Firefighter I Fire Technology Education and the Firefighter Selection Process

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

UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

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


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


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


Fire Service Training ProgramsPre-service Training Programs

ExplorersVolunteer firefightingReserve/cadet programsHigh school magnet programs


Fire Service Training ProgramsIn-service Training Programs

Fire academy trainingState and local training associationsState Fire Marshal’s OfficeCollegesNational Fire AcademyFire Service Career Ladder


Personnel Development Programs

Training for positions higher than currently held

Each student is assigned a mentor

Study as generalists and specialists


SELECTION PROCESS


RecruitmentLooking for the most qualified applicants.

Prerequisites for employment:• Driver’s license• High school diploma or GED• Firefighter and/or Paramedic

certification11


Application ProcessJob announcementLimited number of applications; must be

picked up in person and returned typed.Limited advertisingNon-smoking policyResidency requirementResume may be required


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.


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


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)


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


Resource1418001775, Introduction to Fire Protection (3rd Edition), Klinoff, Robert


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Firefighter I Fire Technology Education and the Firefighter Selection Process