Have you always dreamed of wearing the coat and hat of a firefighter? Have you always wanted to climb aboard that bright red engine as the siren howls and then race toward danger to make sure others are safe? Becoming a firefighter is a wonderful career goal, and if you are in New Jersey, you will want to know what the requirements for this job are going to be.
How to Become a Firefighter in New Jersey
Those who want to become a firefighter in New Jersey will have to take a number of exams. You will have to take and pass a written exam, and you will have to be able to pass a physical test. Of course, it is also important that you can pass a background check, as well as a medical exam. Those who want to become firefighters also need to fill out a firefighter medical clearance and disclaimer of liability form.
Many of the counties in New Jersey have firefighter training facilities, and you will want to go to one of these facilities and complete the programs. Keep in mind that, even though you may pass the exams and go through training at an academy, it doesn’t mean that an offer of employment is always going to be forthcoming.
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 |
Employment Trends for Firefighters
Becoming a firefighter in New Jersey can be difficult. Some departments are not hiring right now, and some of them have a waiting list of people who are eligible – there just aren’t any openings. You have to make sure that you are able to stand out from the other candidates. Having fire science degrees from quality, accredited colleges and schools is a great way to do that. Having your EMT training before you even apply to become a firefighter is another good choice. These things can help to make you a stronger candidate.
Salary and Employment Facts
Firefighters working in New Jersey have a great salary, with the average hovering around $60,000 per year. This is 5% higher than the average.
Firefighter Activity in the News
Firefighters responded to a serious blaze in Elizabethtown, NJ. The five-alarm fire left more than a dozen families homeless, and many lost all of their possessions. Several people were brought to the hospital suffering from smoke inhalation and two firefighters received burns. It took the firefighters more than a dozen hours to start to get this raging fire under control.