Firefighter Resume Examples
Years of Experience
- Entry-level
- Mid-career
- Senior-level
Mike Minerva
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
66 Wellfield Road, San Francisco, CA 12345
Profile
Passionate and motivated Firefighter with two years of experience. Dedicated to fighting fires and working with the public to increase awareness and knowledge of fire prevention and safety. Certified in basic life support and first aid. Effective at calmly assessing situations and able to respond with a solution or follow instructions from senior firefighters. A team player with a solid reputation for consistent performance and proven decision-making ability.
Key Skills
- Fire prevention
- Safety-conscious
- Organization
- Can work alone or as a productive member of a team
- Resourceful
- Critical thinker
- Effective problem-solving ability
- First aid certification
- Knowledge of medical terminology
- Ability to remain alert and aware in a variety of situations
Education
Basic Firefighter I Training Course
CAL Fire academy, Ione, CA, September 2016-March 2017
Professional experience
Firefighter, San Francisco Fire Department, San Francisco, CA
Dec 2019-Current
- Control and extinguish fires, handling seven to 14 calls a week.
- Respond to 911 emergency situations quickly.
- Assess safety hazards and conditions, and act appropriately to contain the fire.
- Access the victim’s needs and administer first aid, including artificial respiration to those injured due to fire, smoke inhalation, or trauma.
Junior Firefighter Internship, San Francisco Fire Department, San Francisco, CA
Dec 2018-Nov 2019
- Learned firefighting techniques, treatment protocols, and prevention strategies
- Assisted with equipment and vehicle maintenance and upkeep
- Controlled fires in buildings and car wreckages
- Contained and extinguished fires
- Responded to 911 situations
Certifications
- California State Firefighter Certificate 2018
- EMT Certification 2018
- Fire prevention and safety certificate 2020
Cristina Mason
(123)-456-7890
[email protected]
1234 Orchard Drive, Los Angeles, CA, 12345
Profile
Passionate firefighter and EMT with extensive experience in fire prevention strategies and assisting victims of house fires and road traffic collisions. Strong aptitude for making sound assessments of emergency situations and implementing appropriate, effective responses. Fully certified and highly trained with a broad knowledge of firefighting methods, applicable codes, and safety measures.
Professional Experience
Firefighter and EMT, Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles, CA
October 2015-Present
- Respond quickly to disaster situations, risk assess, and execute appropriate firefighting techniques to extinguish and contain fires, approximately 10 calls a week
- Perform first aid and CPR to assist victims suffering from injuries or smoke inhalation
- Lead a team of four responders when required
- Maintain two ambulances, six fire trucks, and one ladder truck to a high standard
Firefighter and EMT, City of Fountain Valley Fire Department, Fountain Valley, CA
December 2009-October 2015
- Maintained and drove emergency response vehicles safely to provide prompt disaster assistance
- Participated in professional development training sessions to update knowledge of safety protocols, firefighting methods, quality assurance procedures, and first aid
- Carried out risk assessments to contain fires and other emergency situations and prevent escalation
Education
Associate of Science in Fire Science Technology
City College of San Francisco, CA, September 2005 – June 2009
Emergency Medical Technician Training
Orange County EMT, CA, 2009
Key Skills
- Extensive fire prevention knowledge
- Logical problem-solving capabilities
- Dynamic leadership
- Knowledge of medical terminology and first aid
- Effective planning and risk assessment
Certifications
California State Fire Marshall Courses
- Firefighter I and II National Certification
- Firefighter Survival
- Fire Control 3B
Helen L. Bentley
(123) 654-3210
[email protected]
483 NE Elsewhere Lane, Mound, MO 64470
Profile
Safety-focused firefighting professional with 10 years of experience working effectively and efficiently in emergency scenarios. Acutely knowledgeable of NREMT emergency medical services, EMT-B, EMT-I, and EMT-P procedures and treatment protocols.
Professional Experience
Firefighter I, City of Branson Fire Department, Branson, MO
January 2016 – Present
- Ensure personnel (4 on-site firefighters and six volunteers) and equipment are ready to respond to EMS calls and emergency fires
- Inspect, repair, and perform technical tasks related to Fire Department apparatus and equipment, including two ambulances, two fire trucks, and one ladder truck.
- Administer first-aid, life support, and other emergency medical duties as designated by state regulatory agencies
- Preparing weekly reports regarding the functions and activities of the Fire Department as assigned
Wildland Firefighter, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Rolla, MO
March 2013 – December 2015
- Cultivated working knowledge of fire suppression and fuels management practices and techniques
- Assisted in and executed backfire, burnout, and tree falling operations in three massive wildfires and over 50 smaller burns
- Operated a variety of specialized techniques, tools, and equipment while actively managing wildfires
- Conducted maintenance and repairs on fire engines, tractors, hand tools, and chain saws
Probationary Firefighter, Springfield Fire Department, Springfield, MO
February 2010 – February 2013
- Combated, controlled, and extinguished fires in commercial and residential buildings
- Performed rescue/extrication operations
- Attended instruction classes, training sessions, and drills
Education
Associate of Science in Fire Technology and Administration
Three Rivers Community College, Poplar Bluff, MO, August 2007 – December 2009
Key Skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Physical fitness
- Ability to make sound decisions in dangerous situations
- Proficiency in departmental policies and regulations
Certifications
- EMT License, 2009
- CPR Certificate (American Red Cross), 2009
- Valid Missouri Driver License, 2005
Professional Affiliations
- Active Member, International Association of Firefighters
- Active Member, National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
Common Key Skills and Action Verbs for Firefighter Resumes
Hiring managers look for key skills and applicable action verbs to evaluate job candidates, so it’s important to highlight these in your resume. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are often used to scan resumes. They filter resumes based on the number of keywords and phrases that meet the posted requirements for the position, highlighting the most suitable and passing them on to hiring managers. By sprinkling your resume with the necessary skill keywords, you have a greater chance of a hiring manager seeing it and giving you an interview.
