cookderosa Wrote:Hey!!! Three of you!! Awesome. And to Schoeppner, I'm glad I have helped and happy to see you posting!

My son is a freshman in high school (homeschooled), so he may change his mind. However, he has been talking a great deal about becoming a fireman. He is for sure interested in the helping professions, and is working on getting his CPR/LifeGuard so he can do that next summer.
I took him to meet an old friend (fire capt of our city, but also an ex-boyfriend from before I got married, so while I can ask him for help, I don't want to ask him too much if you know what I mean- I don't want it to get uncomfortable). My old friend was very helpful at getting me pointed in the right direction, but I still have a lot of questions. (I'm NOT a micro-manager-mom, I'm just able to do some school planning for him until he is a bit older)

Here is a really rough plan read it all the way through- what do you guys think?

Now: working on general education CLEPs intermixed with his school work. Summers he plans to work as a lifeguard and I thought he could take some of the free online NFA classes just for fun. (and maybe APUS credit?)

at high school graduation: take the 3 semester EMT-Paramedic program (local) It was suggested that the EMT is almost a requirement anymore, and that Basic/Intermediate are not enough to get work, so Paramedic is the better route (true?)
after paramedic graduation enroll at APUS (or similar) American Public University System and complete a BS in Fire Science. *his gen eds would be finished ahead of time, so it would be the core that he would work on- estimate aprox 1 year*

By following that sequence, he would have his EMT-Paramedic and BS Fire Science in about 3 years and would be about 20 years old.

Now- while this sounds fine and good, I get the feeling that firemen don't enroll in fire science programs BEFORE working as a fireman! What I don't understand is where the working/on the job/etc all fits into the puzzle. I need a better understanding of the whole process, it seems like everything I read on line is a little different- so I don't really know what I don't know :confused:

He also has mentioned being a fireman in the armed forces- is that something you would do after earning your degree or before? (I realize that's a whole 'nother question!)

soupbone Wrote:Hey Jennifer! I'll ask my cousins what their advice would be in his situation. While I wait for their response let me add my own personal suggestions since fire/police/emt are very similar fields. While he's concentrating on school and finishing up the degree he needs to make sure he stays in good physical shape as well. Lot's of fire departments/police departments will see someone who is too small/skinny or too large/fat and immediately write the person off regardless of their educational background.

I would not harp on him and give him a complex but just encourage him to stay physically fit. The physical requirements to do this type of job are just as important as the educational ones. I know a lot of people see fat police/firemen but you stand out in a group if you are more fit. I'll get back to you on the other questions you asked as well. I always appreciate your help here and on the other board!

frankiebleyes Wrote:I could put in you touch with my Uncle who has been (now retired) a captain of the whole city for well over 20 years. My cousin, who is his son, also has 18 years in. I'm sure they would love to answer any questions you might want answered. Like someone else here said, you've always been so helpful to others, it would be nice to give back if I could.