How does one become a firefighter?

[bmac]

I know there are several of you on this board and I was hoping you could give me some input. My son just turned 18 and is about to be done with high school. He is a smart kid but is not interested in college right now, and I am not going to force the issue.

Today he mentioned that he was interested in becoming a fireman. Now up until today I was freaking out because it seemed like his great ambition was to become a roadie for a death metal band (seriously). Obviously the thought of him fighting fires and serving the community is alot more appealing to me as a father, so I want to pick up this ball quick and run with it as fast as possible.

I am sure he will need to take a civil service exam, but I am not clear on how hiring works in each town. We live in Lafayette and I am hoping he will stay in the area at least for a while. His mother lives in Katy, TX and he may want to move back there one day also.

TIA