How to Become a Firefighter
Prerequisites
Firefighting is a very fulfilling career with many rewards. Like
many careers, becoming a firefighter begins with a foundation in
education. At the City of Rocklin Fire Department you must
possess a valid State of California Firefighter 1 Certification,
and a State of California Paramedic license to be considered for
appointment. You must also be 18 years old, a high school
graduate (or equivalent), be a citizen of the United States, and
possess a valid California driver’s license.
The hiring process is very competitive so these minimums should
be considered a starting point. Firefighter candidates also face
very thorough background investigations and medical examinations
– so staying out of trouble and in excellent physical condition
should be considered prerequisites as well. Many new firefighters
have degrees in fire science or related fields and coursework in
state certification programs already underway – a requirement for
future promotional opportunities.
Job Duties
Under supervision, takes direction, and performs as a team
member, all operations necessary to ensure the confinement and
extinguishment of fires or other hazardous conditions, and
maintains a state of readiness to respond to emergency calls.
This includes, but is not limited to, the following duties and
responsibilities:
Responds to various emergency calls including structural and
environmental fires, traffic collisions, hazardous material
spills, and medical aids. Connects and lays hose lines, selects
and operates hose nozzles according to conditions and supervisors
directions, directs hose water onto fire, or provides back up by
feeding hose line; operates other fire extinguishing appliances.
Performs search and rescue procedures, utilizing hand and power
tools, hydraulic tools, portable saws, power generators, ropes,
webbing, and similar equipment.
Performs ventilation or entry procedures by opening up walls and
other structures with the use of hand or power tools; raises,
lowers, and climbs ladders to access buildings or rescue persons;
make forcible entry into, and enters burning buildings or other
locations. Provides medical aid to injured persons according to
scope of practice that is allowed by local Emergency Medical
Services or departmental authority, operates any and all related
emergency medical equipment that may be provided and is allowed
within your scope of practice. Performs salvage and overhaul
procedures to protect property by using salvage covers, brooms,
mops, shovel, and similar equipment.
Participates in drills, demonstrations, and courses in
firefighting techniques, medical aid, heavy rescue, hazardous
materials, equipment maintenance and related areas; studies local
conditions and factors affecting fire operations; studies
departmental policy and safety procedures; studies inspection
regulations and prevention rules; maintains physical fitness and
health.
Provides business inspections and performs follow up procedures
to insure compliance to Fire Codes, National Electric Code,
Uniform Building Codes, state, local and regional codes;
participates in local school fire prevention programs by
presenting or preparing presentations; performs station tours,
and other public education activities to promote fire safety and
public awareness; completes appropriate paperwork.