FREE STUFF
This section offers numerous FREE information to assist you with your career development and to prepare yourself to be the best Firefighter you can be.
Chabot College Fire Technology Instructor Steve Prziborowski has been published in all of the leading fire service publications. Click on the below links to access some of Steve's articles with lots of great information to assist you in becoming the BEST Firefighter candidate you can be:
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Published in Firehouse.com
- Over 50 different articles, podcasts and webcasts to assist the Future & Current Firefighter, CLICK HERE to access Steve Prziborowski's articles.
Some of the articles, webcasts, or podcasts include, but are not limited to:
Entry-Level Firefighter:
- Final Commandments of an Awesome Firefighter
- Next 25 Commandments of an Awesome Firefighter
- 25 Commandments of an Awesome Firefighter
- Fire station visits: Making the right impression
- Answering oral board questions on ethics: "Snitches get stitches"
- Tips to successfully pass your fire technology classes at the college
- Financial tips for the new (or veteran) Firefighter
- Don't name drop during your oral interview
- 5 Reasons Social Media keeps you from getting hired
- What you need to know about taking Firefighter exams in other states
- Two main reasons people fail
- Learn how to master the fire service hiring game
- It's more than keeping the faith to get hired or promoted
- Community service gives future Firefighters the edge
- Generation new Firefighter, the 2/20 syndrome
- Ethical decision making during your fire service career
- Fire service networking and building relationships
- Bolstering mechanical ability skills for the entry-level Firefighter
- Residency requirements for new fire department hires
- The Firefighting career - do you really know what you're getting into?
- Your job application was not accepted?
- What does a Firefighter actually do?
- The best predictor of future Firefighter behavior is past behavior
- Working on a private ambulance out of a fire station?
- Becoming a volunteer Firefighter can offer valuable experience
- Are you the best fit for the fire department?
- Military experience and getting the Firefighter job
- 50 character traits every Firefighter candidate should possess
- 300 plus abbreviations/acronyms every Firefighter should know
- 400 terms every Firefighter should know
- 15 ways to create a better entry level Firefighter resume
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Firefighter resumes
- Resume tips for the entry-level Firefighter
- Firefighter preparation tip - perception is reality!
- You want to become a Firefighter, should you become a paramedic?
- 25 reasons to hire you as a Firefighter
- 25 reasons to NOT hire you as a Firefighter
- 14 tips for the new Firefighter to start off on the right foot (part 1)
- 14 tips for the new Firefighter to start off on the right foot (part 2)
- 8 tips to successfully prepare for your upcoming oral interview
- So, you want to become a Firefighter (part 1)
Promotional Preparation:
- 10 Commandments of an effective Company Officer
- 15 Terms every Fire Officer needs to know
- The Leader's toolbox - Keys to passing the promotional exam (podcast)
- Why higher education matters (webcast)
- Take charge of the peformance review process
- It's more than keeping the faith to get hired or promoted
- Tips to smoke the fireground simulation exercise
- Why candidates fail the fireground simulation exercise
- What every "route" company officer needs to know
- What's keeping you from getting promoted?
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Published in FireNuggets.com:
FireNuggets.com is a FREE publication that you can access online and subscribe to. Just provide your email address and create a password and you can have access to hundreds of articles, such as the ones below. Every issue, Steve has a recurring column, "The Career Corner", with articles such as:
- May/June 2007: So, you want to become a Firefighter? 5 guidelines to assist you in becoming a Firefighter.
- April/May 2014: Getting hired as a Firefighter in the year 2014.
- June/July 2014: Getting hired as a Firefighter - Prepare for the position, not just the test!
- July 2016: Volunteer opportunities for the future Firefighter.
- January/February 2018: The 2018 Firefighter's Promise - Part 1.
- March/April 2018: The 2018 Firefighter's Promise - Part 2.
- May/June 2018: The 2018 Firefighter's Promise - Part 3.
