Want to Become a Firefighter? City Encourages Applicants to Take First Step This Saturday

Are you ready to become a hero? If you have ever considered a career in firefighting, now is your chance to take the first step. The Firefighter Training Academy is looking for new recruits and the California Joint Apprenticeship Committee, of which the Pasadena Fire Department is a member, is giving a written test this Saturday, February 11th to determine the best candidates.

The test is a 2.5 hour, 100-question multiple choice evaluation of your ability to think critically and process information. The general knowledge test is specifically tailored for entry-level firefighters in California, so if you’re up for the challenge, it’s time to study.

Becoming a firefighter requires a diverse range of skills and knowledge, from physical science and mathematics, to chemistry and biology, to medical training and firefighting techniques. The test is designed to assess these skills and determine if you have what it takes to become a firefighter.

A firefighter’s role often requires them to respond to medical emergencies and vehicle accidents, which is why many fire departments require them to become certified Emergency Medical Technicians or licensed paramedics. Taking biology and physiology in school can give individuals a head start in medical training. Firefighters also use mathematics to perform hydraulic calculations and need to have a strong foundation in math, including algebra and geometry. Knowledge of chemistry and environmental ecology is necessary when responding to hazardous material and wildfire incidents. Firefighters also need to maintain fire equipment and apparatus and can benefit from classes in welding, woodshop, and auto mechanics.

The City of Pasadena Fire Department is actively recruiting new firefighters and has implemented various initiatives to ensure a diverse and inclusive applicant pool. These initiatives include an outreach program to improve recruitment of women and minority candidates, an internship program to introduce youth to fire and emergency medical services, a comprehensive recruitment plan that includes a firefighter recruitment website, targeted advertising, and recruitment fairs. The Fire Department also has a diversity team in place to ensure that the recruitment process is fair and inclusive.

The Pasadena Fire Department currently consists of 192.5 full-time employees, with 170 shift personnel and 22.5 administrative personnel, according to the City’s website.  Operations Division personnel work 24-hour shifts and respond to emergency calls for service from eight strategically-located fire stations in Pasadena. In 2021, the Fire Department responded to over 17,000 emergency calls, with 3,194 being fire-related and 13,144 being medical-related. In addition to emergency response, the Operations Division also conducts fire prevention inspections, public education demonstrations, hydrant and station maintenance, and a daily minimum of two hours of training.

Individuals interested in becoming a firefighter in Pasadena are encouraged to visit the California Joint Apprenticeship Committee website for full details on the written test and to study hard for the exam.

Visit https://FCTConline.org for full details and to sign up for the test. This is your chance to make a difference, to save lives and help your community. Don’t miss this opportunity to pursue a fulfilling and rewarding career as a firefighter.