We have 170 members in the organization. There are many “Chiefs” in the organization and we have a para-military structure. There are clear lines drawn defining the hierarchy as seen in the organizational chart. I report directly to the Mayor. I also communicate with the members of the City Council on matters of public safety, budget, personnel issues, long term planning of organization and matters of public opinion. My job is to remove barriers so members can reach their full potential at CFD.
CAREER
Firefighters
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$52,500
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+6.1% (as fast as the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Firefighters Do
Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster assistance.
Other Job Titles Firefighters May Have
Fire Engineer, Fire Equipment Operator, Fire Fighter, Fire Rescue Technician, Fire Technician, Firefighter, Forest Fire Suppression Specialist, Forestry Fire Technician, Hot Shot, Wildland Firefighter
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Rescue victims from burning buildings, accident sites, and water hazards.
- Dress with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.
- Assess fires and situations and report conditions to superiors to receive instructions, using two-way radios.
- Move toward the source of a fire, using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties.
- Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Firefighters
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Some college, no degree (37%)
Some college, no degree
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Other*
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Fire Science
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Political Science and Government, General
Certification / License
Executive Fire Officer program
Vocational
Fire Service Executive Development Program
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Empathy, Integrity, Compassion, Loyalty, Excellence and Honor are just a few characteristics needs to be successful as a firefighter EMT Emergency Medical Technician. I believe the simplest way of describing a Firefighter's success is to possess a “Servants Heart.” The ability to place others' needs before your very own. This is a tough concept for most people to grasp. It can be spotted when someone possess the character trait. It's evident in their personal life and can be seen in their smile.
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
