What To Expect In The Fire Academy

The RIGHT answers to every firefighter interview question: mikepertz.gumr...
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In order to become a firefighter you will be required to complete a fire academy. This is a tough step for many people considering they may not know what to expect.
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[@perryfire1]

Keep your mouth shut, don't EVER be late, always work as a team, and put out every day. Make it a competition to better yourself every day but NEVER at the expense of one of your teammates. Don't ever lie to the training staff, even if it makes you look bad otherwise. They are looking for integrity, not super athletes or perfect people. Don't ever complain or question the training staff. You will pay. If you can't take being yelled at, are physically unfit, are claustrophobic or afraid of heights so much that you can't perform then consider another line of work. Also you have to be strong enough to accomplish what is required of you. And you will have to be smart enough to complete the academic work. Your instructors will be watching you very closely for any sign of weakness or attitude. They will test you multiple times for signs that you are a quitter. They are tasked with weeding out undesirable candidates before they become a liability on-line. Don't be that liability. The fire service is a very small community and everybody knows your business. So if you act like an idiot off-site of the training grounds then it is guaranteed your idiocy will come to the attention of the training staff. No exceptions. Firefighters love to gossip so don't become their entertainment. That's how I remember it at least. Class of 98.

[@rusty7984]

Sounds a lot like Marine boot camp after i am done with my contract i am planning to join a fire department either in California or Texas still debating on moving or not regardless gonna research what the requirements are for both states i am open to any advice

[@luckilemon]

Class of 98.... whereabouts?

[@DapperSapper515]

@@rusty7984 question. What made you choose fire over police? I'm in the Army. My 6 years end this April in 2022. I've wanted to be a cop longer than I can remember. I was also a volunteer firefighter in college 8 years ago. Loved it, but still wanted to be a cop. However, with everything that's been going on in LE, I've been looking strongly into fire. What's your reasoning if you don't mind me asking?

[@rusty7984]

@@DapperSapper515 Well truth be told i wouldn't mind joining law enforcement really respectable men and women however ive always wanted to be a firefighter since i was 6 years old and dont plan on doing anything else however now debating between law enforcement and fire fighting i still have the next 3 years to figure it out or maybe just do another contract in the Marine Corps and figure it out then if i do 2 contracts i would be getting out when i am 28 so still not a bad time to join either one

[@DapperSapper515]

@@rusty7984 no worries dude, I'll be 26 when I get out of the Army. So you aren't alone. How long have you been in the Corps for?

[@brettmcdermott0524]

I’m a Quarter of the way through the Fire Acdemy. Everything you have said is literally on point from what I’ve experienced.

[@mike_pertz]

Thank you! I'm glad you found the video helpful. Hows it going? You doing well and enjoying it?

[@brettmcdermott0524]

@@mike_pertz Yes sir it’s going great and I am loving it so far! So much fun and you make lots of memories with awesome people. I also just passed my NREMT so this is all I have left before I can get out there!

[@dagamers7117]

@@mike_pertz I want to be a firefighter but I'm only 11 what should i do?

[@isaiahandrews7914]

@@dagamers7117 I might not be who you are looking for but I can give you what advice I know it is if you have a trade tech school that offers firefighter courses and when you turn of age try going to your local volunteer station and when you turn 16 try doing Jr firefighter program.

[@dagamers7117]

@@isaiahandrews7914 Thanks for the advice man

[@preservecollective5422]

Accepted a job offer two days ago with a department thanks to you. The interview videos and sample questions you provided were spot on and allowed me to have an answer ready to go to each of their questions. Thank you so much, I wish you continued success with the channel man.

[@mike_pertz]

That's awesome!! Congratulations to you and good for you for putting in the work. Best of luck going forward!

[@ZR1Smith]

How is it going?

[@JK-xl6su]

I start the academy July 31st and I'm so excited this is something I never thought I'd be able to do because not long ago I was on drugs and homeless but I decided enough was enough and got sober and have Been sober for a while now and have done a complete 180 with my life!!!💯💯💯❤️❤️❤️

[@codybrahs7125]

You're gonna feel like you're suffocating...... because you're suffocating. Golden

[@SpaceCityGuard]

Right 😆

[@joseislas1299]

I learned going to the academy that you need to shut up lesson and do as your told. Always have a positive attitude never say no. Also don’t take anything to heart, people want to be your friend but they’re trying to weed out the weak

[@mike_pertz]

good advice!

