Become a Firefighter
An Open Letter to All Potential Future Firefighters
From Deputy Chief of Operations, Ray Carter
Congratulations! You may very well be taking your first step toward becoming a member of one of the greatest American professions—the fire rescue service. If you’re interested in becoming a firefighter, then you’ve come to the right place. I encourage you to dig into these pages, follow the links and gather all of the available information about how to become a Florida-certified firefighter/paramedic. Whether you’re planning your future or looking for a more rewarding career than you’re presently engaged in, I would strongly urge you to consider a career in the fire service. The work is hard, the pressure is endless and the shift hours are long, but you’ll have a very hard time finding a career that will be as personally rewarding, challenging or exciting as being a paid professional firefighter! If you think you’ve got what it takes to join us, here are some thoughts to consider and some of my own insights that I’ve gathered over my 32-plus years as a “leatherhead.”
GET OVER YOURSELF – This is about teamwork! Your life and someone else’s will depend on it at some time during your career.
GO TO SCHOOL – You’re going to be attending some type of training for the rest of your life if you’re a firefighter (a college degree is a must).
GET IN SHAPE – The word “stamina” takes on a whole new meaning when the temperature reaches 1500 degrees, you’re wearing 40-60 pounds of protective clothing, and your Lieutenant says “take out the ceiling.”
GET READY TO CRY – Yes, firefighters do cry! As a firefighter, you will see all the ugliness the human race has to offer. Shedding a tear with your fellow crewmembers helps prepare you for what’s next.
GET READY TO LAUGH – I mean slap your leg, roll on the ground-type laughing. The human race is just as funny as it is ugly. Laughing at the things people do to themselves is what keeps firefighters from having nightmares.
REMEMBER THE NUMBER 343 – That’s the number of firefighters that died while saving thousands of lives at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. I will never forget that number.
DON’T TAKE THEM FOR GRANTED AND KISS THEM LIKE YOU MEAN IT – Today, at work, you may be asked to make the ultimate sacrifice as a firefighter. Your loved ones need to know your commitment to them is just as deep as it is for your profession and your brother/sister firefighters.
All that said, I would recommend to any and all hard working and dedicated young people, a career in the fire service. It is a life and a culture that has served me and my family well for over 30 years. Finish your education, then do your research and plan for an exciting career. Talk to your local firefighters. Schedule a tour of your nearest station. Get to know the men and women who serve in your area. Maybe, some day, with a lot of hard work and effort, you will have the honor and privilege of serving along side them as a member of this, the greatest “human” fraternity, proudly able to call yourself a “firefighter!”
Best regards for your future, 
Ray Carter, Deputy Chief of Operations
Boynton Beach Fire Rescue
Fire Rescue Testimonials
“If you are the type of person who really loves to help other people, enjoys a challenge (both mental and physical), and hates the idea of a monotonous career, you've come to the right place.” ---Lieutenant Ed Herrmann
“Don't wait to start planning your future. I started my fire service training 14 years after high school. I love what I do and wish that I had started this career earlier.” ---Lt. Ray Altman
“The fire service has taken me to hot smoky rooms, nuclear laboratories and power plants more exotic than a sci-fi movie set, a variety of industrial sites, to federal court rooms and corporate board rooms. It has enabled me to support a family, travel (too much), and support a somewhat destructive boat habit. I recommend the fire service to those that want to benefit mankind in the process of earning a living. It's not easy, but it is rewarding.” ---Rodger Kemmer, CFPS, Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal
“My experience in this business has been unparalled. I have learned skills that will last a lifetime and are such that can save a life or mitigate a crisis situation. Anyone interested in joining the Fire Service should keep in mind that the oppportunity is open to anyone and that it is imperitive that you be able to get along with others and work in a group setting.” ---Battalion Chief Shawn Starkoski, Retired
“I always wanted to be a Paramedic. When I knew that the best way to have a strong and stable career was to join the Fire Service, I did it! I knew that was the route I needed to take. I never thought or dreamt of being a Firefighter but I am glad I am. I am proud to work for the City of Boynton Beach and to work under such a great Administration. I am amazed at the things I have been able to accomplish in my short career and love being able to help others.” ---Firefighter II/Operator Engineer/Paramedic Christina Tamihi
“This job is an exciting, rewarding, fast-paced (and slow-paced) job with great benefits and pay. It's always changing (never boring) and being able to help someone is rewarding in its self.” ---Firefighter III "MaMa Rani" DeMarco
“Members of the fire service are blessed to be able to aid their fellow citizens during times of great crisis. As a side benefit, being exposed to these types of tragedies only reinforces how fortunate we are to have our own health and wellbeing, something that is often lost by the ordinary citizen. When the time comes to take that final breath, I know that I will have no regrets, secure in the knowledge that I touched the lives of many people, providing comfort and care when it was needed the most.” ---Deputy Chief of Administration, Jim Ness
“You don't have to be a Firefighter to be in the business. There's the administrative part of the business. I am an Administrative Clerk, myself along with the Administrative Assistant support four chiefs and 111 firefighters. At times it becomes very exciting when we hear the calls come in over the radio. What I really like is when we get letters from citizens telling us how our firefighters perform on duty. These people put their life in the firefighters hands. They trust them. It's great to hear how our firefighters take care of the patients and their families from start to finish. There's great stability in the fire business. Fire Rescue is the place to be.” ---Administrative Clerk, Ouida Hall
“The fire service has given me the opportunity to give something back to the community, specifically a community that I grew up in. The fire service is a great career for all people that have a desire to help other people of all nationalities. Giving back is the key.” ---Lieutenant Latosha Clemons
“What I love is that anything I do, counts. Every day I have the opportunity to do something good and lasting, and I get paid to do it. I would tell a young person that if they intend to do this job, make certain that they spend 30 years doing it, not just have their first year 30 times.” ---Rick Lee, Fire Inspector/Plans Reviewer
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