How to Become a Firefighter in Pasadena, California
The city of Pasadena, California, is located in Los Angeles County, whose fire department holds regular training programs for those who want to become firefighters in the region. Once qualified, you can then apply for positions open in Pasadena. After serving as a firefighter, you can take further specialist training. The Pasadena Fire Department states that it employed 177 full-time, 147 shift and 30 administrative workers as of 2010.
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Instructions
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Check to see if you meet the Los Angeles County Fire Department's applicant requirements. You must have a high school diploma, be at least 18 years old, hold a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) certificate and be a United States citizen or resident alien. You cannot apply if you have a felony record, a drunken driving conviction from the last two years, received a dishonorable discharge from the military or are on probation.
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Take the Candidate Physical Ability Test. California has three CPAT testing centers, in Orange, Livermore and Sacramento. You can sign up for a pre-test program, which includes two orientations and opportunities for practice sessions. To book your CPAT, call 877-648-2728. As of 2010, it cost $150 for the orientations and the test and $25 for each practice session. The test challenges your skills at dragging a hose, carrying equipment, climbing stairs, raising a ladder, executing a forced entry, searching, and performing a rescue drag and a ceiling pull.
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Apply for the trainee firefighter program. You can apply by calling 888-897-3473 and requesting an application form, or apply online at fire.lacounty.gov. Your application remains valid for one year.
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Take the written test. The examination tests your reading, mechanical and math abilities. A variety of books, including "Norman Hall's Firefighter Exam Preparation Book," "Firefighter Exam/Learning Express" and "Firefighter Written Practice Exams," will help you brush up on your skills and know what to expect. The Los Angeles County Fire Department website also has guides to help you prepare.
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Take a medical examination and allow a background check. When selected from the register you must pass a medical exam and background check before obtaining a training position. The medical exam looks at your general mental and physical fitness to ensure that you can meet the demands of the job. You may also have to take a drug test.
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Complete your firefighter training course. The training program teaches emergency medical treatment and firefighting skills. You will learn in a classroom and through simulated exercises. You will also learn how to inspect buildings for fire safety, enforce the Fire Code, participate in demanding physical training and learn how to care for equipment. To graduate from training you need to pass the Emergency Technician 1 course. Firefighter trainees get paid more than $4,000 a month.
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References
- City of Pasadena: General Information
- County of Los Angeles Fire Department: Be a Firefighter
- California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee: Candidate Physical Ability Test
- California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee: Contact Us
- City of Los Angeles: Class Specification: Fire Fighter Trainee
Resources
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