- July/August 2018: The 2018 Firefighter's Promise - Part 4.
- September/October 2018: The 2018 Firefighter's Promise - Part 5.
- Many, many more to come!
- To view those issues free of charge, go to www.firenuggets.com
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Published in FireRescue1.com:
- Becoming a Firefighter: 10 Must-do things
- 10 More must-do things to become a Firefighter
- 4 Reasons you shouldn't become a Firefighter
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Published in FireRecruit.com:
- I have a great resume, why haven't I been hired yet?
- Mastering the fire service hiring game
- 25 Reasons to hire you as a Firefighter
- 6 Ways to stall your job search
- Firefighter job research - have a binder
- Perception is reality
- Resume tips for the entry-level Firefighter
- What does a Firefighter actually do?
- Join explorer program for actual Firefighter experience
- What have you done for me lately?
- First to wake up, last to go to sleep - life as a probationary Firefighter
- Tips to succeed in your Fire Technology College classes
- Basic necessities for Firefighter candidates
- Making the right impression on your fire station visit
- Firefighter candidates: Be ethical, not an ostrich when answering oral board questions related to ethical situations
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Published in Fire Rescue Magazine:
CHABOT COLLEGE FIRE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM INFORMATION:
Fire Service Career Information - Start here!
If you are thinking of a career in the fire service, this brochure will help give you an overview to what opportunities may exist and what Chabot College may be able to offer you,
Fire Service Career Information.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [321.0 KB]
If you are thinking of a career in the fire service, this brochure will help give you an overview to what opportunities may exist and what Chabot College may be able to offer you,
Fire Service Career Information.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [321.0 KB]
Fire Technology Decision Matrix
If you are planning on becoming a Firefighter and taking courses at Chabot College to help meet your career goal, this brochure provides a flow chart to help you determine which classes to take and in what order.
Fire Technology Decision Matrix Prioriti[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [282.2 KB]
If you are planning on becoming a Firefighter and taking courses at Chabot College to help meet your career goal, this brochure provides a flow chart to help you determine which classes to take and in what order.
Fire Technology Decision Matrix Prioriti[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [282.2 KB]
Additional handouts to assist you with becoming a Firefighter:
Being the BEST Firefighter Candidate You Can Be!
This is a PowerPoint presentation I have used to inspire future Firefighters to be the best they can be, and to also provide numerous key points for success!
Being Best You Can Be Firefighter Candid[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [1.3 MB]
This is a PowerPoint presentation I have used to inspire future Firefighters to be the best they can be, and to also provide numerous key points for success!
Being Best You Can Be Firefighter Candid[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [1.3 MB]
25 Reasons to Hire you as a Firefighter
This is a PowerPoint presentation I have used to provide 25 key points to future Firefighters to ensure they focus on what they need to focus on to get the badge! To view a DVD that covers all of these key points in more detail, go to www.firealumni.com
25 Reasons To Hire You As a FF.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [3.5 MB]
This is a PowerPoint presentation I have used to provide 25 key points to future Firefighters to ensure they focus on what they need to focus on to get the badge! To view a DVD that covers all of these key points in more detail, go to www.firealumni.com
25 Reasons To Hire You As a FF.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [3.5 MB]
How to excel at the 3 most important phases of the Firefighter Hiring Process!
This PowerPoint presentations focuses on the 3 most important phases of the Firefighter hiring process - the oral interview, the fire academy, and the probationary period.
3 most important phases of hiring proces[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [1.3 MB]
This PowerPoint presentations focuses on the 3 most important phases of the Firefighter hiring process - the oral interview, the fire academy, and the probationary period.
3 most important phases of hiring proces[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [1.3 MB]
A Fellow Students Road To The Badge
This is a must read article written by Einar Mikkelson, who did what it took to get the badge. He offers countless suggestions on how to best focus your preparation efforts to get the badge of your dreams!
