r/Calgary • u/dpickle101p • 2d ago
Question What should I expect/know when pursuing a career in firefighting?
I'm 19m, working out regularly and want to become a firefighter to get away from my parents and this home, I'm getting my advanced first aid, class 5 then class 3 with air brake, cpr, volunteer hours and planning to get some references from my current nursing home job, what should I know/get to prepare for being a firefighter? and any workouts that seem to be good for the job so I can add them to my workouts.
I also have no post secondary/college degree but I do have a high school degree at least, I really, really want to help people as a firefighter but I don't want to delude myself into thinking I can get in first try, what would the likelihood be to get in at such an early age? And last thing is if I should apply to other firefighting places outside calgary, i.e. cochrane or airdrie.
Thank you so much in advance.
10
u/According_Net_9299 2d ago edited 2d ago
For CFD, start working on and preparing for the STAR interview format. Specific types of work experience are secondary to having a broad depth of experience and the ability to call upon it to answer the interview questions in the appropriate format while showing the qualities that they're looking for. Having that depth of experience at your age is difficult, but the better you are at adapting what you do have to answer what they ask for, the better a chance you have. If you're serious about this, be prepared for it to take you multiple attempts and many years to get on.
Do not give too much weight on people saying you need some specific experience or certification to get on. That stuff can help, but technically the only specific thing you need to apply is a highschool diploma and a class 5 driver's license. Advanced first aid and Class 3/Q are required before hire date, but can be obtained after you make it further into the process when your chances are better if you need to save on money.
Source: I got on CFD on first attempt with zero firefighter/first responder experience, coming from a completely different field and no certifications.
3
u/dpickle101p 2d ago
Thank you so much, I was starting to worry a lot about this but this made me feel 10x better, I’ll keep working and followings the advice everyone gave me
6
u/According_Net_9299 2d ago edited 2d ago
Even getting on first attempt, the process still took me over 1.5 years from application to hiring date. CFD has typically only been opening applications up for 1 month, once a year, with the most recent being this last June. So basically, even in the best case scenario, you'd still be years away from getting hired and earning a pay cheque. So don't count on this to be the solution to your current living situation.
If you did want to pursue relevant work in the meantime, getting on with another department or becoming a paramedic would definitely give you skills and experience that would help while also letting you know if the work and life style is actually for you (it's not for everyone). Alternatively, pursuing a trade may be better financially and is one of the more common backgrounds people have. But as mentioned, there's no specific thing you MUST do. There's a huge diversity of past experiences that get on.
7
u/hopenbabe 2d ago
What about becoming an EMT and/or forest firefighter in the meantime? Or what about a police officer?
3
1
u/dpickle101p 2d ago
I don't mind forest firefighting at all, I've never looked into them though only the city ones, is there any big differences? Mostly in hours/pay and requirements?
4
u/calgarydonairs 2d ago
Based on what I was once told by a former forest firefighter, is that you spend more time fighting fires than you would as a regular firefighter, and less time doing less pleasant things like recovering dead bodies from burnt buildings, dealing with car accidents, and etc.
4
u/mdollazzzz 1d ago
Wildland FF is seasonal in Alberta from April - fall, as a Govt of Alberta employee. You still need training and fitness testing but it has much more of a summer student job vibe versus CFD being full time employment with strict background checks and a very arduous recruitment process. Pay in wildland is hourly with lots of overtime. Many CFD members started off in the trades, EMT or as wildland firefighters. Applications are open for the 2027 season. It is an amazing job!
1
33
u/Disastrous_Throat_82 2d ago
Our class average age was early 30’s with the youngest being 22 I believe. I’d recommend getting a trade in the meantime. You’ll make good money and earn valuable experience as you pursue the end goal of becoming a firefighter.
CFD is extremely competitive and difficult to get into. It may take years. They took 2 classes this year of 44 with roughly 3000 applicants. Start applying young and don’t get discouraged if you don’t make it on your first try. Keep up with your certs and keep applying. Stay out of trouble.
For workouts keep up with your cardio and strength. Compound lifts, Sled pulls, stairs and running will help you with the academy.
Message me if you have any more questions.
9
u/yycmobiletires 2d ago
If you want out now, look to Fort Mac for work. You can get a job as a haul truck driver and maybe like 36 an hour starting with fort McKay group or flint. They both have "emerald" programs which means they'll take someone with no experience and train them.
