Are you considering a career as a firefighter? Here’s where you can start…

The Metro Fire Recruit Academy will prepare you to perform safely with your new crew on the fire ground as a professional firefighter, but firefighting is only one part of the service that we provide our community. Medical emergencies are the most common calls for service through our 911 system. This makes EMS training a requirement for all of our EMTs, Paramedics, and Firefighters. Here are some steps that you can take to increase your chances of being selected as a firefighter at Metro Fire and participating in our full time, paid academy. 

If you are still in high school, find out if your school district offers Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways in Fire Technology and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). San Juan Unified School District, Sacramento City Unified School District, and Elk Grove Unified School District all have CTE programs that you may be able to enroll in.  Contact your school counselor for more information. 

Obtaining your Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification is a minimum requirement to apply to be a firefighter at Metro Fire. We are committed to providing an Advanced Life Support (ALS) provider to every medical emergency, therefore, taking the next step and obtaining your Paramedic license will increase your odds of being hired by Metro. EMT programs can be found at many of our local college campuses. Some of them also have a paramedic program such as American River College, Sacramento State University, and UC Davis. There are also Technical Schools such as NCTI and Cal-JAC that offer both EMT and Paramedic training. 

Another route to obtain EMT certification is through military service. Multiple branches of the US Military have job opportunities that will put you through EMT school. In the Army, you would look into the job of a Combat Medic, and in the Air Force, the position is called Aerospace Medical Service Specialist. Currently, both enlisted positions will find you attending EMT school at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas during your initial training. Both branches also have routes to become trained as a paramedic. When it comes to joining Metro Fire, military service comes with the added benefit of preference points during the testing process. Metro Fire is also a proud Army PaYS Partner which adds yet another opportunity to candidates. Be sure to take advantage of that program through your recruiter if the Army is right for you.

Fire Science classes and college level fire academies, in addition to volunteer, reserve or intern firefighter programs are an excellent resource to learn about the fire service and gain skills as a future firefighter. These classes and programs will be beneficial to your career, although they are not required to apply to become a firefighter here at Metro Fire.   We highly recommend that, you sharpen your skills in test preparation, interviewing, and resume building. In addition, you should continue to maintain good physical fitness.  
 
Obtaining employment with us as an EMT or Paramedic in our non-suppression Metro Medic Program is also a great opportunity to gain experience and build your resume on your way to becoming a firefighter. You can find more information on that here. 

We are very fortunate to work here at Metro Fire. Fortunate and proud to be a part of the Fire Service and have the opportunity to serve with Integrity, Professionalism, Teamwork, and Devotion to Duty. We look forward to meeting you.