Showing posts with label 2019 at 10:24AM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2019 at 10:24AM. Show all posts

Friday, 8 November 2019

How To Become A Firefighter In Wisconsin

When it comes to learning how to become a firefighter in Wisconsin, there are two possible routes that most people will take. Some will want to work in the rural, agricultural areas of their homes to protect their own communities.

Others will want to head into Milwaukee or other big cities for a more varied career. Whichever path you take, you need the right approach. So, how can you become a firefighter in Wisconsin?

How to Become a Firefighter in Wisconsin

  • Must be 18 or older
  • A valid driver’s license and proof of residency
  • Physically fit
  • High school education or higher
  • Training now required at all levels

The minimum qualifications here are straight forward but the rules have become tighter for volunteer firefighters. In this guide, I want to talk more about that, the different responsibilities in the state, the training opportunities and some of the bigger departments.

Firefighting in Wisconsin

The first thing that I want to talk about is the new rule about OSHA standards in the state. Each state can decide whether or not to uphold these firefighting standards at a state level.

Those that don’t tend to do so to help volunteer firefighters stay in their roles without too much red tape. This was the case in Wisconsin for a long time. However, the state has recently changed this so that all fire departments must now meet the minimum training standard.

There are some mixed opinions on whether this will help or hinder the job prospects and the work rate of some of the fire departments in the state. There are some issues here with volunteer departments.

In the past, anyone could sign up and enjoy quite a flexible working environment. They could learn at their pace and not have to worry about meeting standards in the same way as those in other states.

This meant that small rural departments could attract more people and concentrate on providing a great service. The fear is that this new rule will put off those that have other commitments and can’t learn as quickly or have access to training.

So, if you do want to be a firefighter here, you have to make sure you have the time to dedicate to your studies to make the grade. The plus side is that all departments should now be sure to provide the very best service they can to their residents.

This lack of clear regulations has led to a focus on the character of firefighters as desirable qualities.

Until now, the requirements to become a volunteer firefighter in Wisconsin were a little more relaxed and based more on the person than their skills.

A good example of this comes from the requirements in Madison. Here they talk about a recruit’s abilities to work within a team with good communication skills, integrity, problem-solving skills and compassion towards others.

Crew members need to be motivated to serve as well as to learn and keep up with their responsibilities. This also means a drive to stick with a good physical training regime. Overall, a good moral character and strong work ethic are the most essential traits. Skills with apparatus and firefighting strategies can be learned – personality traits can’t.

Wisconsin does have a good reputation when it comes to the diversity of its firefighters.

Fire Academies in Wisconsin

Whoever you are, it is clear that all Wisconsin firefighters now need the best possible training to succeed in this state. There are two different routes that you can take here.

You could train with a fire department training division on the job or you can get an education in a fire academy at one of the many technical colleges in the state.

The first program that I want to highlight here is the one at the Oshkosh campus of the University of Wisconsin. This institution is unique because it offers subjects and degree options that you won’t get in most smaller colleges.

There are two programs here: FERM and FEAM. FERM is their fire and emergency response program and FEAM is their fire and emergency administration and management program.

The latter is the only one in the state and is a four-year bachelor’s degree course. The aim to provide skills with the qualifications to move into those administration and management roles in the fire service.

Students here could be the future leaders of the state fire service shaping its approaches for years to come. Learn more here.

Another choice for new students is to take the shorter route to success and try a two-year associate degree course.

These programs offer enough certification to get students into the fire service with a well-rounded education. There is also the chance to transfer credits onto a longer degree course.

This Fire Protection Technician program looks at the behavior and suppression of fire and how to protect citizens in different situations. A perk of learning here is the range of on-site training facilities for hands-on experience. You can find out more about the campus and program here.

Major Fire Departments in Wisconsin

The following is a list of major fire departments in Wisconsin.  While it isn’t comprehensive it’s a great place to start if you’re interested in learning more about how to become a firefighter in Wisconsin.