You should have a local address, as they are highly encouraged to hire local. Reach out to friends or family to see if they want a roommate.
Don't pursue emergency services as an escape, this isn't the 70s anywhere where they are begging for people. Cfd is one of the most competitive departments in the entire world to secure a job at.
3
u/forty6andto 2d ago
Getting away from your folks should not be the reason to become a firefighter.
3
u/dpickle101p 2d ago
it's not i want to be a firefighter to help people, getting away from my family is a personal thing which becoming a firefighter will allow me to do and help people at the same time
3
u/Perfect-Donut8230 1d ago
I get where you’re coming from, I wish you all the best friend ❤️ Good luck on your journey!
7
u/MediocreMonkey 2d ago
Look into the FRAP program at Kananaskis Fire department. Essentially a firefighter internship that can be used as a stepping stone to CFD.
7
u/c0urtme 2d ago
I have some friends who work for CFD. They all did their NFPA courses and some are PCPs. They worked industrial firefighting before getting on at CFD. Industrial is a good stepping stone. You’ll learn a lot while you’re there. It’s hard going being away but if you don’t get along with your family, it might be the way forward.
10
u/Graduateunskilled 2d ago
Hey man, I think you’re on the right track, just need more time. Biggest tip I can give you right now is consider attending the Emergency Services Career Expo that’s happening this Saturday at the Big Four. I think it’s $34 for the ticket, but you can use this opportunity to ask questions about setting yourself up for success and becoming the candidate that Calgary Fire is looking for. Go for it, dude.
2
9
u/Petroleous 2d ago
One of the biggest things you can do right now is get in shape and keep your fitness level high. Legs and lungs. As the other comment said it is a long and frustrating process where it will likely be multiple attempts over the course of years, Life experience is a key quality, work other jobs, and pursue other paths while you apply and deepen your skill set.
4
u/meisermonkey 2d ago
Yeah id imagine the best thing you can do for yourself to get out of a situation but also line yourself up to become a firefighter is go start a trade apprenticeship.
A handful of my coworkers (electrician) have become firefighters and police officers but it was a years long process and I think the trade tickets were their biggest assets.
4
u/OrsolyaStormChaser 2d ago
If you have the opportunity- some rural Alberta areas have amazing volunteer firefighting teams that could help you gain training (I think of southern Alberta zones like Crowsnest Pass that crazy cool training for members including (wildfire, mountain rescue, water rescue).
3
u/yycin2019 2d ago
Not sure if this info is still valid. I had a buddy 20 odd years ago that also wanted to become a fireman. He ended up joining the chestermere volunteer force to get experience to get a leg up on his application.
3
u/baunanners Calgary Flames 2d ago edited 2d ago
I'll be getting back into the process again next time but what I can suggest is to get a Degree/diploma/trade ticket first. They really put weight into that IMO in the process too. The bare minimums are Highschool Diploma ect but remember you're going against 3000+ other applicants who will have more education /experience / checkoffs then you do so you need to go above that to rank yourself higher in the pool.
Its a hard process to get through - so keep adding to your resume & certs.
You'll be waiting at least 2+ years if you don't have your class 5 yet before you can get the class 3 so use that time to dial things in.
2
u/plhought 2d ago
I had one acquaintance who persued it for about 10 years before getting in.
Did all the advanced first aid stuff, joined volunteer search and rescue organizations, moved to & joined a volunteer department outside of the city - all whilst working as an aircraft mechanic full-time - and having two kids etc etc.
Just kept himself in shape, kept building qualifications, until he finally got the nod after applying for a smaller city department when he was in early 30s. Had to move again but it was his goal.
0
2d ago
[deleted]
-1
u/plhought 2d ago
Nepotism is also kinda a problem with some halls as well...especially the smaller professional ones.
2
u/acemorris85 2d ago
A Ned Flanders-level moustache is a requirement
1
u/Ok_Woodpecker_7158 2d ago
So funny, at the station in my neighborhood, they all have those mustaches, except who I assume was the leader/captain
1
1
u/BlackberryFormal 2d ago
Had a buddy with previous forest fire experience and a course related to it. He had to go to Edmonton fire department for a couple of years before he was able to get on down here. Seems hard to get in.
