Becoming a color blind Firefighter/EMT-B?

Hello everyone. Let me first say I have much respect for all of you 'emergency workers' out there. I am really considering becoming a firefighter. It's a burning passion inside of me. I've been doing a lot of research and trying to compile as much information as I can. I live near Chicago, Illinois so if anyone from the area could help!! So here we go..
I'm only 18 years old, so bear with me here. I'm on a gap year between high school and college. I'd like to get a few questions out of the way. In all that I've read, you cannot be color blind to become a certified EMT. Unfortunately I have the common red/green color deficiency. Does my deficiency disqualify me from becoming and EMT? Thus elimating my chance of becoming a firefighter? Any imput on this subject would be appreciated. Do you guys know of any EMTs or Firefighters that are color blind but still got the job? Another question I have is how does it work if you wear contacts/glasses. I've heard that you can get your mask with your eye perscription in it? Is it safe to wear contacts when running into a fire? (lol) Now to the actual process of becoming a firefighter..
If I'm eligible.. I plan on getting my EMT-B. After that I'm stuck. I don't know what to do. Obviously I would knock on some doors and get some field experience. Should I take some Fire Science classes at the local community college? Should I just hang around, workout, gain experience as an EMT then apply as to be a firefighter when I'm 21? Will I be able to recieve the firefighter training from the department if I make the cut? Are there any Firefighter Academy's around Chicago that I could go to that would give me my EMT license and train me to become a firefighter? I'm sorry so many questions.. but my brain is in a knot right now. Thanks for reading this far. :)