Recruit Requirements

[kprsn1]

We're looking at changing some of our new recruit training requirements and are looking for ideas. Would anyone be willing to share some info on how your department trains new volunteer recruits, number of training hours before being allowed to respond or operate at a scene, type of training required, etc.?

Thanks,
Chad

[NickIF]

I might be able to help being on probation and just going through this. Everyone that gets hired regardless of past experience attends another fire academy. I was hired with guys with no fire experience and also 10 years on a paid department, we all went. After completing the academy we did a month of days that covered department policies, vehicle familiarization, a few days at a burn tower with fellow members of the department, one day for vehicle extrication, technical rescue basics, in-depth system entry stuff (we're all medics), truck ops, engine ops, and probably a couple other things I'm forgetting. After our month of days we were put on shift where we did a minimum of 5 shifts 3rd ride time on an ambulance. If we met certain criteria on our preceptors check list after our 5th day we had a meeting with our batalion chief and EMS chief who gave us a written and oral test on department ambulance policies. We can then fully function on the department. After our 1 year probationary period we are given another more in depth test on department policies and maps. We're also given a firefighter challenge type test, a test on equipment on any vehicle in the department and it's operation, and an interview with the battalion chief, and training chief. Let me know if I can be of any other assistance. :)

[npfd801]

We're looking at changing some of our new recruit training requirements and are looking for ideas. Would anyone be willing to share some info on how your department trains new volunteer recruits, number of training hours before being allowed to respond or operate at a scene, type of training required, etc.?

Thanks,
Chad

Our policy is that they must complete the first half of our FFII program which covers what we feel is the absolute minimum that lets them operate in a functional and safe way on the fireground. This is about 14 weeks, once completed they can run as probationary firefighters, under the supervision of officers and senior firefighters.

They have one year of probation. In this one year, they must complete the second half of their FFII through our program, complete at least 240 hours of department training (I need to check this) their first year, make 75% of all department trainings, make 10% of all runs, etc. They wear used gear and a yellow salad bowl during this first year, or for as long as it takes to meet these minimum requirements.

Once they've completed their first year or met the minimums, we buy them a set of new gear, a black traditional helmet, leather boots, and so forth. They are then eligible to attend outside trainings at the department's cost (if approved) and they still meet minimum requirements.

Recruits must pass a background check, a physical at the doctor, and a written test on department policies prior to being allowed to run with us. If they are a real turd during the first half of FFII, they usually wash out, though we don't actively look to fail people. If you can't make it through our program, you have absolutely no business being on our department. We don't make it too terribly difficult, but we still need to set minimums of what's acceptable.

Hope this helps.

[pcfdcap1]

Our trustees are making some big changes too. Joel, could you send us a copy of your requirements.
pearlcityfire@mchsi.com
thanks,
Mike

[kprsn1]

Thanks for the info guys. If anyone has written SOPs regarding new members feel free to use my forum profile email and send them to me if you don't mind.

Thanks again,
Chad

[npfd801]

Guys, I'll try to dig out our requirements in writing. It may take me a few days to find an electronic copy.