Connecticut is a beautiful state, and it is an affluent state, as well, at least in many areas. People want to be able to protect their property and homes. Firefighters, both professional and volunteer, are often the first line of defense in the case of brush fires, as well as building fires. If you’ve always dreamed of becoming a firefighter and going through the training that you need, then Connecticut is a great place to do it.
How to Become a Firefighter in Connecticut
You need to be a high school graduate, and you need to have a valid driver’s license. You will also want to download the Candidate Physical Ability Test, or CPAT application from the CFPC website. You can fill out the application and return it to the Connecticut Fire Academy to schedule the test. This is a physical test for all who wish to become firefighters in Connecticut. Make sure that you include the fee. You can see the updated fee on the website.
Featured Schools:
| Anna Maria College | Online BS in Fire Science |
| Eastern Oregon University | Online FSA Degree |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Online Degrees in Criminal Justice |
In addition, you can find colleges that offer programs for firefighting. You can find a number of approved colleges around Connecticut including state community colleges, the University of New Haven, and the Connecticut Fire Academy. They can help give you the training that you need so you can qualify to become a volunteer. Once you’ve improved your skills and knowledge as a volunteer, you can look to see if there are any departments hiring.
Employment Trends for Firefighters
Around 80% of the firefighters in Connecticut are volunteers, so it might be beneficial for you to start as a volunteer before you try to become a professional, paid firefighter. The outlook for employment in the state is much the same as it is across the country, around 9% growth. However, because so many in the state are volunteering, it might be more difficult to find employment. By increasing your skills and knowledge with fire science degrees, you can improve your chances. It can also propel you to find other careers in the field.
Salary and Employment Facts
The average salary for a paid firefighter in Connecticut is $61,000 per year. This is quite a sum of money, and even though many of the state firefighters are volunteers, you can see why competition for the paid jobs is so high.
Firefighter Activity in the News
Connecticut firefighters lost one of their own recently. Former Fire Chief, and 50-year firefighting veteran Lt. G. Marshall Sanford, passed away behind the wheel of an ambulance when he was getting ready to respond to a brushfire call.