03 June 2023
Chief Brent Collins, President, www.FirePrep.com
Characteristics of a Successful Firefighter
Below are the characteristics of what a department is looking for in a successful firefighter. Many of these characteristics are actually tested for when you take a written and psychological exam to become a firefighter.
- maintain effective working relationships with superiors and subordinates
- get along with others
- stay calm; handle stress
- use common sense
- listen to others
- be flexible
- be self-motivated
- be decisive
- counsel, support and be empathic toward others
- work under stressful conditions
- maintain emotional control
- do repetitive tasks
- work with little or no supervision
- take charge when needed
- determine priorities
- have a good sense of humor
- accept constructive criticism from others
- be resourceful
- handle critical decision-making under life-threatening conditions
- perform complex tasks under life-threatening conditions
- work under tight time frames
- deal with critically injured/ill people
- perform tasks requiring log periods of intense concentration
- perform under unpleasant circumstances or in traumatic situations
- work as a team member
- maintain a positive attitude
- enthusiasm
- honesty
- initiative
- innovativeness
- judgment and common sense
- stability
- willingness to be patient, non-judgmental and accepting of other people
- desire to serve and help people regardless of who they are, where they are and what their beliefs are
- demonstrate a genuine caring attitude toward all people
- must have an awareness and understanding of differences between different cultures
- have an optimistic attitude and believe that the best outcome will occur in emergency situations
- driven by strong values and ethics along with an awareness to act upon those values and ethics
- willing to put the best interests of the organization above personal interests or differences
- be able to function as a member of a team
Good luck in your pursuit of the greatest job on the face of the earth! Remember – luck goes to the prepared!