I need help becoming a firefighter

[alrael]

How do I go about becoming a firefighter/EMT in Texas when I live in New Mexico? I have no experience in the field but I like helping people and I've always wanted to be a firefighter. Would I receive the necessary training if I was accepted to a fire academy with no certifications? What steps should I take?

[geodetective]

The larger fire departments run their own academies, so you could start by applying to those. Not having any certifications should not be such a big disadvantage in those cases. Perhaps you could get on with a volunteer department to get some experience?

Most of the fire departments in smaller to medium sized cities will require that you already be certified as both a firefighter and EMT (if not Paramedic). That might pose a challenge for you in NM. Firefighter certification in Texas is governed by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. You may be able to attend an academy in NM and then challenge the Texas certification exam, but I don't know for certain. TCFP has a website that may have an answer to that question.

Geo

[JimSpoor]

I have to second everything that GEO said. Your best course of action is to get involved as a volunteer firefighter where you are if you can and start applying to the large, urban fire depts. that interest you.

According to the reciprocity info I have is that a NM EMT cert is not recognized in Texas. You still have to pass TX exams. If could find a class that was also offering National Registry testing then TX would accept your Nat. Reg. cert.
Good Luck.

BTW: If you think that LE has jurisdiction and turf wars wait to see the different ways the various states handle EMS training and certificaton/licensure.;)

[Spicoli29]

Alreal

I agree with everything said also...Have you looked into becomming a Fed. firefighter? These positions pay well and include all of the other benefits that go along with being a Fed employee...the only downfalls are you usually have to have a few certifications under your belt and the work is not as busy as a typical municipal department (depending on where you go, of course). I gained all of my certifications in the Air Force Reserve as a firefighter and was hired right in.

There are several firefighter jobs open at any given time....do a search at USAjobs.gov and search under job series 0081...Hope this helps. Good Luck

Spicoli