{"id":2365,"date":"2019-10-09T18:00:53","date_gmt":"2019-10-09T18:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/firefighternow.com\/?p=2365"},"modified":"2019-12-26T18:59:59","modified_gmt":"2019-12-26T18:59:59","slug":"how-to-become-a-firefighter-in-pennsylvania","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/firefighternow.com\/how-to-become-a-firefighter-in-pennsylvania\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Become A Firefighter In Pennsylvania"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>It\u2019s not uncommon to hear aspiring firefighters ask how to become a firefighter in Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pennsylvania has a long history with some fire departments\nstretching far back into the 19th century. The cities of Philadelphia and\nPittsburgh have large staffs and are always looking for the very best\nfirefighters to join their department. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Further out in the more rural communities, there are lots of\nopportunities for smaller department community roles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pennsylvania is a state with a lot of quirks when it comes\nto hiring and training firefighter. That is why this guide is vital for new\napplicants. Let\u2019s start with the basic requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-660fde2498586\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-660fde2498586\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/firefighternow.com\/how-to-become-a-firefighter-in-pennsylvania\/#How_To_Become_A_Firefighter_In_Pennsylvania\" title=\"How To Become A Firefighter In Pennsylvania\">How To Become A Firefighter In Pennsylvania<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/firefighternow.com\/how-to-become-a-firefighter-in-pennsylvania\/#Career_vs_Volunteer_Firefighting_in_Pennsylvania\" title=\"Career vs Volunteer Firefighting in Pennsylvania\">Career vs Volunteer Firefighting in Pennsylvania<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/firefighternow.com\/how-to-become-a-firefighter-in-pennsylvania\/#Veteran_Firefighters_in_Pennsylvania\" title=\"Veteran Firefighters\nin Pennsylvania\">Veteran Firefighters\nin Pennsylvania<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/firefighternow.com\/how-to-become-a-firefighter-in-pennsylvania\/#Training_Requirements_for_Pennsylvania_Firefighters\" title=\"Training Requirements\nfor Pennsylvania Firefighters \">Training Requirements\nfor Pennsylvania Firefighters <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/firefighternow.com\/how-to-become-a-firefighter-in-pennsylvania\/#Fire_Academies_in_Pennsylvania\" title=\"Fire Academies in\nPennsylvania\">Fire Academies in\nPennsylvania<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/firefighternow.com\/how-to-become-a-firefighter-in-pennsylvania\/#Pennsylvania_State_Fire_Academy\" title=\"Pennsylvania State\nFire Academy \">Pennsylvania State\nFire Academy <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/firefighternow.com\/how-to-become-a-firefighter-in-pennsylvania\/#Major_Fire_Departments_in_Pennsylvania\" title=\"Major Fire Departments\nin Pennsylvania\">Major Fire Departments\nin Pennsylvania<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/firefighternow.com\/how-to-become-a-firefighter-in-pennsylvania\/#Job_Prospects_for_Pennsylvania_Firefighters\" title=\"Job Prospects for Pennsylvania Firefighters\">Job Prospects for Pennsylvania Firefighters<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_To_Become_A_Firefighter_In_Pennsylvania\"><\/span><strong>How To Become A Firefighter In Pennsylvania<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>18 years\nor older<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Valid Pennsylvania\ndriver\u2019s license<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Proof of\nresidency<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Pass the\ncivil service exam<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Pass a\nbackground check<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Pass a\ndrug test<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Pass a\nmedical examination<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Complete the\ndepartment\u2019s required training<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The criteria above are taken from a list used by the Pittsburgh\nFire Department. &nbsp;They highlight some of\nthe key factors that all career <a href=\"https:\/\/firefighternow.com\/how-much-do-firefighters-really-work\/\">firefighters should expect when working<\/a> in this\ncity (and most cities in the state). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The age, residency and background check restrictions are\nfairly standard across the country. They need to be sure that you are who you\nsay you are and are able to serve the residents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the process isn\u2019t quite that straightforward. There\nisn\u2019t a one-size-fits-all approach in this state because of current limitations\nand pressures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, some in volunteer positions may not have to go\nthrough the same training and screening as those in career positions in larger cities.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide, I want to talk about some of the expectations\nin both areas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Volunteer positions are more common, so you need to be aware\nof these differences. I also want to discuss some of the training options and\nmajor departments in the state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Career_vs_Volunteer_Firefighting_in_Pennsylvania\"><\/span><strong>Career vs Volunteer Firefighting in Pennsylvania<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The basic requirements to become a firefighter in\nPennsylvania are different depending on whether you want to be a career\nfirefighter or a volunteer firefighter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The criteria in the beginning of this article are all taken\nfrom career positions in Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, volunteer departments in Pennsylvania don\u2019t require\nmandatory training for volunteers. Each individual department takes control\nover the amount of training received once volunteers are recruited. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are pros and cons to this approach. The pros are that\nit allows sharp, dedicated firefighters the chance to get straight out there\nand fill posts. Many volunteers that have other jobs and families don\u2019t have\nthe time to commit to long courses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, there are concerns that this could jeopardize safety on\nemergency scenes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What happens if they show up with none of the basic skills\nor EMT training that others offer? Concerns like this are why there are calls\nfor this rule to change in coming years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before I go into more detail about the requirements and\nqualifications for this state, I want to explain a little about why\nrequirements are so minimal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"US Fire Administration (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.usfa.fema.gov\/operations\/infograms\/120618.html\" target=\"_blank\">US Fire Administration<\/a> has declared a recruitment crisis in the state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many states have noted a decline in the number of volunteer\nfirefighters in recent years. But, Pennsylvania is the worst hit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There were 300,000 in the 1970s and that has declined to\naround 38,000. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their response has been to make it easier to apply, take\naway the personal cost of the background check and to offer free tuition to\nstudent volunteers. https:\/\/www.usfa.fema.gov\/operations\/infograms\/120618.html <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Veteran_Firefighters_in_Pennsylvania\"><\/span><strong>Veteran Firefighters\nin Pennsylvania<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some departments in Pennsylvania, such as Pittsburgh, have a\nsystem where they show preference to veterans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means that those that successfully submit their DD-214 form with a clear service record will have an additional 10 points on their <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"civil service (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/firefighternow.com\/how-to-prepare-for-the-civil-service-exam\/\" target=\"_blank\">civil service<\/a> score. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Firefighting jobs can be a great way for veterans to take\nthe skills learned in military service into their life as a civilian. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This policy can make the process easier. However, that\ndoesn\u2019t mean that you can relax with the rest of the testing and screening. You\nstill need to meet the other basic requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Training_Requirements_for_Pennsylvania_Firefighters\"><\/span><strong>Training Requirements\nfor Pennsylvania Firefighters <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many departments will provide volunteers with the time and\ntraining opportunities to improve their skills and knowledge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bare minimum expectation is typically the basic <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Firefighter 1 training (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/firefighternow.com\/the-difference-between-firefighter-1-and-2\/\" target=\"_blank\">Firefighter 1 training<\/a> with 70 hours as a first responder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Those that want to stand out will take advantage of all the\ncertificates and opportunities in front of them. This includes emergency\nvehicle operations courses for ladder trucks and other essential apparatus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, it really is down to each department to make sure that their staff pull their weight with their education. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fire_Academies_in_Pennsylvania\"><\/span><strong>Fire Academies in\nPennsylvania<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the different attitudes toward mandatory firefighter training in Pennsylvania, there are quite a few educational institutions with fire courses and other training. New applicants are recommended to get in touch with their local community college for more guidance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Philadelphia: <\/strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Community college of Philadelphia (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ccp.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Community college of Philadelphia<\/strong><\/a><strong> and <\/strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Holy Family University (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.holyfamily.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Holy Family University<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Pittsburgh: <\/strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Point Park University (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/www.pointpark.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Point Park University<\/strong><\/a><strong> and <\/strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Community College of Allegheny County (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ccac.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Community College of Allegheny County<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Willow Street: <\/strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/lancasterctc.edu\/ (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/lancasterctc.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>https:\/\/lancasterctc.edu\/<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Doylestown: <\/strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Bucks County Community College (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/www.bucks.edu\/academics\/public-safety\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Bucks County Community College<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Youngwood: <\/strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Westmoreland County community college (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/www.wccc.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Westmoreland County community college<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Harrisburg: <\/strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Harrisburg Area Community College-Harrisburg (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/www.hacc.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Harrisburg Area Community College-Harrisburg<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Bethlehem: <\/strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Northampton County Area Community College (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/www.northampton.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Northampton County Area Community College<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Blue Bell: <\/strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Montgomery County Community College (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/www.mc3.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Montgomery County Community College<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Nanticoke: <\/strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Luzerne County Community College (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/www.luzerne.edu\/default.jsp\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Luzerne County Community College<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Butler: <\/strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Butler County Community College (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/www.bc3.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Butler County Community College<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pennsylvania_State_Fire_Academy\"><\/span><strong>Pennsylvania State\nFire Academy <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One alternative is to train with a fire department directly. It is always worth getting in touch with your local station to see exactly what types of training they offer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Local Level Training program is something that isn\u2019t seen\nin any of the other states in the US. The idea here is that Pennsylvania\nofficials don\u2019t expect applicants to come to them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, they can deliver the course at a local station that\nis more convenient. This way, more applicants can access these different\ncourses on the Entry Level curriculum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They also take place at any time on request. Many facilities\nhave a couple of slots per year for new applicants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This approach is a brilliant way to encourage new recruits\nto jump into their new roles with some experience under their belts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If fire departments are required to offer specific training, then it makes sense to provide this accessible option. It is ideal for those that can\u2019t travel far from home due to other work commitments or their families. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can learn more about this program <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"here (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osfc.pa.gov\/State%20Fire%20Academy\/Local%20Level%20Training%20Program\/Pages\/default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Major_Fire_Departments_in_Pennsylvania\"><\/span><strong>Major Fire Departments\nin Pennsylvania<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The following is a list of large fire departments in\nPennsylvania with the requirements to apply to work at that particular department.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How To Become a Philadelphia Firefighter<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>18 years\nor older<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>High\nschool diploma or GED<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Pass a\nphysical fitness test<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Valid\nPennsylvania drivers license<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Pass the\ncivil service exam<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Pass a\nbackground check<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Complete\nthe 24 week Philadelphia Fire Academy<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The Philadelphia Fire Department is the largest in the state\nwith 63 stations across the city. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The requirements in Philadelphia are pretty minimal, and there\nis only a 6-month probationary period. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once applicants go through the required training and\nscreening processes here then they can proceed with a long career is one of the\nstate\u2019s most diverse and challenging areas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Find out more about the process <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"here (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.phila.gov\/services\/working-jobs\/find-a-job-or-internship\/join-the-fire-department\/become-a-firefighter\/\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How To Become A Pittsburgh\nFirefighter<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>18 years\nor older<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Valid Pennsylvania\ndriver\u2019s license<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Proof of\nresidency<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Pass the\ncivil service exam<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Pass a\nbackground check<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Pass a\ndrug test<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Pass a\nmedical examination<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Complete the\ndepartment\u2019s required training<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Pittsburgh is an industrial town famous for its steel\nindustry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, the industry and its mills are at a crossroads with\nfew working mills but hopes for regeneration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The \u201cSteel City\u201d has seen some major industrial fires over\nthe centuries and the density of the metropolitan area means that firefighters\nare always kept busy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Pittsburgh Fire Department consists of 30 stations in the region and an area of 55.5 square miles. This adds up to around 26,000 emergencies a year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How To Become A Gettysburg,\nPA Firefighter<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Then there are the smaller options that are set up for\nvolunteers rather than paid career firefighters. A good example of this lies in\nthe historic town of Gettysburg. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They aren\u2019t anywhere near as busy, with around 700 calls a\nyear, but this does mean that they are the busiest in Adams County. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The smaller scale of their operations is a great way for\nvolunteers to get more hands-on experience than they might in other\ndepartments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They provide coverage to a 25 square mile area with 20,000\nresidents so there is a strong community feel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Community stations in Pennsylvania may not have the same\namount of major incidents but they often have a wide range of roles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Skills learned here in public outreach and fire prevention can help when building a career in the future. You can learn more about the Gettysburg Fire Department at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgfd.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.gettysburgfd.com (opens in a new tab)\">https:\/\/www.gettysburgfd.com<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Job_Prospects_for_Pennsylvania_Firefighters\"><\/span><strong>Job Prospects for Pennsylvania Firefighters<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Job prospects pretty good in Pennsylvania. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Looking at high\nemployment rates by metropolitan area, the New York-Newark-Jersey City of New\nYork, New Jersey and Pennsylvania is the second highest employer with 13,070\nand 1.38 per 1000 people. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>This area also pays\npretty well with $78.840 as an annual mean rate for fully qualified staff and\n$37.90 hourly. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The positions are available for those that want them, and it\nis easier than ever to get a foot in the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Salaries will vary between locations and depending on\nexperience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, <strong>the\nyearly salary for a firefighter recruit is $54,856 in the Philadelphia Fire\nAcademy.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Further details are available here: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes332011.htm#st\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes332011.htm#st (opens in a new tab)\">https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes332011.htm#st<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, there really is a big difference between the\nvolunteer and paid firefighting positions in Pennsylvania. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, that doesn\u2019t mean that one is a better option than\nthe other. Volunteers with no experience can get started with ease in local\ncommunities. Ongoing, dedicated training then allows you to rise up and build\nknowledge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Those that have the drive and ambition can work on further\nacademic study into well-paid, competitive career posts in major cities. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s not uncommon to hear aspiring firefighters ask how to become a firefighter in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania has &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"How To Become A Firefighter In Pennsylvania\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/firefighternow.com\/how-to-become-a-firefighter-in-pennsylvania\/#more-2365\" aria-label=\"Read more about How To Become A Firefighter In Pennsylvania\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2366,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,15],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How To Become A Firefighter In Pennsylvania | FireFighterNow<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"It\u2019s not uncommon to hear aspiring firefighters ask how to become a firefighter in Pennsylvania. 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