How to Become a Firefighter in California [Expert Advice]
- Pass the written and physical (CPAT or Biddle test) portions of the firefighter exam.
- Perform well in your panel interviews and be placed on the eligibility list. Complete your Chief’s interview and be given a conditional job offer. ...
- Accept a job offer and complete the department’s fire academy.
- Complete your probationary period and pass all the accompanying tests and evaluations. ...
Full Answer
How to apply for a firefighter trainee?
How to apply for OCFA?
How long does it take to get an EMT certification?
How to get a biddle certification?
What is the OCFA written test?
How long does it take to become a firefighter?
How long is the OCFA interview?
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ORANGE COUNTY FIRE RESCUE RECRUITMENT INTEREST FORM - OCFL
Mail to: Orange County Fire Rescue Dept. Recruitment Bureau P.O. Box 5879 Winter Park, Florida 32793-5879
Firefighter Trainee Position Description — JOIN OCFA
Education and Experience: (position requirements at application) Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Possess a high school diploma. No experience required. Licenses & Certifications: (position requirements at application) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification in the State of California and/or EMT National Registry certification
2011–2021 salaries for Orange County Fire Authority
Name Job title Regular pay Overtime pay Other pay Total pay Benefits Pension debt Total pay & benefits Baryic Hunter: Fire Battalion Chief Orange County Fire Authority, 2019: Pedro Rosselle: Fire Captain Orange County Fire Authority, 2019: John Lamb
Fire Departments | Orange County
Many cities in Orange County have their own fire department; however, others choose to contract fire services with the Orange County Fire Authority. Please view the list below to contact the fire department in your respective area. Remember, in a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.
Job Opportunities | Career Pages - GovernmentJobs
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What is OCFRD in Orange County?
It is with pride, dedication and professionalism that members of Orange County Fire Rescue Department (OCFRD) serve citizens of Orange County. The Recruitment Office is committed to fostering an inclusive recruitment program for motivated individuals who are physically fit and possess good moral character.
What are the special programs that firefighters can do?
Firefighters have numerous promotional opportunities, along with opportunity to join one of the many elite specialty programs including the rescue diver/rescue swimmer program, the special access climber program, squad technician program, EMS bike team program, or the unmanned aerial system unit.
What is a fire appartus technician?
Fire Appartus Technician – This person performs preventive, predictive, and emergency maintenance and repair of OCFRD apparatus. This includes performing skilled maintenance and repair of fire emergency vehicles, hydraulic systems, fire pumps, fire equipment, diesel and small engines.
How many fire stations does OCFRD have?
OCFRD has 42 community-based fire stations, with two new stations planned in 2020.
What is an emergency dispatcher?
Emergency Dispatcher – This person receives emergency calls, determines the appropriate response of emergency resources, dispatches resources, and provides updated information to the responding resources.
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What is the Orange County Fire Authority?
The Orange County Fire Authority is seeking qualified members of our community to serve as Reserve Firefighters. Reserve Firefighters provide a valuable service to their communities by assisting Career Firefighters at a variety of emergencies including structure fires, medical emergencies, traffic collisions, floods, rescues, and a variety of other types of emergencies.
What is the translation service for OCFa?
Translation of pages on OCFA.org is performed by Google Translate, a third party service. The service provides automated computer translations that are only an approximation of the websites' original content. The translations should not be considered exact and and in some cases may include improper language.
Do firefighters get a stipend?
Reserve Firefighters receive a compensatory stipend for their participation, and are eligible to receive limited dental and vision benefits. After five years of service, Reserve Firefighters may also be eligible for an annual monetary Continuous Service Award.
Do reserve firefighters get dental benefits?
Reserve Firefighters receive a compensatory stipend for their participation, and are eligible to receive limited dental and vision benefits . After five years of service, Reserve Firefighters may also be eligible for an annual monetary Continuous Service Award. HealthEdge Dental Summary for Reserve Firefighters.
What is an EMT in fire service?
Another option you have is a Regional Occupational Program (R.O.P.) which is available through several fire departments to high school students and adults alike which will give a good orientation into the fire service. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is also available through some R.O.P. programs.
What do you do when you are 18?
Once you are 18 and have a high school diploma or GED you may test for some departments as they will put you through their own academy and train you. Some examples of this are Long Beach, Torrance, Los Angeles City, Los Angeles County and Orange County.
How many hours do you need to be an EMT?
Most paramedic schools require an Anatomy and Physiology course completion, as well as a year or 2000 hours of experience working as an EMT. Here are some links to available paramedic schools. It is a good idea to place an application in as soon as possible since they usually have a long waiting list. UCLA.
What are the things investigators look for in hazmat?
Burn patterns, colors, and chemicals are but a few of the things an investigator will look and test for. Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) - Various chemicals require a specialized group to respond to mitigate the problem safely and efficiently, that group is the HAZMAT Team.
How long is a firefighter's physical fitness test good for?
Each has different events that mimic different firefighting tasks. Generally your success in an exam will be good for 6 months to 1 year, however sometimes various departments require that you take them specifically for their department which your score may be determined by your time. Some departments may have separate events specific to their department such as a swim, or taking a hydrant and connecting hose.
How to write a good interview paper?
Use a good quality paper and include a solid outline of your experience and accomplishments. Avoid cramming as it is difficult to read and could bore the interviewer. Be creative and keep it simple but make it stand out from the crowd. Interviews are where most candidates experience trouble in the testing process.
What is fire prevention?
Fire Prevention - Specially trained fire service employs who are well versed in Fire Codes, and conduct inspections to insure compliance and safety within the community.
Be a Firefighter
Learn the steps of how to become a Los Angeles County firefighter. Please check here regularly for updates.