[@AttackOfTheColognes]

Does the academy require you to stay over night ? Or do you get to go home ?

[@Mustang6971]

Sounds like basic training for the military I’ve been there done that, now that I’m getting out in a few years after my contract is up,I’m wanting to get into firefighting and pursue firefighting.

[@mettlesomeknight9018]

@@AttackOfTheColognes you get to go home ;)

[@atticratfd]

I was an instructor at a regional fire academy for 27 years, you are 100% correct on the advice you gave. I told people that were interested in joining the Fire academy to run at least 5 miles and to be able to do at least 100 GOOD pushups ( no butts in the air and touch your chest to the ground). Learn how to press and iron a uniform no Irish pendants and how to shine your boots. Know how to work as a team. And if you worked as a firefighter before never ever say that’s not how my fire department does it. God gave you 2 eyes, 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason….. do more looking and listening and less talking. A cadets job interview starts the day they show up to the academy.

[@itsyaboimat2393]

I've been in the fire service for 7 years with my local department finally got approved to go for my Firefighter 1 &2 (I have mild left side Cerebral Palsy) so there was a lot of safety stuff my officers wanted to make sure I could actually be a firefighter. I leave for my class in the fall with some dudes coming from Baltimore as instructors I'm excited that they will teach me to work around my CP to be the best Firefighter I know I can be

[@Jphusbands]

After using your interview question videos, I got hired!! This video is perfect and the timing is wonderful. I have 6 months to prep, so the education and time to continue to condition myself physically is a wonderful asset. Thank you so much for putting these videos out, they literally helped me get hired on where I was dying to get hired on.

[@mike_pertz]

That's awesome John!! Congratulations!!

[@michaelschwebs5434]

Not a single video on this channel has disappointed me, It's full of great information and advice. These videos won't steer you in the wrong direction. I've been a firefighter for a little over a year now and I still take away a lot of great information from these videos. Don't take that statement the wrong way, I'm aware that I'm still very new and have a lot to learn. The point being that these videos aren't just for guys wanting to be firefighters, they're for everyone. As for guys that haven't been through a fire academy yet, watch this video again and really listen. Everything in it is spot on, you'll run into things that will surprise you. I didn't think I was claustrophobic but it's a whole new ball park when you're in full bunker gear, on air, tired, and under black out conditions. Remaining calm is essential, I recommend researching breathing techniques to help you keep your cool and save your bottle ( they will most likely teach you some in the academy anyways). Remember that your instructors are all seasoned vets and are there to help you succeed. Best wishes to everyone!

[@anthonyventi1579]

The fire academy was the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through in my life, and I wrestled through college and fought some MMA fights!! I got hired with zero Fire experience! I still don’t know why they rolled the dice on me! There were far more qualified applicants available! But I graduated and eventually became a competent firefighter. It’s now my goal to make sure every student I teach is more prepared than I was, which is actually a fairly attainable goal!! Thank you for your content, it makes my job a lot easier!! 🔥

[@SON_ZER0_7]

🔥🔥🔥

[@Julio_K]

That’s probably bc ur not me. No job, no friends, no life. At least u did MMA n u probably volunteered and had a billion jobs. I am in my moms basement

[@anthonyventi1579]

Negative, I never volunteered for anything. I just woke up one day with a goal (becoming a fireman) and broke that goal into small steps, knocked out one step at a time, 2 years later I was getting a badge pinned on my chest. Big goals are always unattainable, until you break them down.

