How do I become a Firefighter ? As you may or may not know by reading my bio on Active Rain, I also serve my community full-time as a Firefighter Paramedic. This is a common question asked to those of us in the industry by members of the public that are interested in becoming public safety professionals in southwest florida or there own hometowns. The process is pretty similar for most communities throughout the nation, but this blog will specifically focus on becoming a Firefighter right here in Florida.
First and foremost you have to be 18 years of age or older and have a High School Diploma or G.E.D. This is the minimum requirements that most agencies require for you to become employed.
Next you have to find the agency or area that you would like to perform this occupation. Different departments have additional requirements for employment such as specialized certifications.
Throughout the State of Florida most agencies are requiring the following to be completed prior to application.
1) Florida State Firefighter II (2) Certification.
2) State of Florida EMT or Paramedic Certification.
Many agencies will hire you at a minimum of having your FL FF II & FL EMT Certification or just having your FL Paramedic Certification and some agencies will then send you to the Fire Academy. With our communities growing at rapid rates and Advanced Life Support emergency medical care now the industry standard for all fire rescue and ems agencies to deliver Paramedic's are now in extreme demand throughout the State of Florida.
In Southwest Florida specifically you can obtain these certifications by visiting the following webpages.
Fort Myers Fire Academy http://www.lee.k12.fl.us/schools/tex/Fire_Fighter/FireFighter.htm
Fort Myers Fire Department
2404 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Program Coordinator:
Patrick Flahive
3800 Michigan Avenue
Fort Myers, FL 33916
239-334-3897
Fax 239-334-8794
www.lee.k12.fl.us/schools/tex
NancyVP@leeschools.net
Naples Fire Academy
NAPLES FIRE DEPT TRAINING CENTER
Coordinator: Micheal D. Swanson
1885 Veterans Park Drive
Naples, FL 34109
941-597-3222
Fax 941-597-7082
mswanson@northnaplesfire.com
FLORIDA STATE FIRE COLLEGE
David Casey - Bureau Chief
11655 NW Gainesville Road
Ocala, FL 34482-1486
352-369-2800
Fax 352-732-1374
http://www.fldfs.com/sfm/bfst/bfst_index.htm
firecollege@fldfs.com
Program Coordinator (Firefighter 1 & 2):
MARION COMMUNITY TECHNICAL AND
ADULT EDUCATION
Information: 352-369-2849
http://www.fl-firecollege.com/
fireschool@mcctae.com
To obtain your EMS certification:
Contact Edison Community College http://www.edison.edu/academics/emergencymedicalservices/index.shtml
For information on employment contact:
The Employment Testing Cooperative of Southwest Florida, A Committee of the Lee County Fire Chiefs' Association https://www.floridafirejobs.org/
Florida Fire Chiefs' Association www.ffca.org
Florida State Firefighters Association www.fsfa.com
I hope this information is helpful. Message me if you have any questions or need any assistance in pursuing your dreams of employment as a Public Safety professional.
"Copyright © 2007 by Scott Slocum. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the written consent of the author."
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