As a firefighter/engineer/paramedic I am a public servant, serving the community with the priority of responding to 911 calls. I am called to help in the case of medical emergencies, fighting fires and a variety of other emergency and non-emergency situations.

EDUCATION | I have a two-year degree in Fire Science, (now labeled "Fire Technology"), and a State of California Paramedic license.

HOW TO GET STARTED | Theoretically, all you need is to be at least 18 years old, have your high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent and, in California, a valid CA driver's license. In reality, however, you would have a better chance if you had your B.A. or B.S. degree (in anything). Learn the requirements in your city or where you would be interested in working, contact the human resource department. They will tell you the requirements you must meet to apply for a position with their department. Each city is a little different. After the application process, you would most likely be required to take a written mechanical aptitude test and then a physical fitness test. You would go through a series of interviews and, if you were accepted, then you would go to a fire academy which is generally a 16-week program. Understand what you're getting into before you start the process. Join CERT or go on some ride-alongs. Now is a great time to pursue this line of work as many are retiring.

MUST HAVE TRAITS | Trustworthy, loyal, helpful, physically fit, calm, collected, and possess a strong stomach.

how I got started | I was born to do this! When I was a five-year-old my mom asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up and I said, "A Fireman!" As a first grader I was picked to be the "Fire Marshall" for our class. My job was to lead the kids outside during a fire drill - I loved it! I've always enjoyed helping others, but in college wasn't able to get into a fire science program immediately. I did eventually get into a firefighter 1 academy and then began to take tests all over the Bay Area, trying to get my foot in the door. I kept pursuing it. I started working as an EMT and then went to Paramedic school. I continued testing for the fire service while working as a paramedic and finished up my degree. I started at age 21 and was hired as a firefighter at age 27. For most, though, it is a three or four year process.

why this job?| I like making a difference in people's lives. Firefighters were always a positive role model I looked up to. The job is challenging, it's beyond 9-5 and I am able to help those in need. That's gratifying.

why I love this job!| My co-workers are phenomenal people. I will work with some of these men for my entire career. Our friendship is tight and we know each other well. Our job is very para-military, actually. I have to trust them and they have to trust me. I am honored to work for and within the fire service family.

my typical day| I show up before 8:00 a.m. for my 48 hour shift. (I am on two full days and off for four.) Upon arrival I dress in uniform, check equipment and get my assignment for the day, which tells me whether I'm driving or riding. If I'm driving, I check out the apparatus by following a check list. I tend to my station duties (clean, organize, vacuum, etc.). We may head off to medical or company training, or conduct inspections of duplexes and apartments, shop for meals and, of course, we're always available for 911 calls. No matter where we are or what we're doing, we stop to answer calls. From 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., generally, we are required to exercise. After dinner we are given "our" time, but we may have night drills, go to city council meetings, entertain cub scouts, teach CPR, collect Toys for Tots, etc. I get to bed around 10:00 p.m. but many nights we receive calls so I don't expect to sleep through the night.

what they are | The death, dying and trauma I deal with can be very difficult. Being a firefighter is a "heavy" job, physically, psychologically and emotionally. Sleep deprivation is a very real for most departments.

all about growth | There is plenty of lateral and upward advancement. There are always more classes to take and much to learn. You could become a lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, deputy chief, training chief, or eventually chief of a department.

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