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This is the link to the pictures of truckee tahoe fire department

https://picasaweb.google.com/105506421265474211221/TruckeeFireDep?authkey=Gv1sRgCLyTof64g-HawAE&feat=directlink

What type of education do you need..??

To become a firefighter, applicants must pass rigous Written, Oral, Physical, and medical tests including vision, hearing, and fitness assessments.These tests determine agility, strength, manual dexterity, and in some cases, fear of heights and enclosed spaces. Completetion of high school, or equivalent, is required. Completion of college is not always required but it helps you obtain a higher score on the written exam and the interview.

Firefighting programs are offered at colleges and vocational and technical institutes across the country. Most programs are 2 years in length and lead to an associate degree, others take less time to complete and result in a certificate. A few schools offer 4-year bachelor’s degrees in firefighting. Some fire departments have formal apprenticeship programs, the programs combine on-the-job training with in-class technical instruction. Apprenticeships typically take about 4 years to complete, but the advantage of these programs is that students get to earn a wage while they learn.

Once a future firefighter has been hired they generally have to complete a training and probationary period.
The initial training period usually lasts for several weeks, while the probationary period can last up to a year. During this time they are thoroughly trained, tested, and drilled to ensure they can cope with the demands of the job.

What is this job like???

Every year, fires destroy billions of dollars worth of property. Fire fighters help protect people and property, they put out fire which is really difficult and dangerous, it takes organization and team work. Fire fighters also save people who are trapped in burning buildings. They also treat people who are hurt or ill. In between alarms, fire fighters must clean and repair their equipment. They practice fire fighting skills, and they may perform fire inspections. They exercise to keep fit. Some fire fighters work at airports or in factories. Others work in forests and rural areas. Special fire fighters, called smoke jumpers, fight forest fires. They parachute from airplanes to remote areas. Fire marshals and fire inspectors work to prevent fires. They conduct building inspections. They make sure that laws about fire safety are followed. Fire fighters live in fire stations most of the time. Most fire stations have living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. When the alarm sounds, fire fighters must respond rapidly. Fire fighting is dangerous work, because floors can cave in and walls can topple, Flames and smoke can kill and burn.  Fire fighters may come in contact with poisonous gases or other hazardous materials. In order to protect themselves, fire fighters wear protective gear which can be heavy and hot.

Firefighters description

Firefighters are invloved in fire suppression operations.  Eighty percent (80%) of the calls firefighters respond to are for emergency medical care. This calls include motor vehicle accidents, heart attacks, strokes, home accidents, and other medical and trauma related incidents. Some firefighters work a 24 hour shift with 48 hours off. Their work begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 7:30 a.m. the next morning. Firefighters normally work 8 shifts every 27 days, with one 24 hour Day off.