im a retained firefighter (NOT volunteer) with NSW Fire and Rescue, which means im on call 24-7 and i am paid for callouts, drills, training, all associated duties.
It is great fun, and very rewarding, but like the guys have already said it is VERY hard to get into the permos (in NSW anyway). i applied a few years ago. They tested 5500 and 500 went onto the waiting list and i was in the top third of that 500, but at the interview i was deemed to "not have a good enough knowledge on the fire brigades" despite having been retained for a year prior. I nailed the physical and aptitude test but if you slip up anyway they just discard you and go to the next person. When i enquired about where i went wrong they said "we STRONGLY recommend you apply again next recruitment campaign"
some of the guys who done the physical when i did were on theyre 5th attempt.....
But being retained i am doin the same job except i sit at home waiting for a call instead of at the station, and like i said its very rewarding, especially when you work with the public on open days and at school visits the kids treat you like a rockstar.
If you think its the job for you have a crack mate, you'd probably love it. be prepared to be knocked back a few times and if you do get in youll end up seeing some gory shit but all in all i think its one of the best jobs going around.
Best of luck mate