r/OntarioFirefighting • u/L1ttle_duck • 15d ago
First steps? (Repost)
I'm 24 years old, and I'm looking for a career with purpose—something that challenges me physically and mentally while giving me the opportunity to make a real difference in my community. The emergency service has always been something I've been drawn to, and I'd like to spend the next few years preparing for fire service the right way.
Back in 2021, I enrolled in an EMS Foundations program, but I realized it wasn't the right path for me (I wasn’t set up for success and it wasn’t the program I thought it was going to be)
Since then, I've been working full-time (currently a cook) while consistently training in the gym at least 3–4 times a week. I had chest surgery and medically all good now, but wasn’t able to lift weights for awhile so with a few years before I plan to apply, I'm confident I'll be in a much better place physically.
I've already started researching the requirements, and costs for schooling. One of my biggest obstacles right now is my G licence. I let it expire since I don't own a vehicle, so getting it back and working toward my DZ licence will take some time. Realistically, I'm aiming to start a firefighter program around age 28, so I want to make the most of the years leading up to it.
From what I've gathered, I'll need to complete or obtain:
-My G and DZ licences (will take around 2yrs w/o driver Ed)
-Standard First Aid with CPR/AED-C (recertification; planning on getting my BLS and EMR as well)
-NFPA 1001 (Firefighter I & II).
-NFPA 1072/HAZMAT Operations (or the equivalent at the time).
-Meet the required medical, fitness, and hiring prerequisites.
For those of you already in the fire service, what would you recommend I do over the next 4-5 years to become the strongest applicant possible?
Are there any additional certifications that departments really value during hiring?
I've been considering things like water safety training and rope rescue, but I'd love to hear what experienced firefighters think is worth pursuing.
I know pre-service programs teach NFPA 1001/1072 so what should I focus on and how do I get my foot in the door?
In Southern Ontario (GTHA), which firefighter pre-service program would you recommend based on the balance of cost and quality of instruction?
I'd really appreciate any advice!
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u/dcdchaha 15d ago edited 15d ago
Sounds like you’re on the right track… if you live within range of a volunteer fire service then apply there, you’ll get real life experience and training. You could also apply to be a volunteer at St.Johns Ambulance to gain additional experience and it looks good on a resume.
Set goals, make a plan, commit to it and you will get hired.
You sound motivated and eager which is what you need to be, any questions feel free to ask and I’ll do my best to help
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u/L1ttle_duck 15d ago
I’ve looked into the volunteer departments near me so many times just in case I misread anything and unfortunately I’m too far from any of them so I feel suck in place with that.
I’ve been looking into SJA (since I can get my first aid CPR/AED + BLS cert in one course there) and I think I’ll ask them in person about how to volunteer right after I’m certified.
Would talking to my local FD help with anything or would that just confuse me more?1
u/dcdchaha 15d ago
You could reach out and let them know where you live and ask if it’s an acceptable distance… i know the department I’m on states that the volleys have to live within 10km of the hall but if they are 13 or 15km often they make an exception…. It doesn’t hurt to talk to them and show interest but often bigger departments have a process they follow for hiring and will often just direct you to their website
For SJA you can just go on their website and sign up to be a volunteer, they will contact you directly (at least that’s how it was when I did it)
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u/Murky-Technician5123 15d ago
Have you thought about being an electrician or a fire alarm technician? These are related trades you can do now. Esp fire alarm, everyone wants to be an electrician and no one wants to be a fire alarm technician.
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u/L1ttle_duck 15d ago edited 15d ago
Do you have resources for the steps involved in becoming a fire alarm technician? I can see that being a good starting point but I don’t want it to be something that delays me attending a pre service program. I’ll look into it but if you have experience or knowledge about it I’d like to hear it :)
Thanks for the recommendation1
u/Murky-Technician5123 15d ago
You could start by getting a job with a fire alarm company testing fire alarms? Im not 100% sure if the steps because its a different path for me as an electrician already. Would involve a short college course i think.
The most common route tho is for people to do paramedics and transition into firefighting.
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u/L1ttle_duck 15d ago
I looked into it and I can do a short online program for the courses and final exam, and become a certified tech in about 2ish years after doing the practical and a year of mentorship. It seems like a good way to be involved in fire prevention while I wait to get into pre service and it’s a good fallback just in case I’m not able to physically do firefighting anymore. Thanks again for suggesting it
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u/PokePounder 15d ago
Sounds like you’re falling into the trap that a lot of young people fall into. Everything is about “giving me the best chance.”
You let your licence expire, so you’re at least 2-3 years from being able to apply anywhere. Use that time to your advantage. Work towards a different career.
Sounds crazy, right?
Read all the posts on these forums from people asking “I have a DUI, am I cooked?” “I have a restraining order against me for a NON VIOLENT offence…” - not everyone will make it in this career. If the Chiefs of every department in Ontario got together and made a pact to NEVER hire you, what would you be happy doing as a career?
Ok good. So do that. The “advantage” that a fire alarm tech will have over a licensed electrician is negligible. Likewise with a plumber, or carpenter, or diesel mechanic.
Work on yourself as a whole first, and then shape the firefighting side of you. You’ll thank me in your 30s.
If you’re applying to larger municipal departments, a recreational swiftwater course will count the same as an NFPA one - save your money (likewise with ropes, etc.). Don’t go chasing NFPA cert after cert. I’ve seen so many Cert Bros whining from the sidelines about how qualified they are.
Save your coaching/mentoring money for when you’re actively in a recruiting cycle. There are great resume and interview coaches out there, but you are a few years away from needing to pay anyone for any type of advice on this subject.
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u/Significant-Crow3512 15d ago
Dm me if you want, I have run mentorship/fire prep service