He is full-time. I think he started on the department when he was 22 or 23 and then worked his way up through the department. The department covers a city of approximately 35,000 citizens. He is also the county's emergency management director, which was "built-into" the city's fire chief position several years ago.
Overall, it was great growing up a fireman's son, especially during the time periods when he'd work 24-on/48-off. I was lucky because I was one of the few kids that got to spend a lot of time with their dad. I do remember some times when I'd be sad/scared when he'd be gone all night, though.
It is weird though - so many little boys want to grow up to be firemen. I never did. I always wondered if it was because my dad was a fireman...no clue!