to quickly find the detours and navigate yourself and your crew creatively through any obstacle to accomplish the tasks and goal at hand. This includes the ability to work under stress and perform your job duties under a variety of time urgent, life threatening and otherwise high stress situations. The ability to maintain a clear presence of mind under stress is of utmost importance and an essential part of being considered "adaptable".

5. Dedication (Passion, Pride, Heart, Desire, Drive, Competence, Work ethic): Dedication to the job is a vague and generic term that encompasses many traits and often goes by other names. Regardless of what you call it, it is essential that firefighters are hard working, hard training people who take pride in their work and want to be the best at what they do. Firefighters should never settle for mediocrity within themselves. They must strive for excellence at all times no matter how menial the task may be. They must be dedicated to the job and all that it entails, the glamorous and not so glamorous, the fun and exciting and the boring and monotonous. There will naturally be aspects of the job that some are more drawn to than others, but a general passion for the work, a solid work ethic and the drive to always be learning and bettering yourself are essential. It is too easy to get comfortable and complacent, fall behind the curve and not learn new things or grow as a firefighter. In a field that requires such a vast knowledge and skills base and is constantly changing it is crucial to be pro-active in your education and training and always be looking to learn and improve yourself in job related ways. Firefighters that aren't dedicated to the job, or who lack passion or work ethic quickly fall behind and can become a hazard to themselves and their crew, and stop contributing to the organization.

6. Team Player: Firefighters are a part of team. Being a team player and understanding the team concept is of utmost importance. This means that others are always relying on you to do your job and do it efficiently. When one person does not, the whole team suffers and the team's safety can become jeopardized. The goal will also not be accomplished in the most effective way unless the entire team is working together. Just like on a sports team, when one person fails to perform their job the whole team begins to break down. You may not always like the task you are given, but it is always essential to accomplishing the goal at hand. Your firefighting team mates are relying on you at all times. This team concept applies to virtually every aspect of a firefighter's job and life. Those who like to freelance, isolate themselves, do not understand the team concept or are too self absorbed to be true team players hurt the entire team. Do any professional athletes come to mind when thinking of bad team players? People who, in spite of their talent, always seem to hurt the team rather them help them.

7. Mechanical Aptitude (Technical Problem Solving): You do not need to be a master mechanic to be a firefighter, but every firefighter must have some basic mechanical aptitude. If you've never turned a wrench, or know how your own house is built, you will need to start learning these things. A basic understanding of how things work is important. The more mechanical aptitude one has the more they can contribute and it also lends itself to being creative, problem solving and finding ways to accomplish goals or mitigate problems and disasters. Those who lack a natural desire to know how the world around them works, such as how their car starts when they turn the key and why it moves when they step on the accelerator, do not make very good firefighters. Our trade requires the use of a variety of tools, both hand tools and power tools. Being able to use these tools and understand the tasks we are performing with these tools as well as knowing how the tool itself works is obviously important. This is a blue collar profession like no other. Firefighters need to specialize in many different areas. We need to understand a wide variety of concepts and master many skills many of which require mechanical aptitude.

8. Public Image: As public servants, you must always maintain a good public image. Like it or not we are judged by our appearance as well our conduct. Our appearance is the first and sometimes the only thing people have to go by before forming an opinion. For firefighters the way you look, speak and conduct yourself in public both on and off duty reflects on not only yourself, but your department and profession. Public image is different than integrity. It is how you appear or come off to the public, it is not who you are at the core. You may have integrity, but if you come off unkempt, immature, disrespectful, obnoxious, unorganized, rude, arrogant, etc, it reflects on all that you represent in the same negative way. If you look like a bum, people will see you as a bum. If you look or act like a jackass or conduct yourself inappropriately in public it hurts us all. Again, the many generations of firefighters who preceded us left a long legacy of positive public image that we reap the benefits of. This positive public image is a big reason why the fire service and firefighters are so respected. As a firefighter you need to carry that torch and continue that legacy by always maintaining a positive public image.

