I learned about what makes the foundation of a city a part of the Nebraska Civics Leadership Program on March 19. We heard from Omaha Parks & Recreation, the Omaha Police Department and the Omaha Fire Department. While I enjoyed hearing about all of them, the occupation that stood out to me most was firefighter. 

The Omaha Fire Department takes applicants every two years. The testing process consists of filling out a form, taking a written multiple-choice exam, the physical ability test (CPAT), and an oral interview. If you make it through all these steps, you will be placed onto a list from which they hire from until applications open up again in two years. 

There are a lot of benefits to becoming a firefighter that hooked me on the idea.  

1. There is no college degree needed to become a firefighter. At the age of 19, you are able to apply to become one. This means it is a viable option right after high school. 

1. On top of this, the pay is extremely good. Starting at around $62,000 a year, you can earn a $65 increase every month on the job working for the Omaha Fire Department. Which means after one year, you would have $780 added to your salary. With most jobs, you are only eligible for vacations after your first year of working. As a firefighter, you would get two vacations annually, and paid sick leave as well. 

1. The number of hours you work is limited. In Omaha, there are three rotations you could potentially get—A, B and C. Each shift works every other day in 24-hour shifts and once you have worked five days, you get six days off. This means you work roughly 10 days a month. 

1. Having all that free time allows most to have a second job on the side. Many firefighters choose to start their own business or go to school. 

1. Tuition is paid for if you decide to go to college! I see this to be a huge perk, especially because college can be expensive, and this allows you to get that education debt-free. 

1. This one applies a little further into the future, and it went into effect recently—any children of a firefighter get to go to an in-state college for free. Your child would not be paying a cent.  

1. Even further into the future, a pension is set up for you. A pension refers to money you get paid put into your retirement fund. You would have an income when you are no longer working, and you would be set for life. 

Based off of the experiences I heard about, being a firefighter is not easy, but it is a very gratifying job. Many love what they do, and I was able to see the charm in the occupation after hearing from one’s perspective.  

Of course, being a firefighter has so many pros because of the cons that also come with the job description. It is dangerous, to say the least, to throw yourself into situations where others need help. You will be dealing with many challenges—fires, trapped individuals, the fear that arises from being in less-than-ideal circumstances. Because of this, in order to pursue a career as one, you have to be sure that all the advantages outweigh the risks.  

Apart from the listed benefits, the feeling of helping another individual lands pretty high on the list. To make a change in the world and create lasting impacts on others’ lives is a gift in itself. To be the reason someone aspires to be a firefighter might be the biggest reward of all.