[@Julio_K]

@@anthonyventi1579 can introverts be firefighters? Bc I don’t think so n I’m too afraid to go to recruiting day/open house. It’s on June 1, but I am way too afraid to go n I wanna change my life so bad. Idk what to do anymore. 1. Sensitive ppl can’t be firefighters=me. 2. Ppl who lack social skills can’t be firefighters=me 3. Ppl who can’t handle blood/traumatic injury can’t be firefighters=me 4. Ppl who can’t follow simple instructions can’t be firefighters=me 5. Ppl who are afraid of HEIGHTS can’t be firefighters =me 6. Ppl who are afraid of everything can’t be firefighters =me. Everything is stopping me, but I wanna save lives and do the big contribution to society, I don’t wanna cook for ppl or wash ppls dishes, I want to save someones life

[@anthonyventi1579]

No, people who can’t handle hights and blood can con make good firefighters. However, introverts can be!!! There’s a huge advantage for a rookie who listens well and hardly ever talks!! But as for your other limitations, how badly do you want the job? Let me let you in on a secret, nobody likes hights!! I’m not a fan of them at all! But I wanted to be good fireman more than I wanted to feel safe. How old are you?

[@Quis2TheCity]

Just accepted an offer for the busiest county in Georgia. I’ve been binging your videos since I started this process and I know I only made it to this point due to you. Thank you for helping me reach my dream career.

[@Storyteller543]

I never thought of me as claustrophobic untill I did a wire entanglement drill, where you crawl through a duct prop with wires well on air and in full kit. You have to climb through the wires and get out the other side. When I first did it I got stuck and mildly panicked, took me awhile to get over it.

[@mike_pertz]

ya it's definitely a unique experience!

[@MattJames1]

I’m just a regular ole citizen interested in emergency services. I went to a citizens academy and one surprising things I learned regarding health was the high occurrence of cancer in firefighters early in life due to exposure to all the nasties in smoke. The department in our town installed air quality monitors on all their trucks so the firefighters know when to don scba even before they get out of the truck. I thought that was pretty cool.

[@harrysingh5581]

Hello future firefighters! I attended an online academy. I flew down from Toronto to Dallas/Fort Worth, and went to the Training Division in Crowley. So the online aspect took 4 months to finish, and the actual academy was 2 weeks. Overall the in-person was great, it was just very condescending compared to community college. I strongly urge everyone to study hard before you go to the academy. Also, review knots before they go! Best of luck to all of you! :)

[@mattfields9559]

Starting the academy at the end of February... thanks for the tips!

[@mike_pertz]

Good luck!!

[@Scooterr2298]

Starting my fire academy in 2 months! Changing the way I eat now and working out every day and watching all your videos. I hope I kick some butt! Thank you for all you do!

[@A_Million_Air]

How did it go bro? What was your experience like?

[@Scooterr2298]

@@A_Million_Air it was amazing, fell in love with the day-to-day. Ended up getting valedictorian by studying and reading when nobody else did. It was honestly the best couple of months of my life, learned so much and became infatuated with firefighting. Starting EMT school now. The comment by perryfire below this one is very accurate and good advice.

[@mattclawson703]

I went through the fire academy in Montgomery County MD Fire/Rescue in 2000 and everything you explained I went through. Our training followed the MFRI standards and NFPA FFIII. I also went through US ARMY basic training in 1987. Both were vastly different. The fire academy was para military in nature. We had certain things we had to do, had to wear uniforms correctly, yes sir yes mame, etc. My academy was 19 weeks. The first 16 weeks was fire training. The remaining 3 weeks was EMS. I was also a paramedic when I attended, and we had to do a Medic refresher and learn the county EMS protocols. The academy was 5 am to 3 pm Mon through Fri. We were home every evening and weekends. All gear and books were supplied. Our academy taught firefighter level III. After we graduated we got station assignments and were on probation for a year. Within our first year after probation we attended pump operator class and got checked off to operate an engine. After that it was our choice to go to either ladder training or heavy rescue training. Being a paramedic I chose heavy rescue. I retired in 2019. We had the retirement drop program which I was eligible due to my military experience.

[@stephenhupfer]

I start the academy Monday. Lot’s of work but excited for the opportunity. I’ve been watching a lot of your videos and they’ve been very helpful, so thank you.

[@danielleraoul3799]

I've been following your video's for several months now, preparing to become a firefighter for a career and leave my current employment. Your videos have been very helpful from beginning to end. Please continue them. Thank you.

[@earnestwoodard7206]

I’m on my way to the academy in august. Love to see more videos on preparing myself up til then

[@vanameyde6411]

Going to Training Division? In Texas?

[@josh_1227-_-]

The fire Academy in January here in California going through Merced community college this is the first Academy where they’re going to become accredited as well as offer multiple certifications rather than just the basic I’m excited and cannot wait!!

