How to Become a Fire Captain

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Fire Captain

What does a Fire Captain do?

A Fire Captain manages a team of firefighters. Ensures all equipment is properly maintained and serviced. Being a Fire Captain directs training and conditioning activities. Administers the staff work schedule to ensure adequate coverage. Additionally, Fire Captain leads and coordinates responses to fire events, hazardous material incidents, auto accidents, and search and rescue operations. Prepares post-incident reports as required. Leads or coordinates fire safety education and inspection activities. Typically is required to pass periodic physical ability tests. May require registry in NREMT. Typically requires an associate degree in fire science. Requires Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) - Basic. Typically reports to a manager. The Fire Captain manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. To be a Fire Captain typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.

People's Opinions on Fire Captain responsibilities

In a single-apparatus fire station, the captain will also be the overall manager of the station.

02/16/2020: Newport News, VA

Like a captain in American and Canadian fire departments, the watch manager will be two grades above a regular firefighter.

12/07/2019: Rock Island, IL

The person in charge of a fire brigade is the chief fire officer, and captain is no longer used.

01/15/2020: Columbus, GA

The responsibilities of a fire captain typically vary according to the size of the station, however, some of those duties include managing the fire station, performing fire safety inspections, and training new firefighters.

12/26/2019: Lompoc, CA

Fire captains may also be responsible for equipment checks and ordering new equipment.

02/05/2020: Cedar Falls, IA
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Fire Captain

Best tips for those who want to become a Fire Captain

Here are some tips to become a Fire Captain.

People's Opinions on best tips

Monitoring and Enforcement; Termination.

01/07/2020: Albany, GA

Select the drive you want to defrag and then click Defragment disk.

01/05/2020: Chattanooga, TN
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Fire Captain

Best colleges and universities for Fire Captain

  • Princeton University
  • Providence College
  • Rollins College
  • Taylor University
  • Bentley University
  • University of Portland

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Fire Captain

Is being a Fire Captain Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

A fire captain’s death during triathlon training brings unfathomable grief, an outpouring of kindness, and a remarkable effort to make the streets of Orange County, California safer for all cyclists.

02/12/2020: Boise, ID

They set out to teach non-cyclist colleagues about what it’s like to ride bikes on their streets and tell Captain Kreza’s story, because statistics are easy to ignore—a life lived passionately while serving others is not.

02/03/2020: Boston, MA

Coming into the final stretch, Ladner heard Reilly call out, “bring home Captain Mike Kreza.” It was—and still is—extremely emotional.

01/14/2020: New Brunswick, NJ

Zoneton’s fire captain urges people using space heaters to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to use it safely.

01/10/2020: Norwich, CT

“The fire department is a pretty gossipy place, so even though you swore people to secrecy, the fuse was lit,” Griffith said.

02/17/2020: Colorado Springs, CO
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Fire Captain

What skills do you need to be a Fire Captain?

Due to the management level associted with this job, many skills are required to being successful and ensuring the success of your team.  It is necessary to be able to excel with: Emergency Management, Equipment Maintenance, Heavy Equipment Operation, On Call Service, Training Delivery, Emergency Transport, Fire Control, Hazardous Waste Clean-up Procedures.  For management positions, some skills may come as a no brainer, for this role those would be: Public Safety Software.  As you can tell, it is no easy feat to be a manager, and the skills required reflect that.

People's Opinions on Fire Captain skills

The followings skills and capabilities are especially for the post of fire captain.

12/27/2019: Jackson, MS

Able to explain fire protection policies and procedures.

01/26/2020: Monroe, LA

Looking for the challenging job position of Fire Captain in service oriented organization where my proficiency and qualification will have valuable application.

01/13/2020: Manchester, NH

Dedicated fire captain with 4 years of work experience as well as ability to perform in stressful environment with practical thinking nature.

01/11/2020: Troy, NY

Exceptionally dedicated and resourceful Fire Captain with an excellent emergency response management record and safety regulation knowledge base.

02/11/2020: Johnstown, PA
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Step 6: View average salary for Fire Captain

How much does a Fire Captain make?

The average salary range for a Fire Captain is from $83,549 to $104,675. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for a Fire Captain
$83,549 to $104,675

Average salary for Fire Captain jobs

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Step 7: Find relevant Fire Captain jobs, and apply.

Looking for Fire Captain jobs?

Here are some Fire Captain jobs in the United States.

Search Fire Captain Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Fire Captain