A Fellow Students Road To The Badge.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [142.5 KB]
This is a must read article written by Einar Mikkelson, who did what it took to get the badge. He offers countless suggestions on how to best focus your preparation efforts to get the badge of your dreams!
A Fellow Students Road To The Badge.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [142.5 KB]
Pre-Firefighter Academy Fitness Program
This attachment offers some suggestions on getting yourself prepared for the rigors of a physically demanding Firefighter Academy.
SCCFD Four Month Pre-Academy Fitness Pro[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [1.5 MB]
This attachment offers some suggestions on getting yourself prepared for the rigors of a physically demanding Firefighter Academy.
SCCFD Four Month Pre-Academy Fitness Pro[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [1.5 MB]
Firefighter Code Of Ethics
The fire service, like the rest of the Country, is struggling with the subject of ethical behavior. Take the time to review the information so that you can set yourself and your career up for success.
Firefighter Code of Ethics.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [115.4 KB]
The fire service, like the rest of the Country, is struggling with the subject of ethical behavior. Take the time to review the information so that you can set yourself and your career up for success.
Firefighter Code of Ethics.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [115.4 KB]
Fire Service Reputation Management White Paper
This is a must-read for anyone interested in a career in the fire service. Learn from the mistakes of others to ensure you have a long, successful and trouble-free career!
Reputation Management White Paper.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [238.4 KB]
This is a must-read for anyone interested in a career in the fire service. Learn from the mistakes of others to ensure you have a long, successful and trouble-free career!
Reputation Management White Paper.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [238.4 KB]
So, you want to become a Firefighter? 6 key points to assist you in becoming a Firefighter!
For anyone starting the process or fairly new to the process of becoming a Firefighter, this document will provide a great road map to set anyone up for success! Updated July 2019.
Firefighter preparation for Chabot July [...]
Adobe Acrobat document [1.9 MB]
For anyone starting the process or fairly new to the process of becoming a Firefighter, this document will provide a great road map to set anyone up for success! Updated July 2019.
Firefighter preparation for Chabot July [...]
Adobe Acrobat document [1.9 MB]
Getting Hired As A Firefighter: How To Be The Best You Can Be!
This PowerPoint presentation was delivered to a group of Future Firefighters at the Firehouse World Conference, and contains numerous tips for career success!
Getting Hired As A Firefighter in 2015.p[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [3.3 MB]
This PowerPoint presentation was delivered to a group of Future Firefighters at the Firehouse World Conference, and contains numerous tips for career success!
Getting Hired As A Firefighter in 2015.p[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [3.3 MB]
Oral Interview Preparation Tips: The Opening & Closing Statement
This handout will provide you with valuable information to assist you with creating an opening & closing statement that will increase your oral interview scores!
Opening Closing Statement Handout.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [227.4 KB]
This handout will provide you with valuable information to assist you with creating an opening & closing statement that will increase your oral interview scores!
Opening Closing Statement Handout.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [227.4 KB]
Oral Interview Preparation Tips
Within the attachment you will find a number of ideas and suggestions for how to best present yourself at your next oral interview. Remember these are only my opinions and may not work for everyone in every situation.
Oral Interview Preparation Tips.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [156.3 KB]
Within the attachment you will find a number of ideas and suggestions for how to best present yourself at your next oral interview. Remember these are only my opinions and may not work for everyone in every situation.
Oral Interview Preparation Tips.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [156.3 KB]
Sample Firefighter Job Application
This is a typical Firefighter job application one will have to complete to apply for a position with a fire department. Smart candidates will take the time in advance to obtain all of the information found within this application so that when they have to fill out their next job application, they will be ready to go!
Firefighter Application.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [517.0 KB]
This is a typical Firefighter job application one will have to complete to apply for a position with a fire department. Smart candidates will take the time in advance to obtain all of the information found within this application so that when they have to fill out their next job application, they will be ready to go!