[@kristenhendricks8297]

Fun vid! I'm 3/4 through an academy and having a blast, but the stress levels take some getting used to. So much of academy is learning how to do something right....and learning how to keep going when it goes to hell. You're constantly learning new things and not expected to be an old pro at tasks, but to persevere no matter what. All the SNAFUS are awesome for teaching you how to stay calm and find a solution. And the yelling. The yelling is your friend XD

[@AkronKid330]

My uncle is well known throughout the US as a fire fighter. Growing up I've always wanted to be one. I'm now 35 and time is ticking! It's my dream job that I have not chased!

[@ronthemogul]

What you going to do about it

[@kristenhendricks8297]

I'm 35 in academy with 20 year olds. Go get it! :D

[@Dunkees]

I'm currently in the military and have a few years left, but I've thought about being a fire fighter for quite some time and looking into becoming a volunteer soon. I've watched a few of your videos already, great stuff!

[@DapperSapper515]

Same. Been in the Army for 6 years. I get out April of 2022 and transition into the reserves from active. I was also a volunteer firefighter back in college 8 years ago. I loved every second of it. But didn't fall in love with it as much as I did with the desire to be a cop. For as long as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a cop. However, with everything going on with LE, I'm STRONGLY considering fire. I enjoyed volunteer, so might as well make it a potential career, right? If you don't mind me asking, why fire over police?

[@josephpeters7076]

@@DapperSapper515 congratulations on getting out!

[@oryonblay987]

I start my academy on November 1st. Thank you for this info sir. Really means a lot. I am a bit anxious but I will prepare myself and do the best of my ability to get my career in the fire service started.

[@rileybeckham8118]

How’s that academy doing

[@oryonblay987]

@@rileybeckham8118 It got moved back to Nov. 15 so I start this Monday

[@ronthemogul]

@@oryonblay987 how’s it going lol

[@marcusguajrdo73]

@@oryonblay987 how’s it going

[@njmike9784]

I am a 21 year Police Officer and my younger brother is a 16 year Firefighter. Obviously I can only speak from the LE side but all of this advise is spot on!! Your reputation starts in the academy. I went to an open enrollment Police academy, my brother went to a city FF academy. All of the instructors speak to one another and it will be common knowledge if your worthy or not.

[@mike_pertz]

Thank you I'm glad you liked the video and agreed with the points!

[@d_welow94]

Sincerely want to thank you for this great channel!! And all the amazing information your producing. I can confidently say you helped me and im sure others prepare for what to expect when trying to apply for the best job in the world! Im Glad to tell you i got the call yesterday and and i start the academy march 1st! Thanks for creating this quality content for people who are pursuing this path

[@mike_pertz]

Wow, that's awesome, I love hearing stories like that, congratulations and thank you! I'm glad to hear you will be starting in March. Good luck!

[@mitchc5538]

Here’s some advice for new recruits. I’d recommend doing exercises with a 70 pound weight vest to get used to the extra weight. I wish I did that because it took me awhile to get used to the extra weight.

[@cliffpaul3889]

Haven’t been through an academy yet, but some little advice I received that applies if you’re in an academy for an actual department... 1. Location. I live in California so traffic is bad. live as close to their drill tower as possible to save time on commuting so you have more time to study and eat etc. 2. Women/distractions. If she or anyone is stressing you out or not helping you then maybe distance yourself or put that on hold. These jobs are extremely competitive and having someone affect your ability to study and stressing you out can cause you to fail.

[@aidanfarnworth999]

mike thank you so much for the information about the small bits and pieces . i’m weeks away now from going into my full time academy here in mass , im going to be a 3rd generation career fireman and i feel like the pressure is absolutely on , i can’t be a let down to the family buisness . I’ve already done some ride alongs with my dad and his crew ( he’s the officer ) and i’ve picked everyone’s brain from his to the proby they have on the crew , i feel like im ready but could always be more ready

[@CShivery]

