Pros
Few fields provide a dynamic work place where you are challenged mentally, physically, and emotionally. Today's world requires firefighters to have multiple skill sets to perform the various decision making and intervention methodologies for mitigation and resolve of emergency situations. Skills may include, firefighting, hazardous materials response, rescue diving, high angle rope rescue, confined space and collapse rescue, urban search and rescue to name a few.
Cons
Municipalities are challenged with budgets set from tax revenues. Salaries can vary from region to region and are negotiated through different bargaining units including unions and fair labor agreements. Emergency scenes are emotionally challenging and requires controlled response, this may have critical stress management needs. Working in all types of climates, interrupted sleep, and hazardous conditions, e.g. interior firefighting, long stands in freezing temperatures, etc.