How to Become a Firefighter in New Hampshire – Jobs and Career
Firefighter Career in New Hampshire
The professionals whose forte is to address fire hazards and secure life and property in incidents of fire are referred to as Firefighters. They are skilled to use relevant tools and types of equipment in the course to put off fires as they show up at the locations for the rescue operations. Their work profile is not limited to just putting off fires. It also spans medical emergency handling, treatment of the victims, spreading awareness of fire hazards, and much more. Firefighters make sure they are available round the clock to address the events.
The professionals employed under fire science department are also responsible for performing an array of behind-the-scenes operations like emergency vehicle fleet management, carry on preventive fire maintenance operations and collaborate with the local, state and federal offices when suspicious or widespread incidents take place.
If you aspire to be a part of this noble professions, here we are walking you through the things you need to be aware of for becoming a firefighter in New Hampshire.
Steps to Become a Firefighter in New Hampshire
The process to become a firefighter in New Hampshire is easy. Here is what you need to do:
- Get yourself updated on eligibility criteria and take steps to ensure you fulfill each of it
- Take the necessary tests to establish yourself as a skilled fire science professional
- Pass the physical exam to make sure you possess the physical strength to become a firefighter
- Get yourself EMT certificate
- Get yourself the formal education from firefighter training academy in New Hampshire.
Eligibility Criteria to Become a Firefighter in New Hampshire
You don’t have to exhaust yourself with a plethora of educational requirements in order to pursue a career in fire science in New Hampshire. That said, you need to make sure you cater to other prerequisites involving physical, medical, and legal notions to prove your strength and perform your duties. In a nutshell, to be a firefighter in New Hampshire, you must:
- Have attained an age of 18 years or more
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
- Get an EMT certificate
- Be free of criminal records
- Have a valid license assuring that you are fit to drive across New Hampshire state
- Fulfill Hampshire ’s pre-employment requirements
- Pass all the recruitment tests
- Attain Firefighter II status within 12 months of employment
What does a New Hampshire Firefighter do?
A firefighter in the state of New Hampshire is involved in a wide array of tasks including (but not limited to):
- Put fires off
- Safeguard and rescue victims
- Investigate fire locations to analyze the reason for the breakout
- Spread awareness about the fire and related hazards
- Minimize the property damage
New Hampshire Firefighter Certification Training
Firefighters can begin their career by considering formal education and getting a fire science degree in New Hampshire. Having a degree in the corresponding course enables you to increase your technical understanding and attain an in-depth, hands-on experience. According to students’ education and experience, they can choose the relevant course from the available ones and get more skilled at firefighting techniques. Additionally, students interested in taking up management, leadership positions, and business concepts, may opt for more advanced courses.
The available choices for the candidates include:
- Online Fire Science Degree: The course is designed for the candidates who want to increase their technical acumen but cannot manage long classroom course due to lack of time.
- Certification Course in Fire Science: The course is made for the students who wish to take up a fire science career but through rapid learning. Additionally, it helps the students to analyze if this field option is the right fit for them.
- Associate Fire Science Degree: The course is developed for the students who are ready to take firefighting as their occupation but lack the knowledge to clear exams.
- Bachelor’s Fire Science Degree: The course is designed for the fire science professionals who wish to take firefighting as a lifelong career and take up higher ranks or managerial profiles.
- Master’s Fire Science Degree: The course is meant for the seasoned firefighters who wish to garner advanced knowledge.
Top Firefighter Schools in New Hampshire
Here are the details of firefighter academy in New Hampshire:
| School | Tuition Fee | Students | School Type | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakes Region Community College, Laconia | Natives: $6,400 Non-natives: $14,560 | 2,257 | Online & Campus | Certificate in Fire Science Associate’s in Fire Science |
How Much does a Firefighter Make in New Hampshire?
Wondering how much will someone earn or how much does a firefighter make in New Hampshire is inevitable as one seeks their future in firefighting. The annual income of a firefighter depends on multiple factors. These parameters include the cost of living, which is determined by the location of employment, type of service, rank, and of course, previous relevant experience.
Here is a glance on how much does a new and experienced firefighter make in New Hampshire. Annual salaries for various fire service occupations at the entry (10th percentile), median (50th percentile), and advanced (90th percentile) levels have been tabulated.
| Fire Science Careers | 10th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighters | $23,680 | $42,900 | $59,730 |
| Fire Inspectors and Investigators | $34,570 | $54,160 | $72,450 |
| Fire Service Supervisors | $32,990 | $51,270 | $74,650 |
Firefighter Jobs in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has a small area. However, it is densely populated, and so the risk of damage to be caused by fire hazards is quite high. But strongly backed by a vast network of firefighting professionals enable it to tackle every condition with zeal and efficiency. The state employs over 1,660 firefighters, 170 prevention experts, 60 fire investigators and fire inspectors, 480 fire-line supervisors, and nearly 1,000 EMTs and paramedics.
Candidates can opt to serve with state, regional and local fire departments, in addition to volunteer firefighters or emergency responders. With considerable annual job openings, New Hampshire offers a promising career to each courageous candidate who wishes to become a firefighter.
Career specializations available in New Hampshire are:
- Firefighter
- Forestry Fire Prevention Specialist
- Building Inspector
- Arson Investigator
- Paramedic
Helpful Resources for New Hampshire Firefighters
1. Bureau of Fire Training, New Hampshire Department of Safety
BFT is one of the 3 bureaus run by the Department of Safety, New Hampshire that cumulatively make the Division of Fire Standards and Training & Emergency Medical Services.
2. New Hampshire State Firemens Association
NHFCA is a paid membership association for the individual firefighters of New Hampshire.
