firefighter i fire technology education and the firefighter selection process
TRANSCRIPT
Firefighter I
Fire Technology Education and the Firefighter Selection Process
ObjectivesThe student will be able to:• Explain the differences between a firefighter
certification program, an associate’s degree, and a bachelor’s degree in fire technology and the advantages of each.
• Assess their potential for employment in the fire service.
• Identify each step in the selection process and its purpose.
• List ways to prepare for the selection process.• Explain the purpose of a probationary period.
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College Fire Technology Programs
Certification ProgramsAssociate’s Degree Programs
Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Fire-Related Fields
Distance Learning Programs3
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Career Potential AssessmentCandidates must evaluate themselves in the following core areas:
Morality and Ethical CharacterProfessionalism and CompetenceInterpersonal dynamics and
compassion for othersAbility to perform as a team memberCommitment to Physical FitnessCommunity Involvement
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Work Ethics and Human RelationsThe firefighter candidate must possess
the following work ethic and interpersonal dynamic skills:
Willing to perform difficult work for long hours
Willing to perform station and vehicle maintenance as well as their obligatory firefighting duties
Continue their training throughout their career
Be loyal to their community and their crew
Be dedicated to the profession5
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Work Ethicsand Human RelationsApply themselves; learn all aspects of the
job Follow orders when necessary; lead when
necessaryHave the ability and willingness to learnRecognize the expanding roles of the fire
service in the communityHave a positive attitude regarding safetyAccept diversity in the fire serviceUnderstand that harassment is not
toleratedBe willing to serve people of all
backgrounds6
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Fire Service Training ProgramsPre-service Training Programs
ExplorersVolunteer firefightingReserve/cadet programsHigh school magnet programs
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Fire Service Training ProgramsIn-service Training Programs
Fire academy trainingState and local training associationsState Fire Marshal’s OfficeCollegesNational Fire AcademyFire Service Career Ladder
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Personnel Development Programs
Training for positions higher than currently held
Each student is assigned a mentor
Study as generalists and specialists
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SELECTION PROCESS
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RecruitmentLooking for the most qualified applicants.
Prerequisites for employment:• Driver’s license• High school diploma or GED• Firefighter and/or Paramedic
certification11
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Application ProcessJob announcementLimited number of applications; must be
picked up in person and returned typed.Limited advertisingNon-smoking policyResidency requirementResume may be required
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Written ExaminationTests mechanical aptitudeSkills testing:
Simulates real-life occurrences likely to be encountered during employment, and the mental ability to deal with situations is evaluated
Evaluation of response to a written procedure, videotape, or audio tape.
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Oral Examination/InterviewInterview with oral panel representing:• Personnel department• Fire Department
Evaluates:• Work experience• Education• Personal attributes• Punctuality and appearance
The oral interview is usually the final step for placement on the list of certified, eligible candidates
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Physical Ability/Agility• Judges a candidate’s overall• Physical conditioning• Ability to perform firefighting-related tasks
• Time consuming and expensive• Competitive• Preparation is very important• Current industry standard is the
Candidates Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
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Combat ChallengeDeveloped by ARA/Human Factors, Inc.National contest that has been reported and
covered by national televisionChallenge consists of participants, in full turn-
out gear, completing the following tasks:• Hose pack carry to the 5th floor• Hose pack hoist, hand over hand, to the 5th floor• Drive steel I-beam 5 feet using a 9 lb. sledge
hammer• Advance 1 ½ inch charged hose line 75 feet and
open the nozzle• Drag a 175 pound dummy a distance of 100 feet
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Work Capacity Test for Wildland FirefightersTests a wildland firefighter’s
fitness levelFirefighters are required to
carry a 45 pound pack a distance of 3 miles in 45 minutes or less (Pace of 4 miles per hour)
Additional time given when tested at elevations above 4000 feet
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Background InvestigationComprehensive check of prospective
employee’s backgroundMay include a review of the written
application for errors and omissionsPersonal information checkFingerprint checkPolygraph examinationPersonal information component can be as
long as 30 pagesSubjective questions and not all responses
are weighted the same18
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Final InterviewThe last interview is usually with the Fire
Chief or his designeeConducted similarly to the oral interviewTakes place when your name appears at, or
near, the top of the eligible list (usually the top 3 to 5 names on the list)
The interviewers on this panel can change your ranking among the applicants they are interviewing
This interview could make the difference between getting the job or not
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Medical ExaminationGiven after the final interview, and prior
to employment being offered to the candidate
Must be in good general physical condition and free from disease or defects that would adversely affect your ability to do the job of firefighter
Applicants who fail to pass the medical examination are removed from the eligible list
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Probationary Period Last step in the selection processAcademy program can be considered part of the
probationary periodMay last as long as 12 monthsProbationary firefighters are expected to learn:
Departmental policies and proceduresStation territoryHydrant locations
Probationary firefighters are not fully protected by civil service commission
Probationary firefighters may be removed from employment if they are unable to perform their duties to expected standards
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Goal SettingClearly define goalsGoals should be SMART:• Simple• Measurable• Accountable• Realistic• Timely
Goals are accomplished in 3 steps:1.Visualize your goals2.Define your goals, and write them down3.Take the actions required to achieve them
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Resource1418001775, Introduction to Fire Protection (3rd Edition), Klinoff, Robert
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