Become a Firefighter in West Virginia

West VirginiaWhen you are choosing a career, you want to find something that is going to make you happy. You need to be able to make a good living, and you want to have a job that you are going to enjoy. When you are hunting for an exciting career that has great benefits and a great wage, firefighter should be one of the ones on top of your list. If you would like to become a firefighter in West Virginia, then you have to make sure that you meet the qualifications for the different departments that might be hiring.

How to Become a Firefighter in West Virginia

When you want to become a firefighter in Virginia, you will first need to make sure that it truly is the right career for you. It is going to take an incredible amount of physical conditioning, and you will have to pass a physical agility test to prove your worth. You still have to keep in shape even after you are a firefighter. You will also have to put your life on the line when you are fighting fires and performing rescues.

Featured Schools:

Anna Maria CollegeOnline BS in Fire Science
Eastern Oregon UniversityOnline FSA Degree
Southern New Hampshire UniversityOnline Degrees in Criminal Justice

Those who want to be firefighters will also have to be able to take and pass a written exam. You don’t need to have extensive schooling and degrees to be able to become a firefighter, but you do need to have intelligence. Colleges and schools for higher education might be a good idea. Getting a degree in fire science before you start to apply for departments could be a good idea. Get your EMT certification as well.

Employment Trends for Firefighters

Departments aren’t always hiring for the job of firefighter. In fact, most departments only have specific times that you can apply. Give yourself and advantage and start training early with fire science programs so you can get your degree.

Salary and Employment Facts

Those who are firefighters in West Virginia can expect to have an average salary of about $58,000 per year. This salary is the average of all firefighters in the state, including those who have been in the fire service for a number of years. New recruits are going to make less in their early years.

Firefighter Activity in the News

The State Fire Marshal’s Office offered a reward that leads to the arrest of an arsonist setting fires in the Huntington area. Firefighters have already had to battle several fires, including two fires at once, both in vacant houses. Because of the circumstances, investigators labeled the fires as suspicious. They are currently offering a $2,500 reward.