Firefighter I Fire Technology Education and the Firefighter Selection Process 1

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Copyright © Texas Education Agency All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. College Fire Technology Programs Certification Programs Associate’s Degree Programs Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Fire- Related Fields Distance Learning Programs 3

Copyright © Texas Education Agency All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. Career Potential Assessment Candidates must evaluate themselves in the following core areas: Morality and Ethical Character Professionalism and Competence Interpersonal dynamics and compassion for others Ability to perform as a team member Commitment to Physical Fitness Community Involvement 4

Copyright © Texas Education Agency All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. Work Ethics and Human Relations The 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 profession 5

Copyright © Texas Education Agency All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. Work Ethics and Human Relations Apply themselves; learn all aspects of the job Follow orders when necessary; lead when necessary Have the ability and willingness to learn Recognize the expanding roles of the fire service in the community Have a positive attitude regarding safety Accept diversity in the fire service Understand that harassment is not tolerated Be willing to serve people of all backgrounds 6

Copyright © Texas Education Agency All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. Fire Service Training Programs Pre-service Training Programs Explorers Volunteer firefighting Reserve/cadet programs High school magnet programs 7

Copyright © Texas Education Agency All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. Fire Service Training Programs In-service Training Programs Fire academy training State and local training associations State Fire Marshal’s Office Colleges National Fire Academy Fire Service Career Ladder 8

Copyright © Texas Education Agency All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. Personnel Development Programs Training for positions higher than currently held Each student is assigned a mentor Study as generalists and specialists 9

SELECTION PROCESS 10

Copyright © Texas Education Agency All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. Recruitment Looking for the most qualified applicants. Prerequisites for employment: Driver’s license High school diploma or GED Firefighter and/or Paramedic certificatio n 11

Copyright © Texas Education Agency All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. Application Process Job announcement Limited number of applications; must be picked up in person and returned typed. Limited advertising Non-smoking policy Residency requirement Resume may be required 12

Copyright © Texas Education Agency All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. Written Examination Tests mechanical aptitude Skills 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. 13

Copyright © Texas Education Agency All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. Oral Examination/Interview Interview 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 14

Copyright © Texas Education Agency All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 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) 15

Copyright © Texas Education Agency All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. Combat Challenge Developed by ARA/Human Factors, Inc. National contest that has been reported and covered by national television Challenge consists of participants, in full turn-out gear, completing the following tasks: Hose pack carry to the 5 th floor Hose pack hoist, hand over hand, to the 5 th 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 16

Copyright © Texas Education Agency All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. Work Capacity Test for Wildland Firefighters Tests a wildland firefighter’s fitness level Firefighters 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 17

Copyright © Texas Education Agency All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. Background Investigation Comprehensive check of prospective employee’s background May include a review of the written application for errors and omissions Personal information check Fingerprint check Polygraph examination Personal information component can be as long as 30 pages Subjective questions and not all responses are weighted the same 18

Copyright © Texas Education Agency All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. Final Interview The last interview is usually with the Fire Chief or his designee Conducted similarly to the oral interview Takes 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 19

Copyright © Texas Education Agency All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. Medical Examination Given 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 20

Copyright © Texas Education Agency All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. Probationary Period Last step in the selection process Academy program can be considered part of the probationary period May last as long as 12 months Probationary firefighters are expected to learn: Departmental policies and procedures Station territory Hydrant 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 21

Copyright © Texas Education Agency All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. Goal Setting Clearly define goals Goals should be SMART: Simple Measurable Accountable Realistic Timely Goals are accomplished in 3 steps: 1. Visualize your goals 2. Define your goals, and write them down 3. Take the actions required to achieve them 22

Copyright © Texas Education Agency All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. Resource , Introduction to Fire Protection (3 rd Edition), Klinoff, Robert 23