NEWS
Firefighter and Cops battle it out on the Ice.

POUGHKEEPSIE – Police and firefighters from numerous departments are taking the ice on March 9 for the annual Hudson Valley Guns and Hoses hockey game.  The charity game is in its tenth year of raising money to assist injured or deceased members of the emergency services and their families in Dutchess, Putnam, Orange, and Ulster Counties.

The cops, skating as “The Finest” hold a commanding series lead over their firefighting opponents, “The Bravest”, having won seven games to the one-game victory by the firefighters.

Sources have told Mid-Hudson News that “The Bravest” have added a few hockey players to the roster who are experienced players which will make the game much tougher for The Finest.  Another source bragged that the Lawlor brothers in the Poughkeepsie Fire Department are ringers in the rink, saying, “The cops are in trouble.”

Admission to the 5 p.m. game at the McCann Ice Arena at the MJN Convention Center in Poughkeepsie is free and donations are appreciated.  Merchandise and concessions, including alcoholic beverages, will be available for purchase.

Hudson Valley Guns and Hoses is a non-profit organization that partnered with Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley to award three annual scholarships in memory of fallen members of service.  Twelve years of fundraising, the core of the charity’s income, has gone toward the scholarships awarded to high school seniors planning to major in a field related to emergency services at college.

For more information on the organization, game, or donation opportunities, email [email protected].

Payne County, OK, Firefighters Suffer Heat-Related Issues at Fire

Fire House News Post click here

Several firefighters suffered heat-related issues Tuesday while battling a fire that burned houses and brush.

"We had some firefighters that went down because of heat exhaustion. No one is used to the heat yet.  It’s been so cool," Payne County Emergency Manager Jeff Kuhn told KOCO.

One of the houses was occupied, and the residents are OK while the other was vacant.

Kuhn said it is just the beginning of fire season, and it's here a little earlier than usual. Warmer weather mixed with dry conditions and wind makes it a prime time for fires.

"Normally the month of March is really our bad month, but this was actually supposed to be the good day this week. So, the next few weeks are actually supposed to be worst," Kuhn said.

HIRING
Charleston Fire Department Now Hiring Recruit Firefighters

The City of Charleston Fire Department is looking for candidates for Firefighter Recruit; no prior fire service experience necessary.  The academy is scheduled to start July 22, 2024.  Upon successful completion of the required recruit academy, personnel will progress into the position of a probationary firefighter.

Click Here for all CFD Hiring information

Before applying, please read the guide on the website in its entirety!  Only fully completed online applications are accepted.

 REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS

1. If prior military, a copy of your DD214 (copy 4)

2.  A copy of your high school diploma OR GED equivalent OR College diploma/transcript with degree awarded.

3.  A copy of your state issued driver’s license.

4.  Resume

5.  EMS certification status (i.e.. SC EMS, NREMT, or another state EMT certification) – if applicable.

The Charleston Fire Department will be hosting two Pre-Academy sessions. All applicants who have submitted COMPLETE applications will receive an invitation to participate.  This is optional and will be limited to 40 people per session.

February 10, 2024 and March 23, 2024.   

The Pre-Academy will consist of:

• An overview of the CFD Hiring Process

• A morning classroom session on written test skills and interview preparation

• In the afternoon, applicants will be given the opportunity to view a video on the Firefighter Physical Ability Test. You will receive a complete walkthrough with instruction and the opportunity to practice each event individually.

• You will also be given the opportunity to attend a question and answer session with firefighters who have just completed our 26 week Recruit School.

If you complete the following, we will be offering 5 additional points to be added to your written test:

• Participation in the Pre-Academy (morning AND afternoon sessions)

• You MUST schedule and complete a Ride-Along with the CFD

(Ride-alongs will not be conducted the same day as the Pre-Academy)

 In order to receive the additional points, you must complete each section.          

Partial credit will not be given.

Please monitor your email for more information and the link to sign up. 

The first 40 people to sign up will be reserved a space.

