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Firefighter resume example & writing guide

Firefighter Resume Example
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Firefighters perform a very critical function in society. They respond to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials accidents, urban rescues, and other life-and-death incidents. Firefighters are responsible for protecting both life and property, they study fire prevention and maintain firefighting facilities and equipment. Covering all of these things in a resume can be tricky.

Why use this firefighter resume example?

This firefighter resume example includes a good overview of the person’s experience, their current role, and the basic functions they perform. The introduction does a good job of mentioning leadership and continuous improvement, as well as top skills and fiscal management.

The skills list section contains their most important abilities but is not too long. It is important to tailor this section to the job you are applying for and target the skills they are looking for. The job listings are brief and on point. They also include great bullet-pointed achievements that are very specific without being overly wordy. 

Firefighting requires a lot of very specialized training and education. It is crucial to include this on your resume, but do it in a way that is easy to read and does not take up too much space. Each entry in your education, training, and certification must be very short. It is okay to use acronyms and technical terms because anyone hiring a firefighter should be familiar with them.

How to write a great firefighting resume

A firefighter must be passionate about protecting lives and property and very dedicated to their public service performing firefighting, first-responder, emergency-medical, and fire-prevention duties. Your resume needs to highlight these things by including your skills and experience that demonstrate how you are enthusiastic and devoted to being a firefighter.

Which key skills are relevant for a firefighting resume?

Firefighting is a very difficult and technical job. You should provide details about that in your education, training, and certifications section. Focus your skills list on your soft skills and non-firefighting things. What makes you unique as a firefighter? Use your skills list to differentiate yourself.

Some of the best job skills to have on your resume as a firefighter are:

  • Emergency medical care

  • Leadership

  • Communication

  • Time management

  • Physical fitness

  • Mechanical aptitude

  • Compassion

  • Empathy

Firefighter resume example

Example

Summary example

Knowledgeable and accomplished firefighter with 14 years of progressively responsible experience, currently holding authority as Action Captain. Oversee and lead day-to-day department operations, personnel performance, training, and professional development to create a highly capable and dedicated team. Drive continuous improvement to firefighting and emergency services through implementation of new programs, practices, and equipment. Obtain funding via grants from government and private organizations, effectively managing budget to ensure appropriate use of resources.

Employment history example

Acting Captain, Windsor Fire Protection District, Windsor, CA January 2022 - Present

Safely and effectively perform all Fire Captain duties to manage engine company operations. Serve as incident commander during emergency situations, supervising and coordinating personnel in performing fire suppression, fire prevention, search and rescue, emergency medical services, and other tasks. Ensure staff complete all required training. Hold additional responsibility as Incident Qualification System Manager, Ladder Program Manager, Small Tool Program Manager, Water Program Manager, and Canine Program Manager.

Selected accomplishments:

  • Successfully completed 2900 hours as Acting Captain.

  • Led firefighting personnel and emergency medical technicians in highly dangerous environments, ensuring appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and compliance with safety protocols to protect emergency personnel and members of the public.

  • Spearheaded and conducted multi-agency drills to maintain training proficiency, including extraction, ventilation, tactical medical, and other skills; as California State Fire Marshall Instructor I, taught multiple classes at the company level.

  • Wrote grants to obtain vital funding for PPE, SCBA, water rescue, and other specialized equipment.

  • Recommended implementation of Urban Search and Rescue Canine Program, Swiftwater Rescue Program (OES Type 4), Earthquake Operations SOG, and Lock-out/Tag-out SOG.

  • Designated FEMA California Task Force 4 Canine Search Specialist and Transportation Specialist.

  • Since 8/2014, Selected as US&R Canine Handler responsible for animal’s development, training, and wellbeing; implement strategies to use canine to locate live victims in debris; and participate in public relations events.

Emergency Medical Technician, Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue Authority, Sonoma, CA April 2005 - March 2012

Served as EMT-B on a part-time basis. Assessed patients, triaged wounds and injuries, performed CPR, and administered medication. Stabilized patients for transportation from emergency scene to hospital. Used appropriate equipment, including backboards, splints, AED, and manual ventilation equipment.

Education example

Fire Technology Studies, Santa Rosa Junior College, Santa Rosa, CA

Skills example

  • Team Leadership & Coordination

  • Disaster Response Training (FEMA)

  • Community Engagement Activities

  • Fire Suppression/Prevention Techniques

  • Emergency Medical Services

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