Nebraska,NE: How to Become a Firefighter
Nebraska’s firefighters are diligent and well-trained professionals responsible for keeping the state fire-safe. And they are really good at their jobs. In 2017, Nebraska had an average of 1.5 casualties and 6.0 injuries per 1,000 fires. The national average during this period was 2.3 deaths and 9.3 injuries.
Thanks to the hard work of Nebraska’s 388 registered fire departments, there was a whopping 47% decrease in deaths due to structural fires in the state in 2017. On the other hand, instances of deaths due to residential fires during the same period were reported to have gone down by almost 45%.
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If you also want to be known as one of Nebraska’s bravest, this piece has all the information to help you get started.
Nebraska Firefighting Career Options
- Firefighter
- Fire Alarm Service Technician
- Fire Safety Consultant
- State of Nebraska Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Fire Investigator
Nebraska Firefighter Requirements
You need to fulfill the following conditions to start a career as a Nebraska firefighter.
- Must be 18 or older to apply.
- Must have a high school diploma (HSD) or an equivalent GED certificate.
- Have a valid driving license in Nebraska.
- Must not have a criminal record in Nebraska or anywhere else in the USA.
- Be a legal American citizen. This includes both US-born and naturalized citizen.
- Qualify the preliminary written test.
- Pass the physical exam. Different fire departments in Nebraska are likely to have different physical testing procedures of their own. Some may also accept a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) score. The fire department in Omaha also conducts a human relations video test in addition to its physical evaluation.
- Clear the drugs test and psychological assessment.
- Obtain an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)certification.
How Long Is Needed to Become a Firefighter in Nebraska?
Most fire departments in Nebraska have training programs for new recruits that last for about 6 months. The initial candidate screening procedure takes a few months as well. All in all, you are looking at a timeframe of about 9 to 12 months if you aspire to become a firefighter in Nebraska.
What Is the Salary of a Nebraska Firefighter?
As per figures reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nebraska firefighters took home $47,880 in annual mean wages in May, 2018.
Job Growth Prospects for Firefighters in Nebraska
O*Net Online predicts a 7% growth in firefighting jobs in the United States between 2016 and 2016. During this same period, Nebraska is expected to witness a 6% rise in jobs for firefighters.