Firefighters as we know them today are considered highly skilled, trusted and respected individuals in every community around the world. They are known to put their lives at risk for the safety of others. The profession known as firefighting has existed as long as civilization has existed and as long as civilization has existed there will always be a need for firefighters. However, firefighters were not always the organized, highly trained professionals we know today. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay One of the first uses of organized, professional firefighters was in ancient Rome due to widespread fires that grew out of control and ravaged Rome. Rome's response was to develop a fire department staffed by nearly 7,000 men paid to be firefighters. These men acted not only as firefighters, but also as a sort of police force as they patrolled the streets and were capable of imposing corporal punishment on anyone who violated fire codes. In the early days of the United States (when it was still a colony), this was hardly the case. The first recorded fire in the New World occurred in 1608, at the colony of Jamestown, just one year after its discovery. Fire posed a real threat to colonial America, but firefighting techniques changed little over the following centuries. In the late 17th century, many fire companies were usually just volunteers who fought against other volunteers to put out a fire. This was because insurance companies only paid the brigades that put out the fire, leading to some firefighters being recruited not only for their firefighting abilities, but also for their actual fighting abilities in order to protect equipment and combat other positions. The image of the Dalmatian dog running alongside a fire truck is also based on historical facts. Dalmatians were chosen as fire dogs because of the close bonds they formed with firefighters and the horses that pulled steamboats, but also because they were responsible for protecting equipment from theft or damage . It was not until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that many fire brigades began to shift to steam, then gas, firefighting apparatus and take on the more professional role as we know them today. Throughout history, every civilization has either noticed or experienced the destructive power of fire when it rages uncontrollably. It can turn even the largest of cities into dust and ashes, leaving an entire population without a home and nowhere to go. Even though our modern cities use stronger building materials than ever before, fires can and still do pose a huge threat to many cities and towns. The need for a response team to control and extinguish these fires has always been present. Firefighters, whether volunteer or professional, are held in high esteem because of the risk they take to protect citizens from the ravages of an uncontrolled fire or other emergency, not to mention saving millions dollars per year in property damage. For me, being a firefighter means giving back to the community by giving your life to others and facing death if it means savinginnocence. Being a firefighter means being ready to act at any time, because in the event of a disaster there is no fixed timetable. However, times have changed since the days of gathering online and passing a bucket of water over the fire. Becoming a firefighter in today's world comes with many other requirements that must be strictly met. When it comes to learning how to become a firefighter, it's best to just go to your local fire station and ask. Most will tell you that one of the first steps to becoming a firefighter is to first volunteer for the job (FireScience Online). Before you ask, most resorts require you to be at least 18 years old (some resorts require you to be 21) and no more than 35 years old. Volunteering usually means you'll help around the station, take part in community work, or occupy a table at a community fair. Even if you're not rescuing cats from trees or putting out fires immediately, it helps you make essential professional contacts in the field and will help you become familiar with the firefighting community, which can be a factor when you're trying to progress. In addition to local departments, firefighters are also hired by state fire agencies, construction trades, fire equipment manufacturers/suppliers, and even local fire agencies. savage. When it comes to education requirements, you must have your high school diploma or GED. Although each firefighting organization has different hiring requirements, a common denominator for most is that you must also obtain a degree in fire science. Applicants are also advised to obtain their CPR certification, but many departments even require you to obtain your EMT certification. You must also be in good physical shape since you will be required to pass the CPAT. The CPAT or Candidate Physical Aptitude Test is the recognized standard for measuring an individual's ability to meet the requirements of the firefighter profession (FCTC). Participants must be able to efficiently complete eight tests in 10 minutes and 20 seconds in a closed course. Tests typically include stair climbing, pipe dragging, equipment carrying, ladder raising and extension, forced entry, search, rescue drag, and the breach and traction of the ceiling. To simulate the equipment a firefighter would wear, CPAT candidates must wear a helmet as well as gloves and a 50 lb. weighted vest. For the climb test, candidates must also apply an additional 25 pounds of weight, which is one set of hoses a firefighter would have to carry during a fire in a high-rise building. Besides the physical exam, you must also pass a written exam, an oral interview, a background investigation, and a drug screen. The written exam covers mathematics, problem solving, written and oral communication, mathematics, memory and reasoning. You will also undergo a psychological exam covering personality traits as well as a medical exam covering hearing, vision, blood pressure, blood and urine (FireScience Online). When responding to an emergency, firefighters are typically equipped with a fire helmet made from durable, heat-resistant materials to protect against heat and falling objects. They also contained turnout pants and a jacket made from a two-layer fabric designed to repel heat. They usually feature bright colors such as. 2020].