Most people learn about the fire service from television shows like Chicago Fire or Rescue Me – or from movies like Backdraft and Ladder 49. It’s true that firefighters may find themselves in the drama-filled scenes you see on these shows. More often, however, our real-life experiences are different.

Many of the scenes in Hollywood movies could never be captured during a real fire. Searching for victims is usually accomplished by crawling on your hands and knees and feeling your way through a smoke-filled house. With most fires, the higher heat banks down from the ceiling and drives you to your knees. You literally can’t see your own hand in front of your face. Filming in that environment would never be possible.

If your dream is to become a professional firefighter, you should seek first to understand exactly what you’re getting into. Many candidates romanticize about being a firefighter and impulsively take the test before doing the work to discover if it’s a career they truly want to commit to.

If you’ve done your homework and realize this is a job you’ll love, don’t hesitate. Put in the effort, work hard, be tenacious, focus on the goal and get the job.

Movie Recommendation

My favorite firefighting movie is the documentary film called Burn, which follows the challenging trials and tribulations of the Detroit Fire Department. As the city population decreased, the lack of tax dollars and vacant buildings presented a serious fire service dilemma for the force. I recommend watching it with the understanding that most departments are not in such a distressed situation.