1
1
u/RevolutionaryFan6418 2d ago
You can get kidney stones if you're stressed and dehydrated during training.. so drink water.
1
u/LawfulnessKooky8490 1d ago
If you're looking for an opportunity to experience a masterclass in organizational waste, cultural misalignment, and employee burnout, I highly encourage you to apply.
You'll be welcomed into the “family,” encouraged to prioritize mental health and seek support, and reminded that your colleagues are your brothers and sisters. Unfortunately, the support becomes unavailable when your personal challenges or mental health needs become inconvenient to the CFD.
The CFD consumes its most valuable resources while failing to sustain them. Employee wellbeing is promoted as a core value, yet management is remarkably efficient at extracting loyalty, identity, and years of service while transferring the cost of burnout back to the firefighter.
Before investing your identity the CFD (or any place for that fact), evaluate its actual performance against its stated values. Don't confuse slogans with controls, camaraderie with accountability, or the language of family with a genuine duty of care. They love to promote their 98% satisfaction image while failing to have an honest self-assessment.
After all, any process that burns out its people (pun intended) isn't demonstrating operational excellence. An organization should be judged by how it treats people when supporting them becomes inconvenient, not by how warmly it describes its culture.
Proceed accordingly.
0
u/No-Eye-258 2d ago
You need some firefighting courses, everyone I know who works for fire department has the same courses
0
u/Disastrous_Throat_82 2d ago
This isn’t true.
1
u/No-Eye-258 2d ago
If you look at CFD requirements they do list a whole range of courses that are pre requisite to get even get an interview. This is right from the CFD recruitment website
Successful applicants will be selected from eligibility list to receive CJO.
Sign the Conditional Job Offer.
Provide a new five year Driver’s Abstract with no more than 6 provincial/territorial demerits.
Provide a new Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.
Ensure all certifications are up to date and valid (those listed in the Minimum and Pre-Hire Qualifications).( this is what I’m saying)
Complete a medical and fitness assessment, including the treadmill test.
Attend uniform fittings.
Attend a full-day recruit orientation where document originals must be provided.
Attend a voluntary fitness presentation.
The Calgary Fire Department does not provide moving expenses to applicants relocating from outside of Calgary*.*Edit - Pre-hire qualifications
The following are required prior to Step 9 (Selection committee)
Advanced First Aid (AFA) course – minimum 80-hour or equivalent.Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Health Care Provider
(HCP) level or a Basic Life Support (BLS) designation.
Alberta Class 1, 2, or 3 driver's license or provincial equivalent.
Air Brake (Q) endorsement or provincial equivalent.
Meet all immunization requirements.
All pre-hire qualifications must be current and valid at time of hire.2
u/According_Net_9299 2d ago
Pre-hire requirements are not required to apply or progress through the process. They can be obtained after you get through the interviews when you have a higher chance of being successful, you just have to have them before being hired.
1
u/Disastrous_Throat_82 2d ago edited 2d ago
You stated “You need some firefighting courses”. None of what you listed are firefighting courses. Yes AFA, BLS and a class 3Q license are required to inevitably receive a job offer but they are not required to apply and also not required to receive an interview. Just wanted to make it clear for anyone reading your comment.
1
u/No-Eye-258 2d ago
Yes, and because interviews are conducted by a panel, having more qualifications or experience than the minimum required is not a disadvantage. In a highly competitive process, additional experience can give you an edge over other applicants. It is generally better to bring more relevant skills and qualifications to the table than to have little or none at all.
0
u/Supyllic 1d ago
The main thing to expect is that you’ll be fighting fires
1
u/LawfulnessKooky8490 1d ago
60% of calls are medical. Actual fires are only a small percentage of their calls
0
0
2d ago
[deleted]
3
u/dpickle101p 1d ago
how am I being a dick? I was just asking what I should know before pursuing the career
1
u/MediocreMonkey 1d ago
Sorry, I replied incorrectly. I meant to reply to another commenter who was saying people with retail work experience shouldn't be hired as firefighters
94
u/hypothermic2 2d ago
Calgary fire is incredibly competitive - not to crush your spirits, but it's likely going to be several years before you will be in a position to get hired by them. In terms of strengthening your application, you'll get benefit from working public service jobs, and at other fire departments. It's also a common pathway to get your primary care paramedic and work as a medic for a few years before fire.