CENTRAL TEXAS BOMBEROS

The CTHF offers assistance in scheduling a ride-out with the Austin Fire Department for individuals interested in a fire service career. Recently, several individuals have taken advantage of the ride-out program, one being Michael Verduzco. The following is a question and answer discussion with Michael regarding his recent Ride-out.

AAHF - Do you feel that the ride-out was beneficial to you as a potential candidate? 

MV - Absolutely, it allowed me to experience first-hand the life of a firefighter. I also got the opportunity to meet some of AFD finest firefighters.

AAHF- Does the ride-out experience give you a better understanding of a fire service career? 

MV - It did. I was able to ride on two calls and I learned that firefighters do more than fight fires. They also serve as EMTs for the public.

AAHF -  What, if any specific things stood out during your ride-out experience?

MV - It was great to see how each firefighter I was able to interact with really has a passion for the fire services. I also learned that AFD has an astonishing 95% retention ratio and is in the top 10 fire departments in the nation.

AAHF -  What were you hoping to gain from the ride-out and did you gain these insights?

MV - I wanted confirmation for myself that a firefighter career is what I want to pursue and I received it. I felt a surge in me when we were responding to the two calls we received. This is something I have been looking for in a career.

AAHF -  Has the ride-out changed your ideas of what you thought life as a firefighter was like? How?

MV -  I had a good idea of what the life of a firefighter was before my ride-out. The only thing that really stood out was that most calls firefighters receive are not fire calls, but first respond calls.

For more information about our Candidate Mentoring Program or questions about Ride-Out opportunities contact us at career@NAHFaustin.com.