Colorado,CO: How to Become a Firefighter

According to the data published by the U.S Fire Administration, Colorado recorded 1.9 deaths and 7.6 injuries per 1,000 fires in 2020. The national average was 2.3 deaths and 7.9 injuries per 1,000 fires.

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As you can see from these figures, the state of Colorado has very capable firefighters. If you want to join these brave men and women, then read more to find out about what is required in order to become a firefighter in Colorado.

What Will Be Expected from You?

You will be expected to do a number of challenging tasks. Some of them include the following:

  • Protect the public in emergency situations and accidents (such as fires, car crashes, chemical spills, etc.)
  • Combat fires and conduct rescue operations
  • Provide emergency medical assistance to burnt/injured victims
  • Prevent fire damages in buildings by conducting inspections and surveys for hazards

Requirements to Become a Firefighter in Colorado

Aspiring firefighters need to meet the following criteria in order to become a firefighter:

  • Should meet the residency requirements and should be a citizen of the United States
  • Should be at least 18 years old
  • Must have a GED certificate or a high school diploma at the time of application
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license
  • Should not have any past felonies or conviction charges
  • Should be in good mental and physical condition

How Long Does It Take to Become a Firefighter in Colorado

After making sure that the candidate has met the above mentioned requirements, he/she can apply for this position. The applicant will be contacted via email/phone if they get shortlisted, after which they will be expected to clear the recruitment exam which aims to test the person’s communication, reading, reasoning, and analytical skills.
After clearing this exam, the applicant will be called in for an agility and strength test to check their physical condition. This will be followed by interviews and a thorough background check. After passing the last stage, the individual will be finally given an appointment letter, depending on the available positions in the concerned department.

Firefighter Education Requirements

The years you will have to spend in college to become a firefighter will depend on the education you plan on getting. If you get an associate’s degree only, then you will be spending 2 years in college. However, if you decide to go for a bachelor’s degree, then you will need an additional 4 years to graduate.

Career Outlook of Firefighters in Colorado

Firefighters in Colorado are expected to enjoy a stellar job growth of 16% between 2020 and 2030 according to O*Net OnLine.

Firefighter Salary Colorado

The annual mean wage of firefighters in Colorado was $ 68,300 as per the data for 2021 provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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