Being a career firefighter is a lifestyle. As a 12-year veteran of a large municipal department, the biggest criticism I have of many new firefighters is that they don't have the passion for the job that a good firefighter does. If you want to fail, you should show up late, out of shape, overweight, complaining, bragging, telling your co-workers that you took a huge pay cut to be s firefighter, posting on social media while on the clock, talking back to your officers and senior firefighters, and giving off the vibe that you know more than senior firefighters who've been around much longer than you. If you want to succeed as a career firefighter start by being a hard worker and putting others first. Be a team player. Be a likeable person. Don't pass on invitations from others to train when you're on shift. I've heard every excuse in the book for why young probationary firefighters don't want to train, but that little tidbit you would've learned from training might end up saving your life, or help you save a fellow firefighter's life. Perfect way to get cross-threaded with me and permanently lose my respect is to show me that you're lazy.

[@AwesomeTBS]

Getting ready to go to Houston fire academy after I take my civil service exam and PT test next month. Really excited to start a new chapter in my life, way different from bartending. Your videos are really helpful, and I appreciate it.

[@ivantorres1328]

I'm planning on joining the houston fire Department aswell any tips?

[@Sergiohernandez54112]

Starting my fire school in Alberta, Canada tomorrow. Thank you Dave for a great content. 👍

[@Kaleb._]

I also live in Alberta, do you mind if I ask you a few questions?

[@Sergiohernandez54112]

@@Kaleb._ yes for sure, dm me

[@walkingrevival1]

When it’s time for the civil exam I am going to take it and make it my mission to go through the academy here in Columbus, ohio. I have gone through a lot of places thinking it was the career for me, but I’ve never been so certain as I am now to be a firefighter.

[@camerontimboe5643]

I learned from my academy that you never leave anyone behind. If you finish a hike, task, or activity always make sure to go back and help your people. This is an effective way to stand out. Remeber that it takes no talent to hustle, and when you think you are completly drained you always have more in the tank.

[@mike_pertz]

All true!

[@christianmarsden1825]

Thank you so much for this video. There is a lot of information I wasn’t aware of. Definitely purchasing one of those books.

[@mike_pertz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@er2158]

Can you please do some videos on the tools of the job? Explain their parts, different uses, etc..

[@mike_pertz]

Great idea! I'll put it in the queue

[@216irish]

You really helped me a ton I watched a bunch of your videos and I just have my interview with Cleveland Fire. I nailed the interview and it was all thanks to firefighter now.

[@mike_pertz]

That's awesome man, congratulations! When are you supposed to find out about your results?

[@Fdesouza]

i started the Fire academy about 15 days ago, honestly, my Fire Academy is like a summer camp if i could compare to my Army Army boot camp lol

[@vanameyde6411]

I’m attending Training Division in Texas in October

[@GraphicsFrosTy]

At the end of my second week of 7! Only watched a couple of your vids, starting this morning but I’m thoroughly enjoying your content.

[@mike_pertz]

Congrats on making it through week 2! Thank you for the kind words, I hope you find the content useful!

[@RDC2003]

I’ve done intro to fire service and fire ground support at Montgomery county pa fire academy. Love it. Meeting a bunch of new friends

[@derajE94]

Starting academy for my dream dept in a couple of weeks. These videos have definitely helped

[@josephquarcoo8304]

Yes, this is 100% accurate cuz I'm currently going through a county department academy

[@trynagetbanned8483]

Starting the Chattanooga Tennessee Fire Academy in less than a month. I've been watching a lot of your content. Thanks a lot man!

[@wombat3635]

The academy I went to about a year ago was a 4 month program that was centralized in the county. Bunch of different stations went, as well as neighboring counties. Hell of a 4 month experience. My company paid for it, as I was an exterior firefighter for 2 years before. Borderline bootcamp shit for the first few months, but we got PA mod 4 (live fire suppression) and NFPA 1001. Pretty good

[@geebee6010]

Here in Pennsylvania, it all depends on on where you join. If you want to become a Volunteer, you have to go through the county fire school free of charge and you will get your Fire 1, Hazmat opps, etc from there. The fire company will pay for it. If you want to be a career firefighter in a big city like Philly, Pittsburgh or any career department, you have to go through the career academy. Some smaller career departments will send you to a neighboring academy close by for that class.

[@EagleJack-ez3ke]

So is the county fire school easier would you say?

