Another thing to remember, especialy here in CA, where cops, FF and prison guards make up to $200K per year in full compensation-these minimum educational requirement/GED/HS Educated jobs almost require you to have a "connection" to get hired-especially the FD.
Usually goes like this for hiring in all gov jobs, but especially FD;
1) Family
2) Friends
3) Military (big browny points)
4) Lawsuit consent decree for engaging in 1 and 2 above.
These are not the top of the food chain employees.