Texan pride is something that infects everyone who makes the state his or her home. If you are a resident of Texas and you are looking for a career that will let you give back to your community, then consider becoming a firefighter. While you don’t need to have degrees to be a firefighter, you are going to have to go through some rigorous training, and you will have to make sure that you can meet all of the requirements of the job.
How to Become a Firefighter in Texas
You are going to have to do several things if you want to be a firefighter in Texas. You have to be able to pass written exams and physical exams that come from the different departments. The testing process is similar for all departments, but you might find that different locations have varying requirements in order to become a firefighter. Make sure that you understand the requirements of the department you are considering.
You will have to complete a basic training course that meets the requirements of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, and you will have to complete a fire suppression training program certified by the Fire Service Accreditation Congress, or the State Firemen’s and Marshal’s Association of Texas.
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You will also have to have certification as an EMT through schools or training programs at colleges. If you already have certification, or you are going to get it, be aware that they accept certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, the American Safety and Health Institute, the American Red Cross Emergency Response Course, and the Department of State Health Services Emergency Medical Service Personnel. They also offer EMT training programs at the fire academy.
Employment Trends for Firefighters
Employment as a firefighter can seem hard to come by in Texas, people don’t give up these jobs. The growth rate in the state is similar to the 9% growth across the country. However, you shouldn’t stop after applying to only one department. Be willing to look into moving to other areas of the state and apply there.
Salary and Employment Facts
The average salary for a firefighter in Texas is around $53,000, although this varies depending on experience. The location can also cause the salary to be higher or lower. Those in larger cities such as San Antonio will likely make more than those at a smaller department will.
Firefighter Activity in the News
Texas is a huge state that has many different types of environments, and this means that most firefighters are going to have to know how to fight structure fires, as well as have a familiarity with wildfires. The warmer months are on their way, and that means more fires.