El Cajon Reserve Firefighter Information

The El Cajon Fire Department will hold a joint Heartland Firefighter Academy & El Cajon Fire Reserve Academy in 2008, from January to mid April. Applications for this academy are no longer being accepted. Please check back in late September of 2008 for the 2009 Academy.

For questions NOT answered on this website, kindly contact our Reserve Coordinators: rgeilenf@ci.el-cajon.ca.us or jhemphil@ci.el-cajon.ca.us

What is a Reserve Firefighter?

More information on Reserve Firefighter program

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A reserve firefighter is an auxiliary position with the San Miguel Consolidated Fire Protection District and the El Cajon Fire Department. It is an opportunity for those interested in a fire service career to get invaluable hands-on experience while giving back to the community. Participation as a reserve neither implies nor guarantees an offer of employment with the San Miguel Fire District or the El Cajon Fire Department...but it is a valuable resume builder toward a firefighting career!

Reserve Firefighter Duties

After successful completion of the reserve academy, the reserve firefighter is expected to continue personal growth through required monthly training classes, training assignments and ride-along experience. During the ride-along shifts they have the opportunity to be part of an engine company and experience, firsthand, firefighting, medical aids, rescue calls and other public service activities. Reserve firefighters also gain experience through participation in fire prevention and fire education programs.

Training

• Each reserve must successfully complete the Heartland Firefighter Academy which consists of both classroom instruction and manipulative practice. Academy instruction is scheduled to last 12 weeks from January to April 12th, 2008.
• The 488-hour academy includes classroom sessions on topics such as firefighter safety, equipment operation, fire extinguishers, forcible entry tools and techniques, lifting and hoisting equipment, fire hose, hose nozzles and fittings, hose evolutions, ladders, breathing apparatus, fire control, fire prevention, and more; plus manipulative classes giving recruits the opportunity to practice skills taught in the classroom.
• Recruits must pass weekly training evaluations by assigned instructors.
• Recruits are expected to be present at each of the required academy training sessions.
• College credit and State Certifications for 100A, 100B, Haz. Mat. FRO, Low Angle Rescue, ICS-100/200, Auto Extrication
• Candidates will be responsible for Miramar College registration fees totaling approximately $234 (9 units @ $26 per unit; with the possibility of per unit fees decreasing.) Details will be posted on www.smgfire.org.

Minimum Requirements

• Age: 18 years of age at time of application.
• Education: High school graduate or equivalent (GED).
• Certifications: Possession of a valid San Diego County EMT-1A.
• Paramedic: San Diego County Paramedic Accreditation Highly Desirable.
• License: Must have and maintain a valid, unrestricted Class C California driver's license.
• Residence: Shall reside within San Diego County.
• Telephone: Must have a working telephone in their residence and keep current number updated with District.

Occupation: Employment or involvement with occupations that may be considered a conflict of interest or which may impair performance or discredit either the District or Department are unacceptable.

• Certification of ability to work in the United States: Prior to employment, applicants must demonstrate, as required by law, that they are legally able to work in the United States.
• Uniforms and Safety Shoes: Reserves are responsible for purchasing their own uniform and safety shoes. Approximate cost totaling $500.

Selection Process

• Submittal and review of a joint District-Department application. Applications will be accepted from 0830 hours on October 1, 2007 through 1630 hours on October 8, 2007, at either San Miguel District Headquarters or El Cajon Fire Department Headquarters. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application to their Agency of preference or at either Agency if they have no preference. Please indicate your preference on your application.

Written Examination: The test will be based on Essentials of Fire Fighting, 4th ed. The top 50 candidates will move on to the physical abilities test, then the top 40 will move on to interviews.

Physical Abilities Test: A job-specific physical abilities test to evaluate physical strength and endurance.

• Oral Examination: Two oral interviews by a panel of San Miguel District and El Cajon Fire Department personnel to determine qualifications.
• Background Investigation: Prior to employment, an applicant’s personal history and employment background will be reviewed.
• Medical Examination: Applicant must successfully pass a pre-employment medical examination.

The San Miguel Consolidated Fire Protection District and the El Cajon Fire Department, in partnership with Miramar College, are combining resources to provide this excellent fire service career opportunity. We will be conducting a Heartland Regional Fire Academy to train candidates for positions as Reserve Firefighters for both the District and the City Department. Miramar College has teamed up with both agencies to provide funding for the Fire Academy and college credit for successful Academy candidates.

For detailed information about each agency please refer to the following websites:

City of El Cajon Fire Department
100 East Lexington Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92020
619-441-1601
www.elcajonfire.com

San Miguel Fire District
2850 Via Orange Way
Spring Valley, CA 91978
(619) 670-0500
www.smgfire.org

San Diego Miramar College
10440 Black Mountain Road
San Diego, CA 92126

*Note: Applications not being accepted at this time. Check back to this site in late September of 2008. Read over the above information so you are prepared for the next academy in 2009.

www.miramar.sdccd.cc.ca.us

Click here to download Application