Editorial

From the Editor’s Desk

Dennis Whittam, Editor I Want to Be AFirefighter!

Over the past few years, I have met many new volunteer firefighters that soon develop aspirations to become members of a paid department. In my volunteer department, a few members have applied to fire departments in other states and met their requirements. The reason they were accepted to out of state departments was because they did their homework and worked hard to meet the requirements that were posted for the job.

Afirefighting career field is very competitive. If you apply to a department like the FDNY, you quickly learn you are competing against thousands of applicants for very few available jobs. I read that over 46,000 people applied for the FDNYtest in 2017. I was stunned when I read this number. The best candidates think of their minimum score on this exam as above 90 percent. You can increase your chances of getting a high grade if you have military experience and live in New York City. Hence, the challenges of becoming a NYC firefighter have encouraged people to look to other states for possible acceptance into their fire departments. This is where you must pay attention to every aspect of the requirements stated on the application form.

Recently, I asked a young energetic volunteer firefighter if he applied to a nearby state for a posted test to become a firefighter. His answer was a quiet no! One of the requirements on the application was that applicants needed to be an EMT. My response was, “Why not become an EMTin your current department and get some experience to add to your application?” I never got a response to my question.

If you are serious about any occupation, be the best you can be and do more than what is expected of you. Exceed any education requirements. Also, as a volunteer firefighter, think of getting as many certifications as you can. If national certifications are available, take the additional tests. Speak with your local fire academy to find out about additional certifications that may help you stand out above other applicants.

Are you in tip-top shape? Remember, if you pass the written test, you still must pass a Physical Ability Test. The agility tests are no joke. The test has many parts, and you are not going to pass them unless you prepare yourself for their grueling nature. Military experience helps with understanding how to prepare for these tests.

Congratulations, you did well on the written test, and you passed the physical test. Guess what, you’re not finished. You must pass an interview that investigates your past. Whatever you do, do not lie during this interview. Start to prepare for this part of the exam by reviewing your social media page. If you have inappropriate posts, remove them. GroupMe posts can come back to haunt you.

My best advice to anyone interested in becoming a paid firefighter is to talk to the people that have walked the path before you. Study, work out, and set an example for others to follow. And while you are waiting for your chance to shine, think about joining the armed forces. Think of it as preparation for the greatest job in the world! - Dennis

FireNews.com Fire News, September2022, Page 5 Garage Fire Started by Vandals

Recently, Schenectady firefighters extinguished a garage fire behind a residence on Carrie Street. Ayoung witness saw two otheryouths start the blaze and reported it to authorities on scene. - Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber

Cover Story

Long Fight at Mohawk Terrace Apts.

West Crescent Fire Department received a call fora structure fire at Mohawk Terrace Apartments a short distance from theirstation. The fire, which started on the balcony of the third floorof the apartment building, quickly became a mutual aid call. Fire departments from Albany and Saratoga counties responded. Boght, Latham, Round Lake, Vischers Ferry, Halfmoon Waterford, Colonie Village, Clifton Park are just a few of the departments that supplied almost 100 firefighters to help get the blaze undercontrol. With a roof collapse and fire that continued to pop up in the eaves of the complex it took over six hours before departments could begin overhaul. Foam was used to knock down as much of the fire as possible. The heat of the afternoon lead to many firefighters having to visit rehab. The first responding fire chief from Boght, aftergaining entry to rescue a resident, was taken to the hospital with possible injuries. Firefighters were able to assist one resident who needed special medication foran ailing child. - Fire News photos by Lori Washburn

3-Alarmerin Middle Village

LadderCompany 140 and Engine Company 286 transmitted a second alarm on arrival fortwo houses on fire on 63rd Street. Units used three lines to knock down the heavy fire. Truck companies opened up to expose the fire, which went to a third alarm before being brought undercontrol. - Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell