Chapter 1 Fire Science Education and the Firefighter Selection Process

1. Chapter 1Fire Science Education and the Firefighter Selection Process

2. Introduction • FIRE SCIENCE CURRICULUM • Designed to produce comprehensive background • Technical training • Fire suppression and prevention • Hands-on training may or may not be included

3. Learning Objective 1 Differences in Fire Science Programs • FIRE SCIENCE–RELATED COURSES • FEMA has a list of higher education programs • Range from associate to doctoral level • CERTIFICATE PROGRAM • Set number of accredited core courses • Attests to a body of knowledge in the fire science area

4. Learning Objective 1 Differences in Fire Science Programs • ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN FIRE SCIENCE • Requires more general education units • Some courses transferable to a four-year college • FESHE Model core six-course curriculum • FESHE Model curriculum noncore courses

5. Learning Objective 1 Differences in Fire Science Programs • BACHELOR DEGREE PROGRAM • FESHE Model Curriculum at a Distance Program • Four-year college degree programs • NFSPC Bachelor’s Group

6. Learning Objective 2 Advantages of Regionally Accredited Institutions • PURSUING HIGHER EDUCATION IN FIRE SERVICE • More effective member of the fire service community • May help achieve promotions after employment • Direct dollar value in the workplace • Retirement value • May be a condition of probationary period

7. Learning Objective 2 Advantages of Regionally Accredited Institutions • OTHER COLLEGE PROGRAMS • Public administration • Specialized study (emergency management, law, etc.) • Firefighter certification • NFPA 1001 Firefighter Professional Qualification • Primarily manipulative with some technical instruction

8. Learning Objective 3 Availability of On-Line Science Programs • ON-LINE PROGRAMS • Available from numerous schools of higher learning • Associate through master’s degrees may be earned • ADVANTAGES • Student does not need to live in close proximity • Duty schedule may not allow for traditional classroom

9. Learning Objective 3 Availability of On-Line Science Programs • EXAMPLES • NIMS courses offered by FEMA in an on-line format • Emergency Management Institute • International Association of Fire Fighters Virtual Academy • Distance learning or extended university programs

10. Learning Objective 4 Assess Your Career Potential in the Fire Service • BECOMING A FIREFIGHTER • Person of highest moral and ethical character • Represent one of the proudest professions there is • Expected to act at great personal risk to save lives and property of others

11. Learning Objective 4 Assess Your Career Potential in the Fire Service • EXPECTATIONS OF FIRE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL • No matter the disaster the fire department is there • Public expects high level of professionalism • Entails a certain amount of danger and excitement • Suffer the same ills and problems as the rest of society • Must show compassion • Must be skilled in dealing with people

12. Learning Objective 4 Assess Your Career Potential in the Fire Service • EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS • Allowed to talk confidentially with a counselor • Available for alcohol and drug abuse treatment • Critical incident stress debriefings • FIREFIGHTERS AS TEAM MEMBERS • Willing to give up personal desires to benefit the team • No one can perform the job alone

13. Learning Objective 4 Assess Your Career Potential in the Fire Service • CAREER-LONG COMMITMENT TO PHYSICAL FITNESS • Being unfit endangers you, co-workers, • and the public • Physically demanding profession • CHANGING ROLE OF THE FIRE SERVICE • Firefighter is expected to be an educator and technician • Firefighters participate in community programs

14. Learning Objectives 5 and 6 Work Ethics and Sensitivity to Diversity • HUMAN RELATIONS AND WORK ETHICS • Must be prepared to deal with diversity in workplace • Women and minorities are a large part of the force • Affirmative action and equal opportunity • Prohibit discrimination • No tolerance for harassment • Sensitivity must be shown to all groups • All customers treated with dignity and respect

15. Learning Objectives 5 and 6 Work Ethics and Sensitivity to Diversity • FIREFIGHTER ATTRIBUTES • Loyalty • Dedication • Accepting hardship without complaint • Being able to follow orders • Ability and willingness to follow orders • Willing to accept personal responsibility • Having a positive safety attitude

16. Learning Objective 7 Availability and Levels of Training Programs • PRE-SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAMS • Available through the following: • Explorers • Volunteer firefighting • Reserve/cadet program • National Junior Firefighter Program • Colleges and training associations • Cont.

17. Learning Objective 7 Availability and Levels of Training Programs • PRE-SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAMS • Goal is to teach actual skills necessary • Ladders, extinguishers, salvage, SCBA, and hose lays • Medical training • EMT or paramedic training is beneficial for gaining employment • Programs sponsored by fire departments, associations, or professional groups

18. Learning Objective 7 Availability and Levels of Training Programs • IN-SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAMS • Developed to train active firefighters • Start with academy, move on to station, battalion, department, area, state, and national level • Often require department-sponsored • attendance due to worker’s • compensation coverage

19. Learning Objective 7 Availability and Levels of Training Programs • ACADEMY TRAINING PROGRAM • First level of training for new firefighters • Provides courses required by law • Observation of physical and mental performance • Evaluated on performance of written tests and drills • Dismissed if department standards are not met • Homework and studying required to perform well

20. Learning Objective 7 Availability and Levels of Training Programs • TECHNICAL TRAINING PROGRAMS • Numerous schools offer technical training programs • National Fire Academy and Emergency Management Institute • Year-round courses in Emmitsburg, MD • Expert instructors from all over the country • No tuition; must be sponsored by their department

21. Learning Objective 8 Types of Personnel Development Programs • PERSONNEL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM • Develop an understanding of how department works • Trained one to two ranks above current position • May be assigned a mentor • GENERALISTS TO SPECIALISTS • Modern firefighter must be a generalist • May have extensive training in one area of operations

22. Learning Objectives 9 and 10 Steps in the Selection Process • SELECTION PROCESS STEPS • Recruitment/application • Written examination • Skills test • Oral examination/interview • Physical agility/ability • Cont.

23. Learning Objectives 9 and 10 Steps in the Selection Process • SELECTION PROCESS STEPS • Background check • Final oral exam • Medical examination • Probationary period • Last step in the selection process

24. Learning Objective 11 Purpose and Importance of Probationary Period • PROBATIONARY PERIOD • Academy program can be part of probationary period • After academy, firefighter goes to assignment at station • May last up to 12 months

25. Learning Objective 11 Purpose and Importance of Probationary Period • PROBATIONARY FIREFIGHTERS • Expected to perform independent study • May not have full civil service protection • May be removed if unable to perform duties • May be a comprehensive combination written/manipulative test at end of probation

26. Learning Objective 12 Steps in Setting SMART Goals • SETTING GOALS • Clearly define the goals • Create a road map to success • GOAL SETTING WITH SMART • Simple • Measurable • Accountable • Realistic • Timely

27. Summary • Process of becoming a firefighter starts by seeking an education in the fire science field • Prospective firefighter must prepare for all areas of the selection process • Be properly prepared for all phases