Name, Age, and State: John Martens, 22, KS

Job-title: Firefighter

Web/blog site URL: www.berelevantmedia.com

Give us your job description in 25 words or less/Describe a typical workday. I serve the public by providing fire protection, emergency medical services, public education, and rapid intervention of emergencies of all types.

What led you to realize that you wanted to do this type of work? As I was finishing up high school, I spent many hours career-searching. What was the most beneficial was writing down my strengths, what types of hobbies I had, what brought me joy, and combining them all! Although it still isn’t always easy deciding on a career choice, you can’t be afraid to step out and take a look at several possibilities.

In my case, I knew that I had always been someone who enjoyed staying busy, being active, and the occasional adrenaline rush. I have always been into extreme sports and didn’t fit the average mold of someone who could sit at a desk all day.

Did you have any heroes or mentors in your industry that you admired? Yes, I have been fortunate enough to network with several professionals in the Fire Service who have been able to point me in the right directions, give me advice, and lastly help me get the job. These people could be anyone from a local fire chief, friend or acquaintance, to a relative. Most people know a firefighter, which is a huge “in” for getting connected.

What type of education or training was required to land your job? Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Haz-Mat Operations, EMT Certification, and anything else fire related I could fill my time with. Volunteer experience is a huge help as well. Anything that you can write down that has provided training, experience, and sets you apart from the other candidates will aid in getting the job. I would recommend getting at least a Associates Degree in Fire Science or Bachelors in Leadership (completing mine), Business, Management, or some form of public administration.

What do you love most about your job? I enjoy the combination of completing the task as a team, assisting someone on their worst day, putting out fire, and the fulfillment of seeing that helmet or badge and knowing you have earned it. On the other hand, I enjoy getting paid 24 hours at a time to workout, be outdoors, and relax in the evenings when finished with our daily activities.

What one part of your job do you wish you could hire someone else to do? Being one of the newer guys, I wouldn’t mind someone helping me clean the toilets every once in a while (haha).

What advice would you give to teenagers wanting to get into your field of work? Ride along with a local department and get involved with as much as you possibly can.

If you know it’s what you want to do, start setting yourself apart by participating in community involvement and volunteering your time.

Start completing your Firefighter I, II, and EMT as soon as possible.

Become a good listener, team player, always learning, and having a good attitude about the job whether you feel like it not. Just remember, it involves a lot more than fire. Fire is approximately 10% of the job. You will spend more time responding to medical calls, public assists, and time in the station cleaning and maintaining equipment than fighting fire.

How does your job allow you to use your God-given gifts? I enjoy the fact that at any given moment, I have the chance to serve someone out of love. Whether it be in a minor or major way, we serve others and put someone else ahead of ourselves. God has blessed me with the ability to interact with all types of people and I enjoy meeting new faces, fire education, showing kids the equipment, and creating a positive atmosphere. Lastly, I am thankful to be part of a second-family (the crew) that can depend on me while I can depend on them if I need anything.

Do you have any hobbies or off-hours pursuits that teenagers would find of interest? I enjoy spending time outdoors and focusing on family, friends, and some of my other hobbies. Riding dirt bikes, going to the lake in summers, and hunting. I also own and operate a side business called BeRelevant Media (www.berelevantmedia.com) providing videography, and other forms of multimedia. It's always good to keep work at work, and enjoy life at home with other things than Firefighting.