Firefighter Application.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [517.0 KB]
Firefighter Academy Success Tips
Whether you are preparing for a college Firefighter 1 Academy or a Fire Department Recruit Academy, this document will provide some valuable guidance to increase your chances of success.
Firefighter Academy Success Tips.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [126.7 KB]
Whether you are preparing for a college Firefighter 1 Academy or a Fire Department Recruit Academy, this document will provide some valuable guidance to increase your chances of success.
Firefighter Academy Success Tips.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [126.7 KB]
Article - Are We Just Giving Lip Service To Safety?
This is a quick read, one page article I wrote for the International Association of Fire Chiefs On Scene Newsletter. It addresses the need for the fire service to take safety more seriously, and not just give lip service to the word safety.
IAFC On Scene Article Lip Service to Saf[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [1.2 MB]
This is a quick read, one page article I wrote for the International Association of Fire Chiefs On Scene Newsletter. It addresses the need for the fire service to take safety more seriously, and not just give lip service to the word safety.
IAFC On Scene Article Lip Service to Saf[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [1.2 MB]
Sample Resume - Version 1
This is one style of a resume one could consider using. Note it is only one page.
Sample Resume 1.doc
Microsoft Word document [50.0 KB]
This is one style of a resume one could consider using. Note it is only one page.
Sample Resume 1.doc
Microsoft Word document [50.0 KB]
Sample Resume - Version 2
This is another style of a resume one could consider using. Note it is only page. Also, I am not a fan of putting duties on a resume, since that is what you're getting paid for. I left them here to use as an example if you're hurting to find things to put on one page. However, once you start getting community service (volunteer) hours and you can find some "Significant Accomplishments" to add to each job, instead of the duties, you'll be headed in the right direction.
Sample Resume 2.doc
Microsoft Word document [27.5 KB]
This is another style of a resume one could consider using. Note it is only page. Also, I am not a fan of putting duties on a resume, since that is what you're getting paid for. I left them here to use as an example if you're hurting to find things to put on one page. However, once you start getting community service (volunteer) hours and you can find some "Significant Accomplishments" to add to each job, instead of the duties, you'll be headed in the right direction.
Sample Resume 2.doc
Microsoft Word document [27.5 KB]
Sample Background Investigation Packet
Candidates are encouraged to download this document and immediately attempt to complete ALL of the required information so that when they are asked to complete a similar type of packet by a fire department that is considering them for employment, they already have done their research.
Backgroundpacket.doc
Microsoft Word document [791.5 KB]
Candidates are encouraged to download this document and immediately attempt to complete ALL of the required information so that when they are asked to complete a similar type of packet by a fire department that is considering them for employment, they already have done their research.
Backgroundpacket.doc
Microsoft Word document [791.5 KB]
Sample Student Contract - Fire Technology 1 Class
For those planning on attending the Fire Technology 1 class, please take the time to review the attached document which will set you up for success!
Sample Student Contract - Fire Technolog[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [78.6 KB]
For those planning on attending the Fire Technology 1 class, please take the time to review the attached document which will set you up for success!
Sample Student Contract - Fire Technolog[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [78.6 KB]
Benefits of Residential Fire Sprinklers
Many Firefighters still reject or downplay the value of fire sprinklers. If you are one that fits into one of those two areas, hopefully this PowerPoint presentation will help convince you of the benefit of having fire sprinklers in at least every residential structure.
Residential Fire Sprinklers.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [2.6 MB]
Many Firefighters still reject or downplay the value of fire sprinklers. If you are one that fits into one of those two areas, hopefully this PowerPoint presentation will help convince you of the benefit of having fire sprinklers in at least every residential structure.
Residential Fire Sprinklers.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [2.6 MB]
Reading Smoke - The Sequel
This is a PowerPoint presentation courtesy of Dave Dodsen and Billy Goldfeder. If you haven't checked out the Reading Smoke information provided by Chief Dave Dodson, you're missing out on a lot of valuable info that will make you safer and just may save your life, or the life of a brother or sister Firefighter.
