Expert: Mike Smith Date: 6/28/2008 Subject: Fire Academy
Question I have attended the fire academy about two years ago, is there a reason why it is very hard at finding a career as a firefighter/EMT in KCMO and KCK. I have also worked as an EMT at a local casino for 8 months. With the Training an experience I thought it would be pretty easy to market myself. My question is, What else, can or should I do to make myself more marketable?
Answer Hi Mike,
Great name. It's not only Kansas City Missouri, and Kansas City Kansas, it's pretty hard to be an EMT almost anywhere in the nation other than small towns. If you move to one of the smaller towns almost any fire department will take you, example; Centerville Missouri, so I'm told, only has three firefighters. They are looking for anyone to help out. There are a lot a small towns all over the nation that would kill to have an experienced firefighter/EMT in town. As far as the large metropolitan areas, the firefighter/EMT certifications are a steppingstone to the paramedic degree. And that's what the larger fire departments are looking for, a firefighter that is certified, and EMT certified firefighters. I don't know who runs the ambulance in Kansas City, if it's privately owned you may want approach them. If it's run by the fire department you're going to be in competition with a whole lot of people. Were I you, I would pursue the fire academy and getting certifications in; hazardous materials, confined space rescue, environmental rescue, vehicle extrication, and any other extended courses beyond the basic firefighter. The more education you have, the more marketable you will become. Also start testing for every department in the nation that is having a test for firefighters. Many may only be experience in testing, but you may gain a position. Once you're in the door, you can extend your education on the department's nickel. Don't be afraid of accepting a position in a department you think is smaller or not a as popular as the bigger departments. Remember this may only be a steppingstone in getting where you want to be. Getting hired in one of the larger departments is a very competitive, get physically fit, educationally prepared, and go after it with all the vigor you can muster up.
I hope this information helps you
Good luck
Mike