[@geebee6010]

@@EagleJack-ez3ke I would yes. Plus it’s only 5 months compared to the 9 months with learning EMT-B in the career Fire academy. And you get more chances if you fail a test or the exam. Fire school you just have to find a way to squeeze it in your schedule

[@Garyvillines]

My city put on a fire academy for all the volunteer departments around here. Hit the pandemic in the middle and transitioned as much as possible to online. That sucked lol. but we did what we could, got certified for Hazmat/FF1/FF2. This was my beginnings, like you said got to meet everyone, get my feet wet. I could TOTALLY see the benefit of a "boot camp" style academy. I wish we could have stressed wellness and fitness more.

[@matthewdey8628]

I start the fire academy in 1 month. Thanks for the videos!

[@Unknown-hp6dr]

Starting the academy 01/30/2023 - 10 weeks EMT, 18 weeks fire. Thank you for this video. 👍

[@kenxiong6830]

There are 3 things that I recommend you do prior to enrolling in a fire academy. First is that you join a Fire Department as a volunteer so you can familiarize yourself with the equipment, tools, rigs, etc. Secondly, make sure you are in shape!!!! You must have both strength and cardio because different portions of the academy will test each. For example, strength will be needed for force entry and ladders. Cardio will be needed for firefighter survival and PT. Lastly, you will need to learn how to work with others as a team. There’s no room for lone rangers in the fire service. Good luck!!!

[@patrickm9366]

I start my academy tomorrow, cant wait and thank you for all your help and videos.

[@ohbrandon3824]

How did it go

[@JoeyC0914]

Once again! Perfect timing! 😂🤙🏻

[@allyr.2505]

Working a full time rotating EMS job, online was a life saver. About to do the two week boot camp even so I’m almost done!

[@Pappy04]

I was an Active Firefigter 10yrs. before I went to State Fire School .

[@trcasey77]

3 weeks left of my academy, everything in this video was spot on !

[@SpaceCityGuard]

If you don’t know anything about firefighting and are looking into it 14:24 is the phrase you need to take to heart.

[@michaelzlotek4557]

Awesome Content sir! I wish there was a channel like this when I got into the fire service. I also agree with you, a "private" or community college fire academy is much more in depth, and allows recruits in it to get a more hands on learning and experience, and it's probably the closest thing to a military boot camp and gets a potential new firefighter in shape. In addition to that, in my experience in Michigan, is that the local full time/career fire departments are more likely to hire a new firefighter who has gone to the local community college fire academy and usually contacts the Fire academy program when they have a large hiring or need new hires to be trained.

[@ashleytaleton7054]

My department moved my academy date up so I'm looking for any information. Appreciate the book recommendation

[@mike_pertz]

Any time! Good luck in the academy!

[@jacobsutcliffe146]

Only a week of the way through Fire Academy at Emergency Services Academy in Sherwood Park, Alberta and everything you said in this video was extremely accurate. Thank you for all your informative videos!

[@gaunle6542]

Hello brother can we talk. I am in edmonton trying to get into the academy.

[@jessemanley2081]

Thank you for the heads up. I look forward to starting the academy.

[@JeffreyUrso-ip8sh]

Going to fire school in the spring. Thanks for the heads up and if you have any other pointers would help

[@tylersutphen7402]

Yes! The video I needed!

[@mike_pertz]

Hope you find it helpful!

[@tarrycapybara90]

About 1 month before academy, this is useful, thank you

[@Kusunoky]

I am RN well not working already but there was something or a calling in to the FD, Not sure what its. I do love fire in the sense that not scared off but depending. Anyhow I think I might be old for a FD, already 34 lol. Your videos for sure have inspired me a lot. Thanks for everything and stay safe! 👍

[@franksmith7487]

Just watched this video. Your pretty much on point in what your saying. I’ve been a volunteer ff for 30 plus years, Ex Fire Chief. Just a little about me. I’m from New Jersey (Burlington County). Just a little bit about how it’s done here. Our fire academy is ran and operated by the county. In our county we follow all of the state minimum requirements to be a certified ff which is FF1. Most of our county are volunteer departments which will pay for everything and anything you need to go through the academy. It’s more of an incentive to get volunteer members. FF1 is a 260 hour course, two nights a week for approx 6 months or so. I think one of the hardest things that we try to teach our ff before starting the academy is the terminology which everyone knows that in the Fire house we call it this but the official name is that.