How to Become a Milwaukee, WI Firefighter

  • Must be 18 or older
  • A valid driver’s license and proof of residency
  • Physically fit
  • High school education or higher
  • Training now required at all levels

We have to start with Milwaukee because it is the largest city in the state. There are 1000 crew members here that work out of 30 stations across the city and surrounding area.

The majority of crew members are paramedics too so EMT and paramedic training is essential here. The department has a range of divisions to help it deal with all of the different needs of the city. This includes 14 paramedic units, heavy rescue teams and a trident fireboat.

Another benefit of working for the fire service in Milwaukee is that they have their own Fire Cadet program to catch the best recruits while they are young. The program is designed to teach teenagers what it takes to work as a firefighter in the city.

It is hard work and the instructors don’t go easy on them because it is essential that they understand the different roles and responsibilities early on. The course takes 100 weeks and includes college-level classes and assignments.

They also have to work a 40-hour week for hands-on experience. By the end, candidates should be able to take their Firefighter 1 certificate exam and have extensive knowledge about the profession.

Many will take this forward onto their careers once they are old enough to join. You can learn more about this program here.

How to Become a Madison, WI Firefighter

  • Must be 18 or older
  • A valid driver’s license and proof of residency
  • Physically fit
  • High school education or higher
  • Training now required at all levels

Finally, after singing the praises of Madison so much before, I want to talk about their department and its facilities.

There are 14 stations here that house 420 crew members and deal with around 30,000 calls per year. They offer services in fire suppression, prevention, EMS and rescue for the local population, tourists and all the university students in the area. You can find out more about their opportunities here.

Job Prospects for Firefighters in Wisconsin

As of 2018, Wisconsin has the third-highest concentration of jobs and location quotients. A quotient of 1.49 and 3.32 jobs per 1000 people.

Looking at high employment rates by metropolitan area, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area of Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin was the largest with 13,090 staff and 2.82 jobs per 1000 people.

By non-metropolitan area, South Central Wisconsin was 2nd highest with 1,120 and 5.34 per 1000 jobs. The Northeastern area wasn’t far behind at 1010 jobs and 4.99 per 1000 jobs.

In 2018, the state employed 9,450 firefighters with an annual mean wage of $40,310. At the moment, the average pay in Milwaukee is a little higher at $44,490, with regular yearly rises up to $74,045.

There are pros and cons to keep in mind when learning how to become a firefighter in Wisconsin. There are a lot of opportunities for people of different minorities and age groups to learn about the profession and join a department.

But, the regulations are getting tighter and preparing for all the tests and firefighter interviews is more essential than ever for the best possible chance at getting hired.

Make sure that you are committed to this journey and work hard for your community. If you do that, you can enjoy a fulfilling career as a firefighter in Wisconsin.

The post How To Become A Firefighter In Wisconsin appeared first on FirefighterNOW.

from FirefighterNOW https://firefighternow.com/how-to-become-a-firefighter-in-wisconsin/

From https://catherinelee4.blogspot.com/2019/11/how-to-become-firefighter-in-wisconsin.html

source https://catherinelee4.wordpress.com/2019/11/08/how-to-become-a-firefighter-in-wisconsin/

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How To Become A Firefighter In New York

If you’ve ever wondered how to become a firefighter in New York, you’re not alone.  The fire department of New York City is one of the most famous and well-respected because of their tireless efforts across the city.

This was most evident during the September 11th attacks which claimed many lives. It is an honor for new recruits to follow in the footsteps of this team. However, it isn’t always easy to join the fire service here or in other departments across the state. So, how can you become a firefighter in the state of New York?

How to Become a Firefighter in New York

  • Pass both the computer-based test and physical ability test.
  • Be a U.S. citizen at the time of appointment.
  • Be at least 21 years of age by time of appointment.
  • Be able to prove your identity and the right to obtain employment in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
  • Pass medical and psychological tests, as well as a drug screening.
  • Demonstrate proof of good character and pass a background investigation.
  • Be able to understand and be understood in English.
  • Hold a valid New York State motor vehicle driver’s license.
  • If applying in NYC, be a resident of one of the five boroughs of New York City or live in Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk or Westchester County.