 If selected to move forward:
You will need to plan on participating in the in-person hiring process in Charleston, South Carolina from Saturday June 8, 2024 through Friday June 14, 2024.  Applications are accepted through May 1, 2024.  Applicants will be contacted between May 2 and May 7, 2024 of the next steps in the process.   

 
 The schedule is as follows:

 Saturday June 8, 2024:  Pre-orientation, written test, physical ability test.
 Sunday June 9, 2024:  Physical ability test continued and interviews.
 Monday June 10, 2024:  Physical ability test and interviews if needed.
 Tuesday June 11, 2024:  Job offers and gear fitting.
 Wednesday June 12, through Friday June 14, 2024:  Physicals and background checks.

Examples of Duties

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
 18 years of age or older at time of the job offer.
 High school diploma, GED equivalent, or College diploma/transcript with degree awarded.
 Valid state issued driver’s license.
 Must get a South Carolina Driver’s License within 90 days of hire date.
 
 REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS:  Applications without ALL required documents are not accepted 
 If prior military, a copy of your DD214 (copy 4)
 A copy of your high school diploma OR GED equivalent OR College diploma/transcript with degree awarded.
 A copy of your state issued driver’s license.
 Resume
 EMS certification status (i.e.. SC EMS, NREMT, or another state EMT certification) – if applicable.

HIRING PROCESS:
 The Fire Department will reach out to selected applicants to proceed in the following steps:

• NFST-EMS Written Test - Selected candidates must successfully pass the written test. For test information: www.Applytoserve.com/study.

• Physical Ability Test (PAT) – Applicant must pass the CFD administered Physical Ability Test (PAT) or have passed the CFD administered PAT within the past 12 months from the date this application process closes. For test information: www.charleston-sc.gov/1259/Physical-Agility-Test

• Oral Board Interview - Candidates who successfully pass the PAT will move onto the oral board interviews.

Click here for more information

Rhinelander, WI FD Now Hiring

HEALTH AND FITNESS
How Firefighter Stay Fit While On Duty

Firefighting is one of the most demanding and challenging professions. How do Firefighters Stay Fit While on Duty requires a combination of physical strength, mental toughness, and endurance to handle the pressures and demands of the job. As a firefighter, you are required to face dangerous and unpredictable situations that can put your life at risk. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a high level of physical fitness and good health to perform your duties effectively and safely.

As a firefighter for 31 years I realized early in my career the importance of being in good physical condition. I told myself I always wanted to be apart of the solution at an emergency scene, not apart of the problem. Meaning, if I can’t perform my duties, or worse go done during a fire due to poor fitness level, I no longer can help to mitigate the problem and can actually add to it.

This, “never be apart of the problem” mindset helped me stay motivated to stay in good physical health throughout my career. The mindset of physical fitness is honestly the biggest hurdle for any fitness program. Find your goal and driving reason for keeping in shape and you will find yourself in the gym no matter what. As most of you know I’m a big reader of motivational and leadership books. Check out this awesome read on The Champion’s Mindset!

We will explore in the article the importance of good physical health for firefighters. We will look into some of the fitness programs commonly used by firefighters. We will also cover ideas on staying fit off duty as well.

The Importance of Firefighter Health and Fitness.

The importance of firefighter health and fitness cannot be overstated. Firefighters must be in excellent physical condition to be able to respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies. They must be able to carry heavy equipment, climb ladders, deal with extreme temperatures, and perform other physically demanding tasks. Without adequate strength and stamina, firefighters are at risk of being injured or unable to perform their duties.

In addition to physical fitness, good health is also critical for firefighters. The nature of firefighting exposes firefighters to a variety of health risks, including exposure to toxic chemicals, smoke, and other harmful substances. Therefore, it is important for firefighters to maintain a healthy diet, get regular check-ups, and avoid unhealthy habits like smoking or excessive drinking.

NEW HIRE TESTING SUPPORT
9 Must Have Skills to Become A Firefighter

The firefighter recruitment process can be extremely frustrating and difficult to be successful. Over 70% of the people that are on their quest to becoming a firefighter quit their pursuit due to frustration and no guidance on how to be successful. These 9 must Know Skills For Becoming A firefighter will make the difference.