Message from the Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby
Thank you for your interest in joining this noble and rewarding profession as a member of our firefighting ranks. Los Angeles County firefighters enjoy an internationally renowned reputation for being the best. Each day in communities across Los Angeles County, they provide a lifesaving service.
Recruitment Information Seminars
Learn what it takes to become a part of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. This is a free seminar open to those interested in becoming a firefighter (age 17 and up).
What is EMT training?
Under close supervision in a training capacity, to learn to perform firefighting duties used in the suppression of structural, aircraft, wildland and other types of fires; to participate in additional Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-level training; to learn to perform routine fire prevention activities; and to learn other duties as required.
What does a firefighter learn?
Attends scheduled academy training sessions; learns proper firefighting techniques for fighting structural, aircraft, wildland and other types of fires
How old do you have to be to become an EMT in California?
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Possess a high school diploma. No experience required. Licenses & Certifications: (position requirements at application) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification in the State of California and/or EMT National Registry certification.
What is a firefighter trainee class?
Incumbents attend a departmental academy to develop and demonstrate the minimum qualifications required for entry into a career as a firefighter. Appointment as a Firefighter is based on satisfactory evaluations, graduation from the academy and management's recommendations. Trainees who are not appointed to the class of Firefighter at the end of their academy will be subject to termination of their Trainee status and/or employment at Orange County Fire Authority.
How to prove athletic ability as a firefighter?
As part of this step, you’ll be required to pass the written firefighter exam and prove your athletic ability through the completion of the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) and/or Biddle Ability Test , make it through one or more panel interviews (oral boards) and a chief’s interview.
How long is the CPAT?
The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is a national physical test for firefighters that lasts a total of 10 minutes and 20 seconds. You are required to pass each of the eight events of the CPAT and earn a “passing” score on the exam (the test is pass/fail). Here are brief overviews of each event.
What is the written firefighter exam?
The written firefighter exam is a comprehensive examination that determines your cognitive abilities and potential to succeed as a firefighter. In the two and a half hour, 100-150 multiple-choice question test, you’ll be quizzed on a wide range of topics and concepts, most unrelated to firefighting.
What is the passing score for firefighter?
Once you’ve passed the written portion of the firefighter exam with a passing score (usually above 70% or 80%), you will be given the opportunity for a panel interview. Some areas have even moved to some video-based tests, such as the FireTeam Test, used in California (and possibly other states).
How old do you have to be to be a firefighter in California?
Basic Firefighter Requirements. For most jurisdictions in California, you need to be 18 years or older with a high school degree or equivalent education (GED, etc.). In addition to being a legal adult, you must possess a valid California Driver’s License and be legally able to work in the United States.
What is the average salary of a firefighter in California?
On average, it is only second to New Jersey. The average salary for firefighters in California is $74,000 per year , though it varies by source. This number is misleading, as some jobs will pay significantly lower or higher than the average.
What is the minimum age to become an emergency medical technician in California?
18 years or older. High school diploma or equivalent (GED) Legally able to work in the United States. California driver’s license. Excellent physical fitness (Able to pass the CPAT and Fire Academy) Emergency Medical Technician Certification (EMT) Clean Background (Criminal, Credit, Driving, etc.)
What is equal employment in Orlando?
The City of Orlando provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the City of Orlando complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Is Orlando a drug free city?
The City of Orlando has established a Drug-Free Workplace Program in accordance with City Policy 808.4 and Florida Statute 440.12.
Does Orlando have e-verify?
The City of Orlando participates in E-Verify. For more information about E-Verify and your rights, please visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
Do you need an interest card to get a certification?
Even if you are in the process of getting your certifications, you are encouraged to fill out an interest card.
How to apply for a firefighter trainee?
Complete an on-line OCFA job interest card. The OCFA holds firefighter trainee recruitment periods and these are the only times that you can apply as a firefighter trainee. Fill out an on-line job interest card, and the OCFA human resources department will let you know when a firefighter trainee recruitment period begins.
How to apply for OCFA?
You must apply through OCFA human resources and include information on your educational, personal and criminal histories.
How long does it take to get an EMT certification?
While not a pre-employment requirement, the OCFA prefers candidates who hold an EMT-I certification. Most EMT-I programs take four to five months to complete on a part-time basis. After completing the course, you must sit for the EMT-I exam to get certification.
How to get a biddle certification?
Get your Biddle Physical Ability Certificate. You must pass the Biddle Physical Ability Test (PAT) before you submit an application. This test consists of timed, physical tasks including a stair climb, victim removal and hose deployment. You can get Biddle PAT certification in the Orange County area from Santa Ana College, Rio Hondo College or Mount San Antonio College.
What is the OCFA written test?
This test checks your basic skills in reading, math, reasoning and mechanical aptitude.
How long does it take to become a firefighter?
As a trainee, you must attend the OCFA Basic Fire Academy. This training involves four full days a week for up to 18 weeks. You will learn the fundamental skills of firefighting in this program. The OCFA will hire successful graduates as full-time firefighters.
How long is the OCFA interview?
Undergo a panel interview. If you succeed on the written test, you will undergo a 30 to 45 minute panel interview with members of the OCFA. The interviewers will ask questions about your education, experience and background.
Obtaining A Career in The Fire Service
Volunteer and Reserve Positions
- Become a Reserve Firefighter Join the Orange County Fire Rescue Department Reserves to help reduce property loss caused by fire, hazardous situations, injuries, deaths, and other emergencies. This is a non-paid volunteer program designed for both certified firefighting personnel and civilian personnel. The Reserves provide participating citizens wi...
The Testing Process
Additional Considerations