Definition of Occupation

Protects the community against injury, loss of life and destruction of property due to fire and other disasters. Fights fires and helps prevent them through building inspections and public education. Assists in specialized rescue operations. Many provide emergency medical treatment. Most firefighters are government employees--municipal, county, special district, state or federal. Some are employed by private industry.

NOTE: many fire departments are staffed by volunteers who earn their living through other jobs; this profile describes the work of career firefighters