I wanna be a firefighter!

     Hey kid, what do you wanna be when you grow up? Ask any kid this question and you'll definitely get the response being 'a fireman' along with the ever so popular, police man, doctor and lawyer. But today we are going to be focusing on being a fireman!

    Yes it's a dangerous job but imagine being a superhero? Saving lives and solving problems it's all in a days work of a fireman. In Trinidad and Tobago it's fairly easy to get into the field.

What are the requirements you may ask?

• Need to be a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago.
• At least 18 years of age at the time of screening, but no older than 35 years of age.
• Possess a minimum of three Ordinary (O) Level subjects including English and any other two subjects (CXC General Proficiency grade 1, 2 or 3; CXC Basic Proficiency grade 1; or GCE grade A, B or C).
• Are at least 166.25 centimetres tall if male or 160 cm if female.

     Its pretty easy to qualify to be a firefighter but the process is a bit long and tedious. The recruitment process begins with the Fire Service publishing media advertisements for selection sessions. Session dates, times and locations will be included in the advertisements. 

     You must attend a selection session if you are interested in joining the Fire Service. and you will be required to bring the original and one copy of each of the following to the session:

• Birth Certificate with supporting affidavit, if necessary.
• Proof of identification in the form of a valid Trinidad and Tobago Passport, Driver's Permit or National ID card.
• Police Certificate of Character issued not more than three months before the selection session. More information about the Police Certificate of Character can be found by following the link at the end of this section.
• Proof of educational qualifications in the form of examination certificates.

     If you are successful at the screening, you will be required to write an entrance examination set by the Fire Service Examination Board. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will then be required to take an aptitude test. 

     

     If you pass that test, you will then be required to undergo a medical examination. If your medical fitness certificate indicates that you are physically fit, you will then be interviewed by a Fire Service selection committee.

     If you pass the final interview, you will become a Trainee and be required to undergo a course of training at the Fire Service School.

     So as mentioned before, it is a great field to get into, it's easy to qualify but the process is tedious and like every career you must be passionate about it! 

Ending this blog post off with a quote:

"Firefighters go where they're needed, sometimes ignoring the dangers even when no one is inside a burning building to be saved." - Bill Dedman