When we talk about the challenges and requirements for firefighters in New York, we are really talking about two different things.

There are those that want to become firefighters in the state of New York. This could mean as a volunteer firefighter or in a career position in any of the towns and districts across the state.

Then there are those that specifically want to work and train in New York City with the FDNY. There is something special about being a firefighter in this metropolitan area because of the history and the skill needed.

Therefore, I want to divide this guide into two main categories. I want to look at New York City, its challenges, training and department. I also want to look at some of the other options in other areas for training, education and employment.

Firefighting in New York

It isn’t easy to become a firefighter in New York City. This region has high standards about their firefighters and there are a lot of applicants.

First of all, I want to note that this area has one of the lowest maximum age restrictions in the country. If you are over the age of 29 at the beginning of the application process you are too old.

This can some tough compared to other state department rules. There are certainly plenty of people in their thirties in NYC that would have no problem getting hired elsewhere.

Firefighters in this city have a lot to contend with on a daily basis. You have to remember that 40% of the entire state population lives here. It is full of residents, workers and tourists on any given day and any of the major boroughs could see a major incident.

Firefighters here need to be prepared to handle medical incidents, hazardous materials, vehicular extractions, fire suppression in major buildings, rescue operations and much more.

There is also the fact that New York and the Eastern Seaboard around the coast and into New Jersey does encounter major storms. The threat here isn’t as bad as in some other states where there are the tail ends of hurricanes or bitter winters.

But, there are still big snowstorms and other weather events that can bring the city to a standstill. Emergency crews need to be able to keep the city moving, clear the way and help the injured.

Working as a firefighter in upstate New York:

Forty percent of New York residents may live in NYC and the surrounding area but that leaves 60% of the state population in other communities. They all need the right help from highly-skilled fire departments too. The dream for many firefighter applicants in New York State may be to work in NYC.

However, there are 36 other municipalities in the state with either full-time or part-time firefighters. There are also plenty of volunteer opportunities for firefighters across the state. Volunteering is a great way to gain some experience and improve your chances in the hiring process. The requirements are also less strict, and you can work through training during a probation period.

These smaller communities include some of the smaller towns in upstate New York, rural areas and those around the national parks. New York is home to the largest state park in the country – Adirondack Park.

This beautiful area is vital for wildlife and tourism and needs the same amount of dedicated protection as any suburb in the big city. Wildland crews and other rural teams need to be ready to take calls for wildfires, medical incidents in remote places and outdoor rescues.

Skills here can include wildland management, water rescue, rope access and EMT and paramedic training is as important here as it is in the city.

Fire Academies in New York

There are lots of opportunities to train to be a firefighter in New York. Students and new trainees can earn their Firefighter 1 and 2 certificates through a local fire academy, become an EMT and build on their skills across their career.

Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie offers two different Fire Science courses: Fire and Occupational Safety and Fire Protection Technology. The first is for students that want to continue in higher education and learn about what it takes to become an officer and manager of a fire department.

It isn’t just about how to fight the fires, it is about dealing with government agencies, legal issues and investigations. The second is for those already in the profession that want to increase their skillset.

It is ideal for those in volunteer roles in New York State that want to make improvements in their knowledge and abilities. You can learn more here.

Those that want to train in New York City itself could attend the Fire Science Institute. They work with firefighters to ensure that they get the best possible training that relates to their experiences in the city. There are also specialist courses available for qualified fire personnel.  Learn more here.

On the subject of training, I also want to take a moment to talk about the importance of language training in New York. On the 2010 census, 17.6% of the population claimed to have Hispanic or Latino heritage. 14.44% spoke Spanish at home.

That’s a lot of families that will appreciate having public servants that can communicate with them in their native tongue. You don’t have to be fluent; you just need to know enough to get by in an emergency.

