AboutJohn Grussing Expertise I am able to answer questions related to fire service careers, fire suppression tactics, technical rescue procedures, emergency medical services, as well as fire department management and supervision questions.
Experience I am a 19 year veteran of the Normal, IL. fire department and currently hold the rank of Captain. I am also a past member of the MABAS Div. 41 Technical Rescue Team.
Organizations Golden Key Honor Society
International Association of Firefighters
McLean County EMS communications committee
Publications Fire Engineering Magazine (Roundtable Discussions)
Education/Credentials I hold an Associates degree in Fire Science from Illinois Central College as well as a bachelor of liberal arts degree from Western Illinois University. My emphasis of study was fire and disaster response planning. In addition, I hold numerous certifications in firefighting, Hazardous Materials, Technical Rescue, and Fire Department Administration from the Illinois Fire Service Institute.
Question Hi,
My name is Chloe. I am a fit, healthy 24 year old female who has been looking to relocate to go through the Fire Academy. I have noticed that each state tends to vary as far as the recruitment process.. For example in Raleigh, North Carolina, when recruitment opens, the fire chief will announce open recruitment, you go through initial knowledge and physical test then essentially become an employee of Raleigh, as they put you through the academy. In Houston, TX a similar ideology.. I'm wondering more then anything if there is a website or a newsletter that I could get e-listed to when different cities open recruitment, in addition to the process they use. A friend of Mine is a police officer and she said she gets a newsletter informing her monthly of new cities that are recruiting.. Please let me know if there is something similar. Thank you for your help!
Answer Chloe,
I would recommend the website Firehouse.com. I don't know if they have a notification process but the majority of jurisdictions that are hiring post the ads there. There is a small fee to view the listings but it is worth it. Most departments are required by statute to test every two years so make sure before you travel that they are actually hiring and not just developing a new eligibility list. If you have a particular state in mind you might try that state's fire academy; they sometimes have employment information as well. Good luck!