9. Tolerance (Understanding, Compassion, Level headed, Thick skinned): As a firefighter you work and live with a variety of personalities. The long hours and often close living quarters, combined by the stressful working conditions can often create tension in your relationships with co-workers. For those who exhibit tolerance, understanding and compassion these same things that create tension can also create bonds between co-workers. Unlike other professions where you can often escape from the stress or chatter of an annoying co-worker after a few hours, as a firefighter you will be forced to deal with them, sometimes for days on end. Intolerance is not an option. It leads to anger and hatred and these are cancerous emotions that destroy a group, and over time can spread to destroy the organization as a whole. The smaller the organization the faster the cancer spreads. Exercising tolerance will help you maintain your sanity, make for a happier work environment for you and everyone else around you and benefit the entire organization. This is not to say you should tolerate the intolerable, but you cannot let the little things get to you. You must learn to accept people for who they are, like it or not. You must learn to accept everyone's differences. You must also have thick skin and not let others lack of tolerance, ignorance or need to find your limits and push them get to you.

It is called a brotherhood for a reason. We do not get to choose our brothers. We do not always like our brothers or sisters. We often have knock down drag out fights with them, but we all must learn to live with our brothers and sisters and get along with them, despite our differences and in doing so we grow to love them and would lay down our life for them without thinking twice about it. This is what the "brotherhood" is all about and why we refer to each other as brothers, and not friends. You can choose your friends, not your brothers or sisters.

Tolerance is also essential when dealing with the public. You will be loved for what you do by some, but you will also be hated by others for various reasons. You will be dealing with people from all walks of life, cultures, races, backgrounds and all socio-economic levels. You will need to learn not only how to deal with, but care for people who live their lives and have chosen lifestyles that you may not agree with, and you must learn to treat them all with the same level of respect, courtesy and professionalism as everyone else. This also requires tolerance as I define it.

10. Self Sacrifice (Courageous, Giving): Self sacrifice means that you are equally concerned with the well being of others as you are with your own well being. Those who possess this trait volunteer their time to worthy causes. They have a natural propensity to help others and have a giving spirit. They also tend to be those we label as courageous, because they are willing to take risks and make sacrifices in order to help others. As a firefighter you will be a part of an organization whose primary purpose is to serve and protect its community. You will be involved in fund raisers for causes that don't benefit you, you will be expected to give both on and off duty and not always get paid for your time. Those who lack this mind set and are more self-centered aren't a good fit. This is why the fire service seeks those who exhibit that volunteer spirit and people who are involved in their communities because they want to be, not because it benefits them. One good way to measure this is to ask yourself if the fire service over night became an all volunteer organization, would you still get involved and want to be a part of it, or is the pay check essential for you to do the job? Also, if you have never volunteered for anything in your life you may want to re-evaluate your motives and whether or not this is the right career for you.

Most importantly you need to ask yourself this, "Are you willing to make the ultimate sacrifice and put your life on the line for someone you've never even met or don't even like?" Would you have climbed the World Trade Center steps to get people out, knowing that you might not get out? This kind of self sacrifice is what is expected of everyone who calls themselves a firefighter and it is a rare and unique trait.

NOTE: You may have noticed that two traits did not make the list: Intelligence and Common Sense. Although firefighters do need to possess a certain degree of intelligence, there are certainly many other professions that require more "brain power" than being a firefighter. I consider firefighters to be of average intelligence, but very well-rounded. The fact that firefighters need to be relatively intelligent people and possess common sense is obvious and these are traits that everyone needs to have to simply get by in the world, regardless of what their job is. I omitted these for this reason and tried to focus on traits that are required to be above average or are a little more unique for firefighters than the average person.

By Tony Vitalie, FireRecruit.com

Women Firefighters

Have you ever considered becoming a firefighter?  With a long history of being stereotyped as a "man's job" today's trends indicate more and more women are thinking of public safety careers. Every day in Fire Service, highly trained women are engaged in firefighting, fire prevention and emergency medical services (EMS) making significant life safety contributions to local fire departments and their communities.  Do you have what it takes?

A Day In the Life of A Firefighter video is a great introduction to women in the fire service told by women in the fire service industry.  The clip was filmed in California featuring California firefighters. While there are some organizational differences in Fort Wayne, the video provides a glimpse at the day and the life of a firefighter.

Video produced by the California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee

 http://youtu.be/iTgtTDADAI8