Reading_Smoke_Sequel.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [8.7 MB]
This is a PowerPoint presentation courtesy of Dave Dodsen and Billy Goldfeder. If you haven't checked out the Reading Smoke information provided by Chief Dave Dodson, you're missing out on a lot of valuable info that will make you safer and just may save your life, or the life of a brother or sister Firefighter.
Reading_Smoke_Sequel.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [8.7 MB]
Top 10 Contributing Factors To Firefighter Line-Of-Duty-Deaths (LODDs) - PowerPoint presentation
This is a PowerPoint presentation I have used in the past to highlight the top 10 contributing factors of Firefighter LODDs so that we can do our best to learn from history and not allow history to repeat itself in the form of another LODD. If we truly care about those who have lost their life, we won't just say "never forget," we will truly do what we can to never forget through our actions!
Top 10 Reasons For Firefighter LODDs.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [4.4 MB]
This is a PowerPoint presentation I have used in the past to highlight the top 10 contributing factors of Firefighter LODDs so that we can do our best to learn from history and not allow history to repeat itself in the form of another LODD. If we truly care about those who have lost their life, we won't just say "never forget," we will truly do what we can to never forget through our actions!
Top 10 Reasons For Firefighter LODDs.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [4.4 MB]
Top 10 Contributing Factors To Firefighter Line-Of-Duty-Deaths (LODDs)
This is a companion to the above PowerPoint presentation - a cheat sheet of sorts to narrow down in a bullet point format the top 10 contributing factors to Firefighter LODDs.
10 factors to LODDs 2015.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [102.5 KB]
This is a companion to the above PowerPoint presentation - a cheat sheet of sorts to narrow down in a bullet point format the top 10 contributing factors to Firefighter LODDs.
10 factors to LODDs 2015.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [102.5 KB]
Sample Probationary Firefighter Expectations
Establishing expectations is critical to your success as a supervisor, manager, and/or leader. These are some expectations I used to share with probationary Firefighters when I was a Captain. If you are a future Firefighter, or even a newly hired Firefighter, this should also give you an idea of how to be the best you can be as many of your future supervisors may have similar expectations.
Probationary Firefighter Expectations 1.[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [102.8 KB]
Establishing expectations is critical to your success as a supervisor, manager, and/or leader. These are some expectations I used to share with probationary Firefighters when I was a Captain. If you are a future Firefighter, or even a newly hired Firefighter, this should also give you an idea of how to be the best you can be as many of your future supervisors may have similar expectations.
Probationary Firefighter Expectations 1.[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [102.8 KB]
Firefighter Career Preparation Task Book
If you are preparing to become a Firefighter, use this document as a road map to guide you in the right direction as you pursuit the career of your dreams!
Chabot FT 50 Task Book as of January 28,[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [93.5 KB]
If you are preparing to become a Firefighter, use this document as a road map to guide you in the right direction as you pursuit the career of your dreams!
Chabot FT 50 Task Book as of January 28,[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [93.5 KB]
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AndyStarnesFire @KTFBurnsDC
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Steve Prziborowski @SPrziborowski
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CONTACT:
Bob Buell
Fire Technology Coordinator & Firefighter 1 Academy Coordinator
Chabot College
25555 Hesperian Blvd.
Building 1500
Hayward, CA 94545
(510) 723-6851 - Office
(510) 786-7565 - Cell
Steve Prziborowski
Fire Technology Instructor & Webmaster
(408) 205-9006 - Cell
CAREER PREPARATION BOOKS:
The Future Firefighter's Preparation Guide by Steve Prziborowski
CLICK HERE for more info or to purchase as paperback or eBook.
Reach for the Firefighter Badge by Steve Prziborowski
CLICK HERE for more info or to purchase as paperback or eBook.
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