[@isaacstone4041]

attempting to join the Cincinnati fire department. They have thee own academy and i hope i make the cut im going to use your interview advice to help me. The application has been out for 2 months but the written test has not been scheduled yet because of Covid i hope i make the cut.

[@Redmula]

I’m willing to become firefighter in North Carolina feeling so stressful already I ain’t gone lie 😢

[@abrahammiranda9483]

I love my brothers and sisters in the fire service but this guy has help me so much

[@ffandrewd2986]

tips from when I was doing a class on it, check your equipment again and again and again. Be the first one there. Be early. Do the most possible.

[@stevenbennett6143]

Start at my city’s department the 22nd. This helped a lot, Thank you

[@mikebanks33]

Thank you for all the info! I start the fire academy here in my city on 10-11-22! I’m just watching all videos on your page getting all of the information I can take in like a sponge!

[@jakeswarey]

A good firefighter should be open minded and put safety first 🧑‍🚒👩🏿‍🚒

[@justinlafontaine6822]

Going in September Orangeville fire academy!! Been getting ready going to gym and running for the last month the grind will not stop. This video is very helpful I’ll be back at the end of December when my training is all done to let u know how I did

[@mike_pertz]

Good luck!

[@larryvarner3444]

I live in South Carolina, so it was Hot. Hazmat is very stressful & it's very challenging working with tools in a chemical resistant suit. Study, study & listen to your instructors.

[@anthonyventi1579]

I hope you don’t mind the fact that you’re basically teaching my fire 1 and fire 2 classes this year. Please don’t block me, you’ll have 30 more followers tomorrow!! Wish I’d found you years ago!!

[@mike_pertz]

Haha not at all! Thanks man!

[@lukedeckert826]

Graduated the Fire Academy last month on the 4th of November. I wasn't the best candidate by far, and I was a company officer in charge of 5 other people lol. but the one thing that I can say is don't ever give up when you fail. They expect you to fail on some things but the way you fix your mistakes it what they look at, and what matters the most. Another thing I want to add is technique is very important. A lot of the evolutions we do like throwing ladders and dragging dummy's, requires athletic stances and proper lifting. Without technique you can mess up your back or wrists very easily. So, if you haven't played sports like me, make sure to practice proper lifting techniques and stances. Our valedictorian was a 100lb girl who threw a 24ft ladder within 40 seconds or so, even the chiefs were damn impressed.

[@unstoppable535]

I start the Loudoun county Fire academy in VA in two weeks. Slowly becoming a nervous wreck about it but I'm definitely excited for this opportunity

[@Victor_Church]

Just received my final offer to join the fire dept after two years of applying. I’m excited but very nervous, if y’all can pray for me and leave tips if you can

[@coleoverstreet7048]

Love this channel

[@davidmeaney7329]

Thank you for including Canada.

[@TheHefe510]

I’m going to start a Fire academy in March for a department I just got hired at. I appreciate the insight !

[@randyhildebrant3809]

Little late to the channel. My 30th birthday is this Saturday and I start my fire career on Monday. Got my FF1 about 14 years ago. (Volunteered) I’ve been threw boot camp, I think this’ll be similar from what I’ve heard

[@ojdeal2707]

I plan on taking fire academy through my school, it’s a high school elective, next year. I’m a 5’5”, 15 going on 16 this year, and I’m about 110 pound female. I’ve started your push up challenge today. For imagery, I’m slender and a straight A student who typically draws and paints, but I’m very excited and I want this! Do you have any tips specifically for me?

[@mike_pertz]

Hi OJ, good for you for getting started. I'm working on a video of where to start if you want to have a career in the fire service. That should answer most/all of your questions!

[@ojdeal2707]

@@mike_pertz thank you! I’m subscribed with notifications on, can’t wait to see it 😄

[@ECEmergencyResponseMedia]

Sounds like we’re in the same boat haha. I’m doing my HS’s academy next year too.

[@sheagoff6009]

When I was really young my dad (who was a firefighter/paramedic at the time) took my papa and mom up in the ladder truck. I was left with my grandma and I thought they weren’t coming back. Anytime someone mentions a ladder truck I think of that and giggle.

