Ohio becomes the fourth biggest firefighter employing state with 18,670 firefighters as of May 2017, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
So, how to become a firefighter in Ohio?
Main requirements to become a firefighter in Ohio
Before going into a job application, it is important to know first the requirements of the company to avoid wasting time for both of you.
Before planning to apply to a firefighter in Ohio, you must have to consider the following qualifications and make sure you have all of these.
Make your checklist of the things you need to know on how to become a firefighter in Ohio.
So, this is the first step to the way of becoming one of the firefighters in Ohio who are bravely fighting fires and saving all in need in tragedy.
- Must be at the legal age which is at least 18 years of age
We all know that 18 years of age is the legal age in short at this age is a legal age to apply for a job.
It is the first requirement that you need to know, if you are 18 years of age or beyond and want to become a firefighter of Ohio, then you are qualified for this.
- Must a citizen of United States
Another qualification to become a firefighter of Ohio is citizenship. If you have documents that prove that you are a citizen of the United States, then keep it because it can help you in applying for this job and get the career you desire.
Of course, the country will prioritize the residents of their own country or those who belong within the jurisdiction.
- Must be high school diploma holder or General Educational Development certificate holder
The education qualification of a firefighter is at least a high school graduate or has a GED certificate or relating achievements.
High attainment in education does not matter if you want to apply or, you want to become a firefighter in Ohio. As long as you are dedicated, have a strong will, and willing to be trained, then you are qualified in this field.
- Must have a valid driver’s license
A valid driver’s license is a must if you are going to apply for a firefighter. Besides, it is essential to know how to operate vehicles to operate it in times of emergency.
Every firefighter must know how to manage all the types of equipment for better and fast response to emergency happenings.
Driving without a license is illegal, and it is the reason that a valid driver’s license is a must. If you do not own a driver’s license yet, then time for you to own one.
Checking all those qualifications and comply. If all are done, then it time for you to check on the second step of qualifications. Let us proceed to the second qualification in becoming a firefighter in Ohio.
- Physical examinations
A physically fit person is what the fire department is needed to become part of the team. Before you apply to the fire department for firefighter, make sure you are physically fit.
Do some training and exercise that will make you fit and strong. A firefighter can manage to work well with heavy types of equipment like ladder and hoses.
Besides, a firefighter must manage to work and move with heavy gear. Carrying heavy equipment and wearing heavy gears is the work of firefighters, physical fitness is important.
- Background Investigation
Background investigation is one of the requirements for becoming a firefighter in Ohio. It includes investigating criminal records or police records.
No company wants to hire criminals and work with them. Background checking is the best way to trace if the person has criminal records or not.
Also, you will be asked personal questions or personal history by the interviewer and let you write it on paper; or you will be given a questionnaire and write down the exact answers for questions.
After that process, the applicant will undergo a polygraph test to assure that he or she is not lying.
- Undergo physical or oral interview and offers
After checking the applicant’s background and pass, the next step is to undergo an oral interview with some of the board of fire departments and representatives.
Applicants will be rated based on the performance of the oral interview, how you answer questions, and how you engage with the interviewer.
After that, the board of fire protection will make recommendations to the Director of Public Safety. It is the Director of Public Safety will make conditions and employment offer to the applicant.
- Undergo psychological and medical exams
If you have agreed with the conditions and company offer, then the next step is letting you undergo medical and psychological examinations.
Medical examinations include general vision check-up, cardiovascular, and stress tests, as well as psychological assessment. It graded as a pass/failed basis.
The vision result must be correctable to 20/30 and not exceeding to 20/100 in each eye. Moreover, alcohol dependence and narcotics are prohibited. Being positive to illegal drugs or alcohol will automatically rate as failed.
- Undergo Fire Academy trainings
If the applicant passed all the steps above, then this is the final stage for the applicant to take. It is the time that the applicant will meet the Director of Public Safety face to face and do the agreement of employment offer.
Right after the agreement was accepted by the applicant, training on Fire Academy will serve right away.
The training will last for about four to six months. It is a paid training, right after the graduation the applicant start with the one-year probationary period.
Some Fire Academy curriculum adds the Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic training certification.
Conclusion
The work of firefighters is not easy, as well as the requirement to get in. However, it is rewarding if you will become one of those brave firefighters of Ohio.
Prepare the entire document, and comply with the requirement as soon as possible. Welcome to the world of the firefighter team. Make your dream come true.