A basic understanding of Chinese might also be a good idea here. This is the fastest-growing population in the state due to a growth in Chinese immigration. In 2010, 2.61% spoke Chinese at home. That number is sure to have increased.

Major Fire Departments in New York

The following is a list of major fire departments in New York.  While it isn’t comprehensive it’s a great place to start if you’re interested in learning more about how to become a firefighter in New York.

How to Become a New York City (FDNY) Firefighter

  • Pass both the computer-based test and physical ability test.
  • Be a U.S. citizen at the time of appointment.
  • Be at least 21 years of age by time of appointment.
  • Be able to prove your identity and the right to obtain employment in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
  • Pass medical and psychological tests, as well as a drug screening.
  • Demonstrate proof of good character and pass a background investigation.
  • Be able to understand and be understood in English.
  • Hold a valid New York State motor vehicle driver’s license.
  • If applying in NYC, be a resident of one of the five boroughs of New York City or live in Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk or Westchester County.

As you might expect, the department in NYC is massive. The latest numbers show over 11,000 uniformed personnel, more than 4,000 EMS personnel and 254 stations over 9 divisions.

They handled 619,378 calls in 2018, 27,053 were structural fires and 300,598 medical emergencies.  Learn more here.

How to Become a Rochester, NY Firefighter

  • Pass both the computer-based test and physical ability test.
  • Be a U.S. citizen at the time of appointment.
  • Be at least 21 years of age by time of appointment.
  • Be able to prove your identity and the right to obtain employment in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
  • Pass medical and psychological tests, as well as a drug screening.
  • Demonstrate proof of good character and pass a background investigation.
  • Be able to understand and be understood in English.
  • Hold a valid New York State motor vehicle driver’s license.

If we want to look at some of the other cities in New York State, we can look towards Rochester. Here there is a much smaller combination department with 51 crew members.

They cover an area of 45 square miles that includes the city itself and the rural communities close by. This means 30,000 residents to protect from three locations. Fire suppression, prevention and medical treatments are all essential skills here.

However, there are also specialist divisions in heavy rescue and forestry. This is where those wildfire skills come in useful. You can learn more about their work here.

How to Become an Albany, NY Firefighter

  • Pass both the computer-based test and physical ability test.
  • Be a U.S. citizen at the time of appointment.
  • Be at least 21 years of age by time of appointment.
  • Be able to prove your identity and the right to obtain employment in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
  • Pass medical and psychological tests, as well as a drug screening.
  • Demonstrate proof of good character and pass a background investigation.
  • Be able to understand and be understood in English.
  • Hold a valid New York State motor vehicle driver’s license.

The state capital of Albany has significantly more team members at its disposal to look after the city and surrounding areas. They also have a lot of different divisions and apparatus to handle a wider range of calls.

Firefighters here can expect a varied career with different responses to rescues, fires, medical-related situations and more. They have a specialist paramedic engine company, heavy rescue company and an all-hazards response department. Find out more here.

Job Prospects for Firefighters in New York

As of 2018, New York was the fourth-highest for firefighter salaries, the annual mean wage for firefighters was $73,710 and the hourly mean wage $35.44.

Looking at high employment rates by metropolitan area, the New York-Newark-Jersey City region of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania is the second highest employer with 13,070 and 1.38 per 1000 people.

This area also pays pretty well with $78.840 annual and $37.90 hourly. It is also interesting to note that the southwest non-metropolitan area was the second higher payer in that category. Therefore, prospects are pretty good across the state.

As I mentioned before, if you’re interested in learning how to become a firefighter in New York depends on whether you want to be a FDNY firefighter or in a smaller department upstate.

If the dream is to become at the top level of the profession in the city that never sleeps, you need a lot of passion, perseverance and heart. The city brings more challenges and requires a lot of skills.

But, there is as much to gain when it comes to serving communities out in upstate New York. Don’t overlook the potential of a volunteer post or career post working in wildland management and rural services.

