I want to be a fire fighter.

I want to know how to become a Fire Fighter in the Bay Area CA. And the best way to go about it.?

• I live in the Livermore/Dublin/Pleasonton are and I am a junior. I want to know the best steps to take in becoming a Fire Fighter. I know it's competative but I want to know if I have a good chance at staying local.

• Answer:

  Volunteer. There are usually positions for people who want to do work for free. It may be just washing the trucks or helping to pass out fliers at a community event but it will let you get to know some of the folks that work there. Do well in school. Do extracurricular activities. Play sports. Get involved in a service club that does community projects. Look at the course offerings at your local Community College. There are often programs or at least courses in fire service. Take classes at school or with the Red Cross to become certified in first aid and CPR. To get on with a department, they will take those that can do dual roles as EMTs as well as fight fires.