Earning a promotion within the Los Angeles City Fire Department is not an easy task. Taking fire technology classes lays the ground work for success. Fire technology classes can range from wildland brush fire control techniques and structure firefighting, to the incident commant structure. These are some of the basic skills one must possess to become an Engineer, Fire Captain, or Battalion Chief. The job of firefighter is one of the most labor intensive and physically demanding jobs around.
Firefighters face uncertain and in many cases dangerous conditions on a regular basis.
Personal safety depends on proper training and the degree of each firefighter's physical fitness. When you join the LAFD, you will receive the best training available from a select group of exprienced officers. These officers will do everything they can to train you and help you successfully graduate from the Recruit Training Academy. However, you must make every effort to ensure that you arrive in the best possible physical condition. For most individuals, this means joining a gym and developing a workout program designed to improve upper and lower body strength and stamina.