El Cajon Reserve Firefighter Program - Application Period Closed 
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The application period for the El Cajon Fire Department joint Heartland Firefighter Academy & El Cajon Fire Reserve Academy in 2009 is now closed. Please try again in October of 2009.
For general information about the Reserve Program - please refer to the next three important documents that follow, and consider applying next year in October:
Reserve Recruitment 2008
Physical Agility
PT
For questions NOT answered on this website, kindly contact through email our Reserve Coordinators: Captain Rodney Geilenfeldt at rgeilenf@ci.el-cajon.ca.us or Captain Jim Hemphill at jhemphil@ci.el-cajon.ca.us.
What is a Reserve Firefighter?
A reserve firefighter is an auxiliary position with 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 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 reserves will be assigned as part of an engine company or paramedic unit 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, 2009.
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.)
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.
Occupation: Employment or involvement with occupations that may be considered a conflict of interest or which may impair performance or discredit the 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 Department application. Applications are accepted during assigned days during October at the El Cajon Fire Department Headquarters. Check back the first of October during 2009 for the next application period schedule.
Written Examination: The test will be based on Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5th 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: An oral interview by a panel of 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 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 the City of El Cajon Fire Department. Miramar College has teamed up with El Cajon Fire 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 Diego Miramar College
10440 Black Mountain Road
San Diego, CA 92126
www.sdmiramar.edu