The method and process for becoming a firefighter is difficult, but it’s not impossible. In Fact, once you understand the process and work on your skills you will find yourself at the top of most hiring lists in no time.

Understanding the Firefighter hiring process and the preparing for each step of the process is critical for your success. This list is a great starting point, however, you also need to apply yourself toward excelling in each hiring step. This starts with a strong resume, learn about writing a good firefighter resume by reading my post, Writing a Great Firefighter Resume. After your resume makes the cut then the testing process begins. This includes a written test, a physical ability test such as the Candidate Physical ability Test, commonly know as the CPAT and a series of interviews.

The following are 9 must-do things each aspiring firefighter ought to do to expand their chances of getting employed.

1. Become an Emergency Medical Technician, EMT

The vast majority of Fire Departments are requiring an EMT certification to apply, and over 90% will require this certification after you employ. Since most career firefighters run between 70% and 90% medical related emergencies, it only make sense that they would require this as an essential requirement.

To learn more about Emergency Medical training and what you will need to apply check out, my article, Do I need to be a Paramedic or EMT to be a Firefighter?

2. Volunteer Your Time

It doesn’t make any difference in this case if it is fire-or non-fire-related volunteer time. Departments are searching for those with the longing and capacity to give to their local area and nothing demonstrates this more than doing local volunteer work. It is additionally is an awesome way of building your resume.

3. Take Firefighting Technology Classes

Despite the fact that this is normally not a prerequisite for a firefighter position, it sure looks great on your resume and sets you up for the profession. It shows devotion, responsibility, and drive toward your profession as a career firefighter.

4. Keep a Clean Background and Lifestyle

Regardless of whether you apply, it doesn’t make any difference. The best indicator of future conduct is past conduct.

5. Understand all Phases of the Firefighter Hiring Process

If you’re not sure what areas of testing you should effectively pass, and pass well, to become a firefighter, how are you truly going to succeed? The selection process will shift in various areas and even from one department to another, however there are some fundamental similarities in all cases.

6. Begin Taking Firefighter Tests

What better way of seeing each step of the firefighter recruiting process than taking firefighter tests. Each test will build your strength and knowledge in the testing process. Who cares on the off chance that you bomb a piece of the test; what makes a difference is that you are learning and growing in the process.  

7. Stop by a Fire Station

Make an effort to visit your neighborhood fire station, particularly those that are with the local departments you are applying for. Conversing with firefighter is an incredible way of discovering more with regards to the profession and that department.

8. Prepare for Your Background Investigation

I have seen many candidates prepare for all the other phases of the testing process, pass with flying colors, but then fail the background. This is often due to issues such as lying, or having something in their background that was enough to disqualify them. It can also be something as simple as not have the necessary information to complete the background. A background investigation packet is often lengthy, and is going to ask you for some intimate and specific details such as:

• Information from every employer you have worked for including dates, duties, title, supervisor name and salary.

• Information from every school you have attended – high school and later, including degrees received, dates attended and grade point average.

• Information about certificates, licenses or other key documents you may possess and will be required to show proof of by way of a photocopy.

• Information about your family members and friends so the background investigator can meet with them and ask about you.

• Information about your credit history, including accounts at different banking institutions and amount of debt. Yes, bad credit can hurt you in a background check.

• Information about your driving record, including dates, locations and outcomes of tickets and accidents.

• Information about your military experiences, if any.

9. Learn as much as you can about the fire service.

The fire service should not be a just a job, it should be a career and you should be passionate about the career and all that goes along with it. Besides the above-mentioned items, take the time to subscribe to fire service publications.

By completing the above suggestions will not guarantee a career. However, your odds should increase greatly since you will be making yourself more marketable, more informed and the best overall candidate you can be.

Do not try and rush things and do not expect it to happen overnight. Patience, hard work, dedication and perseverance are the keys to success in any field.

To read more about these 9 must haves in more detail click here.