I am currently searching for a sponsor for my local county fire academy which starts in August. There is also a paid City fire academy that starts in February of next year. I’m conflicted on whether I should do the counties academy or wait until February and do the city academy which hires strait into an ISO 1 department. I don’t plan on staying where I am forever so I’d like to make sure I get the best training/experience possible to make my transition as easy as possible in the future. Do department ratings really matter when it comes to career path/transferring departments? Will work experience as a career fireman at a small town volunteer fire department not look as good as career experience at an ISO 1 department? All input is appreciated thank you!