| Key Skills & Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Ability to work under pressure | Ability to remain calm in stressful situations |
| Adaptability | Agility |
| Attention to detail | Communication skills |
| Compassion | Confidence |
| Courage | Decision-making skills |
| Driver’s license | EMT certification |
| CPR certification | Mechanical skills |
| Patience | Physical stamina |
| Physical strength | Problem-solving ability |
| Quick thinking | Resilience |
| Teamwork skills | Understanding |
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Act | Adapt |
| Analyze | Assess |
| Communicate | Coordinate |
| Direct | Examine |
| Execute | Focus |
| Investigate | Lead |
| Problem solve | React |
| Resolve | Respond |
| Support | |
Tips for Writing a Better Firefighter Resume
Include details of all your firefighting/medical training and certifications
Firefighters should list all relevant training and certifications on their resume — or when they anticipate receiving them if in progress. Depending on the resume template you use, certifications can be added in their own separate section or included in the additional skills section.
Entry-level firefighters typically need a high school diploma and must hold an emergency medical technician (EMT) certification, so include details of these. If you’ve received any further classroom instruction, academy or state training, practical training, or on-the-job-training under the supervision of experienced firefighters, make sure to include these in detail.
Example #1
Good
International Association of Arson Investigators Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) certification
The National Fire Academy, Fire Investigation Essentials, January 2018
- Completed a 10-day course on the skills and techniques required to conduct an arson investigation
- Carried out multiple activities, written assessments, and group projects
- Learned how to process a fire scene and identify arson successfully
Bad
International Association of Arson Investigators Fire Investigation Technician (FIT) certification
The National Fire Academy
Example #2
Good
Emergency Medical Technician Training
Albany Community College, 2016
- Completed 150 hours of training over a 6 month period
- Passed with a 95% score
Bad
Emergency Medical Technician Training
Albany Community College, 2016
Quantify your firefighting experience
Hiring managers can get a clearer picture of your skills and abilities if you quantify your firefighting experience on your resume. Use your resume bullets under professional experience to put numbers to your past accomplishments. Try to be as specific as possible. Answer questions like “how much?” or “how many?” For example:
- How many engines or dozers were you responsible for?
- How many individuals did you supervise or manage in your crew?
- How many call-outs have you been involved in?
Example #1
Good
Supervised and led five to six individuals on an engine crew daily, including an engine operator, two senior firefighters, and three seasonal firefighters
Bad
Managed a crew.
Example #2
Good
Responsible for supervising and leading six heavy engines and three dozers for three-week shifts.
Bad
In charge of supervising equipment.
How to Align Your Resume With the Job Description
Hiring managers search through large numbers of job applicants to find the right person for the job, so it’s vital to highlight exactly how your skills and experience suit the description. Mirroring the language used in the job description can ensure you’re focusing on the right skills and help your resume stand out.
To decide what skills and experiences you should feature, look at the requirements listed at the start of the job description or those mentioned more than once. These are typically the most important requirements. Make sure your resume describes how you can deliver on the key requirements listed in the job description. Remember to focus on major attributes, quantify your notable contributions, and avoid using generic descriptions.
Example Firefighter Job Description
There is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Firefighter to join our municipality fire department team. The Green Creek Fire Department services 70,000 residents within the limits of the city of Green Creek. The position requires EMT certification and experience in emergency situations dealing with fires, rescues, medical incidents, and hazardous materials.
Responsibilities:
- Respond swiftly and safely to all emergency calls and requests for assistance
- Be available and ready to respond at a moment’s notice during on-call shifts
- Treat medical issues as needed, such as illness or injury
- Participate in physical fitness exercises and fire control drills
- Maintain a level of personal fitness necessary to carry out all the duties of a firefighter
- Clean, inspect, and maintain all fire equipment, including trucks and hoses
- Educate the public about fire safety and other important safety issues
- Undertake routine inspections of premises as part of a direct or indirect fire safety legislative requirement
- Take part in continuous training and learning programs by attending lectures, simulations, exercises, practice drill sessions and other training
Qualifications:
- High school diploma
- Emergency medical training such as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification
- Successful completion of a training program at a fire academy
- Physical strength and stamina
- Technical skills to work with tools and fire equipment
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Proven experience of working within a team
- Quick decision-making and problem-solving skills
- Ability to remain calm in stressful or chaotic situations
- Ability to work methodically with attention to detail
- Willingness to work long hours
The job description shows that the ideal job applicant should have the following qualities and experience:
- Have an EMT qualification and medical experience
- Have completed a training program
- Able to respond quickly and work under pressure
- Good physical fitness
- Able to carry out admin tasks such as report-writing and inspections
- Strong communication skills
- Good teamwork skills
- Quick decision-making skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Attention to detail
Using what you highlighted in the job description, craft your resume to include the experience and skills that match these keywords. The example below shows how to incorporate them into your resume:
Firefighter Work Experience
Firefighter I
San Diego Fire Station #30, June 2016 – Present
- Worked with a team of 15 resident firefighters and 30 volunteers, showing excellent communication skills
- Responded at a moment’s notice to calls – approximately 10 a week
- Operated technical equipment including fire hoses, breathing apparatuses, and water pressure gauges
- Completed daily personal fitness sessions to maintain physical strength and stamina
- Maintained a valid driver’s license and EMT certification
- Performed routine inspections to ensure all gear was safety-compliant