If you want to spend your life, fighting fires, then this guide will be of great use to you. Read it to figure out how to become a Firefighter in Wyoming. The article will present some informative guidelines, which will help you achieve your dream of becoming a real-life hero.
A firefighting career can be stressful and demanding, which can lead to a range of mental and physical issues. If you think that you have the emotional strength and the physical stamina to succeed in this role, then you should think about becoming a Firefighter.
The table below provides an overview of the academic, skill-set, and certification requirements for Firefighters. The guidelines mentioned below are based on the information taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career Outlook
Job outlook statistics taken from BLS show that Firefighters are expected to enjoy good career prospects in the future. The estimates suggest that the demand for these workers will increase by 5% from 2018 to 2028.
Steps to Become a Firefighter in Wyoming
Go through this section to understand how to become a Firefighter in Wyoming
Step 1: Get Educated
Most fire departments in Wyoming, including the Laramie Fire Department and the Campbell County Fire Department, require Firefighters to possess a GED certificate or a high school diploma. Therefore, the first step candidates should take is to complete their education requirements.
Step 2: Make it to the Eligibility List
Many fire departments, such as the Campbell County Fire Department, maintain a Firefighter Eligibility List. This list is usually valid for around one to two years. To make it to this list, candidates have to attend and clear a written exam, a physical agility test, and an oral interview. Shortlisted candidates are then placed on the eligibility list and are considered for future positions.
Step 3: Complete a Pre-Employment Screening
After being shortlisted, candidates might have to attend additional interviews. Moreover, the candidates are subjected to a driving history review and a background check. The purpose of these checks is to ensure that the candidate has no felony or misdemeanor convictions. Last but not the least, candidates have to undergo a medical assessment, drug screening, and psychiatric evaluation before they can join the firefighting profession. Successful candidates might also have to undergo pre-employment training. You should check with your local authorities to learn more about the training requirements.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Firefighter in Wyoming?
It takes a long time to launch a career as a Firefighter in Wyoming. The first step is to acquire a high school education. After getting the GED certificate/diploma, candidates can further invest 2 to 4 years to get an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Fire Technology/Science.
After meeting the basic education requirements, candidates can then apply for the job. To make it to the eligibility list, they have to clear a written exam, a physical agility test, and a formal interview. Those who clear these steps are placed on the eligibility list.
When a vacancy is announced, the shortlisted candidates are called to undergo further testing and checks. Those applicants who clear all of these stages are then hired and might be required to obtain additional training and certifications.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Firefighter in Wyoming?
The following minimum qualifications and requirements must be met in order to join the firefighting profession.
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The applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
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The candidate must possess a GED certificate or a high school diploma.
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The candidate must have a valid driver’s license.
The age requirements usually vary between cities and counties. For instance, the Campbell County Fire Department requires candidates to be at least 18 years of age, whereas the Laramie Fire Department requires candidates to be at least 19 years old. Moreover, each locality has its own certification standards. For example, the Campbell County Fire Department expects candidates to possess a Wyoming or National Registry Emergency Medical Response (EMR) certification.
How Much Does a Firefighter Earn in Wyoming?
According to the figures shared by BLS, Firefighters working in Wyoming earned an annual mean income of $46,180 in 2019.