Fourteen new Firefighters recently “graduated,” completing their 12-month probation or their 12-week Fire Academy. Some are Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s) while others are Paramedics.
While hundreds apply to be firefighters, only a small number meet the entry level criteria and are allowed to take the written exams. Not everyone passes, or scores high enough, to move on. Top candidates are interviewed by a panel, further reducing the group to a smaller number of individuals who are interviewed by the Fire Chief, who ranks the top candidates.
They are then handed off to a background investigator. Candidates who check out are screened medically and psychologically. Those that pass are given a conditional job offer based upon openings.
Each candidate then attends a rigorous 12-week Fire Academy.