Heroes of the flames: firefighters: firefighters are everyday heroes, putting their lives on the line. Here's what it takes to be one - tech connection

Career World, Nov-Dec, 2003 by Tamra B. Orr

The sight of a fire truck barreling down the street, sirens wailing, and lights flashing, always captures the attention of people of all ages. For decades, firefighters have ranked among the nation's greatest heroes, but never more so than after the attacks on the World Trade Center, when more than 300 of them lost their lives. As Ronald Siarnicki, president of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, says, "I can only hope that our nation never forgets those individuals, what they have done for us, and most of all, what they represent to our life, our society; and to our nation."

The Skills.

Becoming a firefighter takes a unique combination of skills--physical stamina, emotional strength, incredible courage, and quick thinking. According to Dean Bradford, an Arizona firefighter and teacher, it also requires a good sense of morality and ethics.

"Good firefighters have certain traits," he says.

"They are honest, responsible, accountable, and self-disciplined. They have to be--because a mistake made at a fire can be fatal."

Bradford explains with a perfect example of how firefighters show these qualities--and more.

"Firefighters do a lot more than just put out fires," he says. "For example, in Arizona, we are also emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Not long ago, a man had a heart attack while he was repaying his driveway. Firemen arrived with the ambulance, and after the man was on his way to the hospital, we stayed behind and finished his cement job before it could dry."

Firefighters are trained to deal with a variety of disasters. "We are there to protect life and property and be willing to give our lives for it," says Bradford. "In other words, we are called on to do everything you would want us to do for your mom or dad. We work as paramedics, and we are deeply involved with the community; providing education and tours for the public." Bradford teaches a variety of classes about fires to high schools, nursing homes, and churches through the station's Community Outreach and Partnership Programs.

The other aspect of becoming a firefighter involves meeting educational and physical requirements. The minimum qualifications are as follows:

* A minimum age (usually 18 to 21) and occasionally a maximum age (usually 30 to 45)

* A high school education or GED, although some departments require a degree in fire science from an accredited university

* No criminal record

* A valid driver's license and good driving record

* Must pass a medical exam, including drug screening

* Possibly interviews and psychological testing

To become a firefighter, you must pass a written exam as well as a physical ability test. The written exam tests basic skills and abilities, such as reading comprehension, the ability to follow directions, judgment, reasoning skills, and the ability to read and understand maps and floor plans. Some tests also may evaluate your math skills.

The physical test will measure how well you are able to drag a dummy, drag a hose, climb stairs, crawl through a tunnel, raise and climb a ladder, and jump over a wall. Many departments also require that their firefighters be trained as EMTs.

The Training

Many firefighters choose to further their education so that later they may pursue related jobs such as fire chief or fire investigator. They usually get a fire science certificate or an associate's degree in fire science.

Matthew Stevens, a 24-year-old firefighter just outside Washington, D.C., continues a family tradition. "Fire fighting was in my blood," he says. "I just loved it. I graduated from high school and moved into the firehouse. I slept there while I was getting my associate's degree at the University of Maryland."

Stevens admits he loves the excitement of riding on the truck. "It really is a thrill--from the sound of the siren to running through red lights," he says with a chuckle. "It's an adrenaline rush to know that you are on your way to help rescue someone."

Stevens works two jobs: volunteer firefighter and paid fire investigator and fire marshal. "Once fire fighting is in you, you can't get away," he says. He encourages young people to look into a career in fire fighting as early as age 16. "New faces are always welcome," he says. "Stop in and talk to us."

Reginald Irby, a veteran firefighter in Philadelphia, spent 20 years riding the fire truck. Then in 1989, he became a counselor for the Employee Assistance Program.

Because of this training, Irby's was one of the teams called to Ground Zero in 2001 to counsel the firefighters working there. "We were there for five days," says Irby. "It was chaos. We just talked to anyone who needed it. Of course, we had to make sure we didn't get caught up in the emotions of the event, and that was hard. I just found myself staring at the total devastation of all the buildings." Irby pauses and then adds, "I will never forget it."

The Rewards

The friendships that develop between firefighters are deep and lasting. "The bonds you have in the firehouse will be with you the rest of your life," says Stevens. "You are family because you are responsible for each other's lives. It is unreal."