The post How To Become A Firefighter In New York appeared first on FirefighterNOW.

from FirefighterNOW https://firefighternow.com/how-to-become-a-firefighter-in-new-york/

From https://catherinelee4.blogspot.com/2019/11/how-to-become-firefighter-in-new-york.html

source https://catherinelee4.wordpress.com/2019/11/08/how-to-become-a-firefighter-in-new-york/

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How To Become A Firefighter In Minnesota

It may seem like it would be quite a quiet place to learn how to become a firefighter in Minnesota, but there is far more going on than one would suspect.

This northern state is fairly rural with most of the population and industry-focused in one area. Yet, there are different challenges faced in different areas of the state – from the vibrant metropolitan area to the icy lakes in winter. Therefore, you need to know what is necessary to become a firefighter in Minnesota.

How to Become a Firefighter in Minnesota

  • 18 years old in most departments
  • A good high school education and commitment to learn
  • Resident in the state with a valid state license
  • Physically fit
  • EMT training recommended

The minimal qualifications in Minnesota are fairly relaxed as compared to some states. There aren’t the same concerns about age restrictions or training in some areas. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t expect to study hard and work hard.

Recruits here need to know a range of skills to handle the different responsibilities that Minnesota brings after they pass the screening and background checks.

In this guide, I want to look at the contrasts of the north and south of this state. What does it take to work in the northern countryside and down in the large metropolitan area of the twin cities? I will also talk about some of the fire academies in the state and the major fire departments.

Firefighting in Minnesota

Those that want to work for a major city and enjoy a more varied series of calls need to look at working in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area of Minnesota. The 2010 census recorded a population here of nearly 3,700,000 million people.

This is significant when we consider that the state’s entire population at the time was just over 5.3 million. The metropolitan area contains the best of the state’s businesses, sports teams, cultural centers and transportation hubs. That means a lot of vital resources to protect in a small area. It is also home to its own International Airport.

Firefighters here must be on their guard to help with all kinds of accidents and emergencies. The urban population is always going to be at risk of fire, so they need the best suppression methods and training for different structures and incidents.

There are also more medical emergencies here and risk of hazardous material contamination, structure collapse and other accidents.

Minnesota is regarded as the True North of the US because of the location and the climate of the state. But, even those that live in the metropolitan areas of Minnesota like to make a point of heading north for vacations.

Many escape the cities to head into the national parks and up around the lakes. There is a connection to the great outdoors here as people explore the forests and fish in the ice. However, these outdoor pursuits can bring their own dangers.

The icy waters can be very dangerous if people fall in or get trapped in bad weather. Some urban dwellers can underestimate the terrain of the forests, injury themselves and require medical attention. There is also the risk of wildfire in these areas in the summer months.

This means that the fire departments of these Northern districts need to be just as well prepared to help people throughout the year. In the summer, they will see an influx of visitors returning to residences that were empty in the winter. Those that are more reckless may need help from specialist water rescue teams.

Then there are the increased risks of wildfire calls and medical incidents as the population increases. When the winter rolls in, some will continue to test the ice and find themselves in need of ice rescue.

There is also the increased risk of vehicular accidents on icy rural roads and all those uninhabited buildings to protect from fire risks. Vehicular skills, paramedic skills and structural fire skills are all useful in this area.

Fire Academies in Minnesota

Minnesota State has its own school to teach students the basics in fire, EMS and rescue skills. Students here can train in a range of different courses. Some are designed for those that are completely new to the profession while others are aimed at those with some previous experience.

New recruits can gain experience in EMS skills and basic fire training to prepare for entry-level certificates. Qualified firefighters can learn about different materials, rescue techniques, medical skills and more to help improve their abilities out in their community. You can see the full range of courses here.

Lake Superior College in Duluth provides students with a few different options in the world of fire science. There are associate degree programs here on Fire Officer training and Fire Science and Administration.

