Choosing the Correct Mentor

Choosing the Correct Mentor

A mentor can be extremely helpful in your goal of becoming a firefighter.  You want to pick one who is serious, has a good reputation, and wants nothing more than for you to succeed and become a firefighter. 

When choosing a mentor, can this individual meet with you to answer questions about the department, the hiring process, particulars about the written or physical agility tests, etc.  Do they know firefighters in other departments that could help answer questions for you?  Do they have insight into the department’s ride-along policy? 

A mentor may be someone who is retired from the fire department that can point you in the right directions.  It could also be an individual that taught you in an EMT, Paramedic or Firefighting course that is serious about their profession and would be willing to help you.  

If you know someone who has recently gotten on the department that you are trying to be hired by, ask them if they used someone as a mentor.  If you know firefighters from other departments, find out if they used a mentor.  Even individuals who have only been on the department a short time can help you with some of the basic information that you need to know.  

This person needs to realize that you might not get on the department in your first try, but they need to be willing to stay with you and help you.  If you don’t get hired on the department they helped you with, don’t feel embarrassed.  Many of these firefighters took numerous tests themselves to get hired on a fire department.  Don’t give up.  If you have chosen the right mentor, they will stay with you to help and assist you in whatever direction it takes for you to reach your goal of becoming a firefighter. 

Once you get on a department, make sure you show your gratitude to your mentor – possibly with a restaurant gift card.  Be sure to keep in contact with them, letting them know how things are going for you.  They may be willing to continue to mentor you through your first year as a firefighter.  

After you have a few years on the job, pay it forward, and put out the word that you are willing to be a mentor to someone.  You can teach them what you’ve learned, the mistakes you’ve made and how you’ve corrected them, and you can be an inspiration to them. 

A true mentor can be a great asset to you.  They will get just as much satisfaction as you do when you get the job, knowing that they’ve helped you obtain the greatest job in the world.