"I want to become a Firefighter because I witnessed a horrible motorcycle accident in front of my house when I was sixteen years old. Two people died, and I had never witnessed anything like that. The fire department showed up, and I admired how professional they were in making the scene safe so no one else would get hurt. They were very comforting and supportive and wanted to ensure I was not physically injured. That was the day I decided I wanted to work as a Firefighter."

Interviewers are looking for something personal. They don't want to hear you simply say 'I want to help people.' Most individuals wishing to become Firefighters want to help people, so avoid giving this generic response.

You should also avoid saying that you want to work as a Firefighter for the pay and benefits, the consecutive days off, or to drive with lights and siren. When you respond with any of these answers, the interviewer will think your heart is not in the right place and that you are pursuing this career for the wrong reasons.

The interviewer must feel your passion for this profession and see that your motives and values align with those of the department. Before your interview, make a list of reasons you decided to pursue a career in the fire service. Narrow the list to your top reason a career as a Firefighter is so important to you. Once you know your driving factor, it will be easier to explain to the interviewer.

"I am pursuing a career as a Firefighter because my father and grandfather were Firefighters. Since I was a little girl, I would visit my father at the firehouse, have dinner with him and his crew, and ride on the engine. He and his crew would come to my school and give talks, and I remember being so proud that he was my dad. All the kids looked up to me because my dad was a Firefighter, and I thought it was the most exciting profession.

One day, my mom and I were leaving the firehouse to go home, and we saw a house on fire. That was before cell phones, so my mom quickly drove back to the station and told my father. We headed back to the house fire, and my mom started yelling to see if anyone was inside. The neighbors said an older man had not exited the building. My dad and his crew pulled up and ended up pulling the man from the fire. He was severely injured and did not survive, but I remember watching him at work, and that is when I knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps."