El Cajon Reserve Firefighter Program
October 11, 2009
Filed under Careers, Press Releases
The application period for the El Cajon Fire Department joint Heartland Firefighter Academy & El Cajon Fire Reserve Academy is currently closed. Check back October 1st, 2010.
If you dropped off an application for the 2010 Reserve Firefighter Academy please click on the following links:
- Reserve Applicants – Additional Info – Urgent!
- Reserve Applicants – Eligibility List – Urgent Information
El Cajon Fire Fireighter Reserve Program – General information below – please scroll down for information on this very special career building program in becoming a firefighter!
If you have any questions regarding about the Firefighter Reserve program, please send your questions via email to:
Captain Jim Hemphill at jhemphil@ci.el-cajon.ca.us or
Engineer Marco Maldonado at mmaldona@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, 2010.
- 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 S190, Auto Extrication, Haz Mat FRO, LARRO, Fire Control 3 and Confined Space Awareness. Recruits will be enrolled in Miramar College’s 381F – Fire Academy (9 units).
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 were accepted for the 2010 academy October 1st through October 9th, 2009. Check back October 1st of 2010 for the 2011 Reserve Firefighter Academy application acceptance period.
- 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
