Chapter 1

Fire Science Education and the Firefighter Selection Process

Introduction

FIRE SCIENCE CURRICULUM

•Designed to produce comprehensive background

•Technical training

•Fire suppression and prevention

•Hands-on training may or may not be included

Learning Objective 1Differences 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

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

Learning Objective 1Differences in Fire Science Programs

BACHELOR DEGREE PROGRAM

•FESHE Model Curriculum at a Distance Program•Four-year college degree programs•NFSPC Bachelor’s Group

Learning Objective 1Differences in Fire Science Programs

Learning Objective 2Advantages of Regionally

Accredited InstitutionsPURSUING 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

OTHER COLLEGE PROGRAMS

•Public administration•Specialized study (emergency management, law,

etc.)•Firefighter certificationNFPA 1001 Firefighter Professional QualificationPrimarily manipulative with some technical instruction

Learning Objective 2Advantages of Regionally

Accredited Institutions

Learning Objective 3Availability of On-Line Science

ProgramsON-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

EXAMPLES

•NIMS courses offered by FEMA in an on-line formatEmergency Management Institute

•International Association of Fire Fighters Virtual Academy

Distance learning or extended university programs

Learning Objective 3Availability of On-Line Science

Programs

Learning Objective 4Assess Your Career Potential in the

Fire ServiceBECOMING 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

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

Learning Objective 4Assess 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

Learning Objective 4Assess 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

Learning Objective 4Assess Your Career Potential in the

Fire Service

Learning Objectives 5 and 6Work Ethics and Sensitivity to

DiversityHUMAN RELATIONS AND WORK ETHICS

•Must be prepared to deal with diversity in workplaceWomen and minorities are a large part of the force•Affirmative action and equal opportunityProhibit discrimination•No tolerance for harassmentSensitivity must be shown to all groupsAll customers treated with dignity and respect

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

Learning Objectives 5 and 6Work Ethics and Sensitivity to

Diversity

Learning Objective 7Availability and Levels of Training

ProgramsPRE-SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAMS

•Available through the following:ExplorersVolunteer firefightingReserve/cadet programNational Junior Firefighter ProgramColleges and training associations

Cont.

PRE-SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAMS

•Goal is to teach actual skills necessary•Ladders, extinguishers, salvage, SCBA, and hose

lays•Medical trainingEMT or paramedic training is beneficial for gaining

employment•Programs sponsored by fire departments,

associations, or professional groups

Learning Objective 7Availability 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-sponsoredattendance due to worker’scompensation coverage

Learning Objective 7Availability and Levels of Training

Programs

ACADEMY TRAINING PROGRAM

•First level of training for new firefightersProvides courses required by lawObservation 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

Learning Objective 7Availability and Levels of Training

Programs

TECHNICAL TRAINING PROGRAMS

•Numerous schools offer technical training programs•National Fire Academy and Emergency

Management InstituteYear-round courses in Emmitsburg, MDExpert instructors from all over the countryNo tuition; must be sponsored by their department

Learning Objective 7Availability and Levels of Training

Programs

Learning Objective 8Types of Personnel Development

ProgramsPERSONNEL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

•Develop an understanding of how department works•Trained one to two ranks above current position•May be assigned a mentorGENERALISTS TO SPECIALISTS

•Modern firefighter must be a generalist•May have extensive training in one area of

operations

Learning Objectives 9 and 10

Steps in the Selection ProcessSELECTION PROCESS STEPS

•Recruitment/application

•Written examination

•Skills test

•Oral examination/interview

•Physical agility/ability Cont.

SELECTION PROCESS STEPS

•Background check

•Final oral exam

•Medical examination

•Probationary periodLast step in the selection process

FPS 1-23

Learning Objectives 9 and 10

Steps in the Selection Process

Learning Objective 11Purpose and Importance

of Probationary PeriodPROBATIONARY PERIOD

•Academy program can be part of probationary period

•After academy, firefighter goes to assignment at station

•May last up to 12 months

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

Learning Objective 11Purpose and Importance

of Probationary Period

Learning Objective 12

Steps in Setting SMART GoalsSETTING GOALS

•Clearly define the goals•Create a road map to success

GOAL SETTING WITH SMART•Simple•Measurable•Accountable•Realistic•Timely

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