1. Desire. Here is a secret test to know whether or not you should become a firefighter: Ask yourself “what-if” scenarios. What if you were a firefighter and the house next door was on fire…what would you do? If those “what-if” scenarios make you feel positive excitement, and you can’t stop thinking about the job …then it sounds like you might be a fit, and you should look into becoming a firefighter. Throughout your career, to be prepared and stay prepared, your firefighter-brain never truly turns off. On your days off/ vacation, when you try to “unplug,” quietly your mind stays on alert —a survival instinct. A person meant to be a firefighter gets great joy just thinking about doing the job. If you don’t get energized thinking about the “what-if” scenarios…then don’t waste your time. However, if you find yourself getting great energy, thinking about the job of firefighting, and “what-if” scenarios and it is all you want in life, then never ever, ever let anyone discourage you. When you apply to become a firefighter continue applying. The day you quit as the day you don’t get hired.