The latter is part of a transfer pathway where students can work on their first two years at the college and then, if desired, move on to Minnesota state for a full degree. The associate degree on its own should still be enough for most people that want to make a start in the fire service. The full degree brings more opportunities for managerial roles. Learn more here.

Major Fire Departments in Minnesota

The following is a list of major fire departments in Minnesota.  While it isn’t comprehensive it’s a great place to start if you’re interested in learning more about how to become a firefighter in Minnesota.

How to Become a Minneapolis-St. Paul Firefighter

  • 18 years old in most departments
  • A good high school education and commitment to learn
  • Resident in the state with a valid state license
  • Physically fit
  • EMT training recommended

As I talked about this Twin City area as one metropolitan region, I should take some time to mention the fire departments here. Each city has its own fire department that is responsible for its own portion of the area.

In St Paul, there are 15 fire stations looking after calls for fire suppression, medical incidents and other problems. The city has some clear expectations of what it takes to work there. They want someone that can balance leadership skill with the ability to be a team player.

They must also be able to solve problems effectively and show self-control in “chaotic situations”. Finally, they talk about the need to have people that understand the diverse communities of the city and its needs. Residency of at least one year in the city is a must. You can learn more about this department here.

Over in Minneapolis, there are lots of divisions and specializations to ensure that their firefighters can handle every call with ease. This includes the Haz-Mat center and the divisions for Collapse and Urban Search and Rescue.

There are also lots of firefighters trained in Water Rescue, Ice Rescue and Swift Water Rescue in their 19 stations. Essentially, this means that if you come and work here, you can expect to be able to deal with anything that you will find in the entire state. Find out more here.

How to Become an Andover, MN Firefighter

  • 18 years old in most departments
  • A good high school education and commitment to learn
  • Resident in the state with a valid state license
  • Physically fit
  • EMT training recommended

I also want to take a moment to talk about the scale and perspective of one of Minnesota’s smaller departments. The Andover Fire Department only has 55 paid-on-call firefighters that work out of 3 stations.

However, they did receive the award for 2019 Fire Department of the Year, which shows that they know how to take care of their community.

There is a clear community focus here where the residents and fire crews work together for a better city. For example, they have an Adopt-A-Fire Hydrant program where residents are responsible for clearing the area around the hydrant on their property.

This makes things easier for the firefighters to get on with their important jobs. Learn more at facilities and prospects of working in Andover by heading to this link.

Job Prospects for Firefighters in Minnesota

There are two sides of the story when we look at the job prospects of Minnesota compared to its immediate neighbors. The state employed a lot of firefighters compared to both of the Dakotas.

There were 590 in North Dakota in 2018 and 6,840 in Minnesota. This meant a rate of 2:39 per 1000 jobs which is quite high.

However, North Dakota and South Dakota firefighters got $42,980 and $44,710 on average per year respectively while Minnesota firefighters were paid $37,690. The metropolitan area of Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington that stretches between Minnesota and Wisconsin was the 10th in the nation for metropolitan employment figures with 4,780 employed.

That is a massive percentage of the state’s personnel and it shows the draw of Minneapolis as an employer for career firefighters.

https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes332011.htm#st

It is fascinating to learn how to become a firefighter in Minnesota. There are so many different opportunities and skills to learn that could save a life.

Also, while it may seem quieter up here, there are seasonal risks all year round in the north and constant calls in the cities.

Therefore, you need the right levels of passion, determination and skill to make it as a firefighter in Minnesota. Find the right course for you, focus on the type of role you want and make sure that you can provide the best possible service to those in your community.

The post How To Become A Firefighter In Minnesota appeared first on FirefighterNOW.

from FirefighterNOW https://firefighternow.com/how-to-become-a-firefighter-in-minnesota/

From https://catherinelee4.blogspot.com/2019/11/how-to-become-firefighter-in-minnesota.html

source https://catherinelee4.wordpress.com/2019/11/08/how-to-become-a-firefighter-in-minnesota/

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