[@TJT153]

I have genetic back issues at age 22. But family has history of enforcement and military. It has been one of my dreams to do something of this career path. I have history in high level “camps” from travel and school football. And always have had that mentality. I’m afraid that my body will give out before my own fighting mentally does. My uncle is a chief and I want to get into the process. I’d love any and all information!

[@gpsoldier9462]

If there’s a will there’s a way, send it brother.

[@ben-km7dz]

I’m a junior volunteer firefighter and my friend is a volunteer firefighter we’re both going to the academy after high school graduation

[@jocia9017]

The upside for me for a online fire academy is that i was able to keep my fulltime job while completing my education. I count afford to quit my job and do a mon-fri 8am-3pm schedule and put food on the table. Same for my emt online and passed the first time. My emt basic online was $1600 tuition through Texas Ems School. Fore Academy is $4,000 that includes bunker gear rental.

[@mrkweezie]

Just got accepted and will start the academy on Monday!

[@danielarzate3469]

Hey I just wanna say thank you for making this content, I got offered a position in my local fire department and it would not have been possible if I didn’t find your channel

[@aydenburris8631]

I'm less than one month from starting. Will be done at the end of March

[@gregseals3622]

Just got accepted to a career position for a local county department. It’s the first time and only department I’ve applied for. I start the academy here in early July. You’re videos have helped tremendously throughout this whole process.

[@mike_pertz]

Congrats Greg!

[@hallowedbethygains1208]

You can actually get the essentials 7 app now and it is way less expensive than the book. Also comes with practice tests and alot of cool things. Free version has some content but I believe the full version is only like 15 bucks. Also here in Louisville Ky, nearly every department besides maybe a handful require EMT nkw. I'm not sure how it is nationwide now but especially our bigger departments, they do a 22 or 26 week academy and the first 6 weeks is EMT class plus PT. Couldn't imagine how difficult that is lol, I'm going through a 9 week expedited course for the smaller department I'm on and just the course itself is killer. This is my 2nd time taking the EMT course and thankfully I'm passing this time. First time I studied my ass off, my book retention was just horrible.

[@terra_fpv1677]

I know this video is a year old, I’m active duty Air Force looking to go to an academy, I don’t think I’ll have an issue with the ceremonial aspect or drill, I did base honor guard for 4 months. Pretty excited to start my journey after I get out!

[@claypalmer7672]

Definitely join a local volunteer department. I’m in the army and joined the local VFD down here and it will definitely help you get experience and knowledge that you can rely on when you get out and go paid and are in academy

[@terra_fpv1677]

@@claypalmer7672 active duty let you do that?

[@claypalmer7672]

@@terra_fpv1677 yeah. Your shift LT or station chief (fire department) should 1.give you a form or 2. Tell you to ask for a form that your coc signs and you should be good to go. I didn’t do the form cause I didn’t really care but my squad and team lead knew and they didn’t care. Just search for the nearest volunteer department

[@johnfinlay647]

I am starting a 36 week fire academy in NC in 2 weeks. I will definitely read the books you recommended before hand as your content has been very beneficial for me passing the interview and getting this far. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@Hernandez90s]

How’s it going? Thinking about doing it myself

[@evhsguitar]

hows it going? i live in nc too and plan on becoming a firefighter :)

[@masonshell9619]

Taking my test next week for Dayton fire academy

[@joshuaanglesey2689]

Love your videos. Very informative. I start the academy in 3 weeks.

[@mike_pertz]

Good luck!!

[@Guy20205]

How was it brother!

[@joshuaanglesey2689]

@@Guy20205 Challenging, tiring, but a great experience. Loved it.

[@Guy20205]

@@joshuaanglesey2689 God bless you brother! Wish you nothing but the best!

[@jerrysimms4717]

Taking a week long vacation lol. They didn’t want me to go to the hospital for a few hours while my wife was giving birth . Things were different then I guess oh and my depts academy was eight weeks .

[@johnmarston459]

Hey mike can you do a guide on how to map read/ spatial reasoning for civil service tests

[@mike_pertz]

sure! that one may take a little time becuase I would have to get some resources together and do some studying, but I can certainly throw it in the queue