This chapter discusses fire technology education programs, career potential in the fire service, work ethics, training programs, and the firefighter selection process. It describes certificate, associate, and bachelor's degree programs in fire technology. The selection process typically involves an application, written exam, skills test, oral interview, physical ability test, background check, and medical exam. The last step is a probationary period lasting 6-12 months with goals and testing.

1. Introduction to Fire Protection 3rd Edition

2. Chapter 1 Fire Technology Education and the Firefighter Selection Process

3. Objectives Explain the differences between a community college certificate, an associate degree, and a four-year degree in fire technology List the advantages of obtaining a certificate or degree Assess your career potential in the fire service Give examples of work ethics

4. Objectives (con’t.) Explain the need for sensitivity to diversity inside and outside the workplace Describe the different levels and availability of training programs Give examples of different types of personnel development programs List the steps in the selection process and important aspects of each

5. Objectives (con’t.) List ways you can prepare for the selection process Explain the purpose and importance of the probationary period Identify the steps in setting SMART goals

6. Introduction Firefighting technology curriculum involves technical training and manipulative training For firefighter jobs and for non-firefighter jobs Technical training Specifications of equipment Necessary calculations to operate equipment Manipulative training Operation of tools and equipment

7. College Fire Technology Programs Certificate programs Associate’s degree Bachelor’s degree On-site programs Distance learning programs

8. Purpose of Education Increasing chances for employment Completion of probationary period Professional development Preparation for promotion Pay incentives

9. FESHE Began with conference in 2000 Attended by fire service leaders from across the country Created experience-based model in 2002 Integration of training and education

10. Core Curriculum for Associate Degrees Building Construction for Fire Protection Fire Behavior and Combustion Fire Prevention

11. Core Curriculum for Associate Degrees (con’t.) Fire Protection Hydraulics and Water Supply Fire Protections Systems Principles of Emergency Services

12. Noncore Courses Fire Administration I Occupational Safety and Health Legal Aspects of the Emergency Services Hazardous Materials Chemistry

13. Noncore Courses (con’t.) Strategy and Tactics Fire Investigation I Fire Investigation II

14. Figure 1-1 National professional development model. (Courtesy of FEMA)

15. NFA DDP Advanced Fire Administration Analytical Approaches to Public Fire Protection Applications of Fire Research Community and the Fire Threat Disaster and Fire Defense Planning

16. NFA DDP (con’t.) Fire Dynamics Fire Prevention Organization and Management Fire Protection Structures and Systems Design Fire-Related Human Behavior Incendiary Fire Analysis and Investigation

17. NFA DDP (con’t.) Managerial Issues in Hazardous Materials Personnel Management in the Fire Service Political and Legal Foundations of Fire Protection

18. Other College Programs Public administration Risk management Industrial hygiene

19. Other College Programs (con’t.) Law Emergency medicine Chemistry

20. Career Potential Assessment Character Team player Preparation and adaptability Job stress Physical fitness Are you ready?

21. Work Ethics and Human Relations Work environment Loyalty Dedication to duty Accept hardships Able to follow orders No freelancing Positive safety attitude

22. Training Programs Pre-service training Explorers Volunteer firefighter Reserve/cadet Emergency medical technician Paramedic

23. Training Programs (con’t.) Find training at: Local fire department Training associations Professional organizations

24. Training Programs (con’t.) In-service Academy Station/Battalion/Department State National

25. Personnel Development Programs Preparing for promotion Mentoring Firefighters as “generalists” Firefighters as “specialists”

26. Selection Process Varies with jurisdiction Begins with recruitment May involve prerequisites High school diploma or GED Firefighter I Emergency medical technician (EMT) Paramedic (EMTP)

27. Selection Process (con’t.) Application process Advertisement of opening Notification services Completion of application

28. Written Examination Reading comprehension Mathematics Mechanical aptitude Weighing written vs. oral examination Note : Preparation texts are available

29. Skills Test Tests for job-related mental ability Listening Recalling facts Taking directions Interpreting written and oral materials/instructions

30. Oral Examination/Interview Evaluates: Education Work experience Communication skills Preparation is very important

31. Physical Ability/Agility CPAT Event 1: stair climb Event 2: hose drag Event 3: equipment carry Event 4: ladder raise and extension

32. Physical Ability/Agility (con’t.) CPAT Event 5: forcible entry Event 6: search Event 7: rescue Event 8: ceiling breach and pull

33. Physical Ability/Agility (con’t.) Firefighter Combat Challenge Work capacity test for wildland firefighters Federal wildland firefighters Arduous fitness level Applicant must carry a 45-pound pack three miles in 45 minutes or less Equivalent to a pace of four miles per hour

34. Background Investigation Personal information Questionnaires to friends, relatives, coworkers, etc. Polygraph (lie detector test) Final interview after successful completion

35. Medical Examination Good general physical condition free from defects Heart Back Hearing Vision

36. Last step in selection process, lasting six months to a year May contain goals and testing Consists of final manipulative exam and final written exam Probationary Period

37. Must start with clearly defined goals Requires both planning and hard work Begin planning now Hiring processes are competitive Goal Setting

38. SMART: Simple, Measurable, Accountable, Realistic, Timely Write goals down as a personal contract Current actions have future implications Prepare for CPAT or other physical ability test Goal Setting Process

39. Base goals on job requirements Seek mentors Don’t let failure stop you Adapt and overcome Celebrate success Goal Setting Process (con’t.)

40. Steps to achieving goals Visualize Write them down Take action Goal Setting Process (con’t.)

41. Process of becoming a firefighter Seek fire service-related education Practice for written/oral examinations Prepare for physical ability/agility tests Meet medical requirements Summary