Madison, WI

[trainee7]

Does anyone have information about Madison? I have been to thier website and I am now looking for personal or "I have a relative who works there" stories pertaining to MFD culture, hiring process, etc.

Thank you

[PureAdrenalin]

Does anyone have information about Madison? I have been to thier website and I am now looking for personal or "I have a relative who works there" stories pertaining to MFD culture, hiring process, etc.

Thank you

It's a great department, I have a small number of friends there. The process in itself is fairly short, only a few months, but it's very extensive. MFD itself is a tough department, fairly strict. at least as I understand it. Go do a ride along if you can, I know I will be if I make it past the written. for the most part it's like any other department

[clark918]

I'm from the Milwaukee Area, just finished my firefighter 1, and will be applying there. One word of advice that I've heard from my friends and my instructors is that you shouldn't call the Fire Chief, "Chief". She is Native American, and will get offended. Kind of weird that she gets upset over that seeing how it IS her position, but she does. She is also a lesbian. So I'm not trying to say anything bad about her or the department, but you might want to watch what you say if you get interviewed.

[PureAdrenalin]

I'm from the Milwaukee Area, just finished my firefighter 1, and will be applying there. One word of advice that I've heard from my friends and my instructors is that you shouldn't call the Fire Chief, "Chief". She is Native American, and will get offended. Kind of weird that she gets upset over that seeing how it IS her position, but she does. She is also a lesbian. So I'm not trying to say anything bad about her or the department, but you might want to watch what you say if you get interviewed.

This is well known, don't think you needed to post her sexual orientation for the world to see..perhaps an edit would be in order?

[Jasper 45]

This is well known, don't think you needed to post her sexual orientation for the world to see..perhaps an edit would be in order?

Go easy PFD, it's valid information for someone trying to pass an interview. Maybe you should crawl back into your hole, unless of course you're going to try and correct my grammar again.

P.S.

Will you please stop being a guest so I can place your new screen name on ignore, just like your old one?

[clark918]

I did mention that it's nothing against her, and just a tip. I know people that have had things go wrong because of that.

[dsdjsmith]

MFD Info

To all MFD test takers, read the Candidate Prep guide (you can download the pdf here; http://www.madisonfire.org/recruitme...nt_hiring.htm), this is your best source for info for the testing process it is packed full of info for every step of the test! If you know any Madison Firefighters ask there advice, the "Chief" asks us every eligibility list to submit letters of recommendations for anyone that we know on the list. My only advice for the physical ability test, you need to have just as much endurance as you do strength, they will offer a physical ability practice session...........TAKE IT!!! Good Luck to all of you who try, remember not to give up if you don't make this time, and keep applying elsewhere, because practice makes almost perfect!!

P.S. I know that www.firehousethree.com will answer any questions by email as well! Oh yeah, the "Chief" does not care if you call her "Chief". Chief or Chief Amesqua is just fine!

[firedoe29]

question for mr. clean, I took the written for madison wisconsin today. while looking thru the dept. web site, i noticed that ALL of the people (around 20+)hired off of the last list were previously employed by a fire department! Do you know people who have been hired who did not have any previous fire employment? If they only hire people with previous experience, they should just make it a requirement so as not to waste some peoples time!

[jccrabby3084]

Well I guess the Madison Fire folks already beat me to this. I tested for Madison, got on Green Bay before Madison offered the job. Anyway, I know Madison looks for presonality not just fire experience...just most people applying have some type of experience.

The physical agility is challenging, but fair, also you can attend a practice session before doing the actual test. I highly recommend it. The only event you can't practice is the search tunnel. They won't say it, but I can...make sure you do a "proper" search technique....like sweeping your hand up and down the tunnel, not just keeping at the floor.

To MrClean and other MFD who posted here, just saying Hi. I went to MATC for fire science and was on Shorewood Hills while there. Anyway, we thank you guys for helping out with our LODD in August, we had MFD at the station I'm at. Also glad we could return the favor for Lt Johnson. Take care.

[SPARKYMN]

How Many?

Does anyone know how many they plan on taking from the list right away, and how many are going to be on the list.

[Mack22]

Any news on the written test yet, like when we will get results? Also, as far as the psych questions are concerned, was it good to put strongly agree/disagree or stay away from the strongly. I answered a mix of both, but wasn't quite sure how they view those types of questions. That was the first test like that I took, so I am sure there will be a learning curve. I did answer everything truthfully, just wanted to know what others thought of it. Also, assuming that I get as far as the first round of oral boards, what kind of questions do they ask there, and is there any advice someone can give as far as how to approach it. I already have the Candidate Prep Guide, but it doesn't give a lot of information.

Another question I had is does Madison allow ride alongs, and if so, how can I go about signing up. I heard only on the rescues, but I would be willing to do that as well. I am an EMT-B so I think that should help. Thanks for the info and help.

Mack

[jccrabby3084]

Tell you what Mack....just concentrate on the next step first. If the results are not out yet, don't concern yourself with the oral interview. You will end up working yourself up and if you get a small envolope in the mail...well better luck next time. If you get the big envelope...concentrate on the physical agility. Madison tends to look for personality, if you can fit in. So as for the psych part of the test...its a crap shoot. Doesn't really matter how you answered, so long as you were honest.

[jccrabby3084]

Hey Mrclean...what shift are you on there? Maybe I'll have to stop in and say hi, next time I get down that way.

[clark918]

Mack... I'm not sure off the top of my head, but I'm pretty sure they mail the results the week of March 7 it said. I'm going just as crazy as you though. : )

[jccrabby3084]

Clean...I'm at station 6A up here. I believe our A-shift schedule is the same as your C-shift.

As for the guys you went to school with, Chris H. He is a Lt in prevention now and is close to making Captain. Eric...He was the training Captain for about 3 years...he just came back to the floor as an Engineer. And as for Chris E...big guy?....he is an Engineer too. So you must have had Jeff Clark then as an instructor? One of the best out there.