Firefighter Exam -

The fluorescent lights of the testing center hummed, a sound that seemed to mock the rapid thumping in Leo’s chest. He stared at question 47: A) It absorbs heat better. B) It uses less water.

He breathed in, closed his eyes, and imagined the familiar heft of a Halligan tool. He didn’t just want this job for the excitement; he wanted to serve, to be the calm center in the chaos. He marked "B" with confidence. FIREFIGHTER EXAM

He thought about the morning’s CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) warm-up—the way the weighted vest had felt like a second skin, the taste of air thick with imaginary smoke. He remembered his father, a retired captain, saying, "The test isn't just about strength, Leo. It's about staying calm when everything else is burning". The fluorescent lights of the testing center hummed,

He had passed. The journey was only just beginning, but he had survived the first fire. If you want, I can: He breathed in, closed his eyes, and imagined

The final phase was the interview. A panel of chiefs sat opposite him, their faces unreadable.