RECRUITING PACKET

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT P.O. BOX 506 ALIEF, TX. 77411 recruiting@communityvfd.com

The Community Fire Department is recruiting men and women who are dedicated to helping their fellow citizens, who are not afraid of hard work or challenges, and who rise to the occasion during critical situations. We protect an estimated population of 130,000 people within a geographic area of approximately 25 square miles. We respond to all types of service including structure fires, traumatic injuries, motor vehicle collisions, rescues, and various medical emergencies. The citizens have a right to expect the highest level of service and dedication when they dial 911, therefore we require all members to complete a training program where they will learn the skills and knowledge necessary to safely perform the duties of a firefighter. Applications for Recruit Firefighter are typically accepted twice a year, prior to the start of each class. In order to be accepted into the class, candidates must successfully complete all steps in the application process. To begin the process an applicant must satisfy the following requirements: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Must be at least 18 years of age Must possess the mental, physical and medical health to adequately perform the duties of a firefighter Must have or be able to obtain a valid Texas Drivers License Must be eligible to work in the United States Pass a criminal background check Be of good moral character

Application Process: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Complete Physical Ability Test Complete Application Packet Complete Oral Interview Background and Reference Checks Drug Screen Attend Orientation

Please see the section below for detailed information regarding the application process. Firefighting can be demanding both physically and mentally, therefore we believe proper training is the key to success. Recruits will receive training in but not limited to the following areas as required by the State Firemans and Fire Marshals Association of Texas. Fire Dept Organization Forcible Entry Ladder Operations Fire Hose Practices Fire Streams Ventilation Hazardous Materials Rescue Operations First Aid & CPR Fire Science Protective Clothing Building Construction Breathing Apparatus Vehicle Extrication

TYPICAL DUTIES OF A FIREFIGHTER The firefighter is responsible for work performed in combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires and protection of life and property through firefighting activities. Duties also include other support services under close supervision of a station officer. Independent judgment is used according to the situation and sometimes different courses of action must be considered to complete the task. A large part of duty time is taken up in performing supervised training; and maintaining equipment, quarters, and grounds. Physical Demands Pick up and advance charged fire hoses Force entry with axe/battering ram Climb stairs with equipment weighing approximately 50 lbs Vent roofs, breach walls, overhaul burned buildings with power/hand tools Lift and climb/descend ladders (with victims up to 200 lbs) Operate power tools and extrication equipment Stoop, crawl, crouch, and kneel in confined spaces Reach, twist, balance, grapple, bend and lift under emergency conditions Run, dodge, jump and maneuver with equipment All of the above may be performed wearing heavy and restrictive protective clothing/gear Working Conditions Work in extreme temperatures; day and night; in heat, rain, snow and ice Exposure to smoke, gases, dust and poor ventilation Work in closely confined spaces Intense exposure to water and/or steam Exposure to a wide range of emotional and traumatic events Exposure to noise and vibration from tools, equipment, machinery, etc. Work at height (e.g., on ladders, roof tops, etc) Work within restrictions of personal safety equipment (e.g., breathing apparatus, steel-tip boots, hearing and eye protection, and firefighting turn-out clothing)

Recruit Class Dates

CVFD provides two classes per year. Applicants will be contacted prior to the start of each class and scheduled for a PAT Test. Please contact recruiting@communityvfd.com for more dates or more information. Applicants for Recruit should expect call backs in January and July.

A CLASS: FEBRUARY - MAY B CLASS: AUGUST NOVEMBER

Community Fire Department Training Center 15103 Alief Clodine Rd Houston, TX. 77083

APPLICATION PROCESS
Pre-Screen Application Once the pre-application has been submitted, we will conduct a screening process. This process is designed to determine if an applicant meets all minimum qualifications based on the information provided. If a qualification violation is noted, the applicant is disqualified from continuing through the process. If no qualification violations are found, the person will be contacted and scheduled for a Physical Ability Test (PAT). Physical Ability Test (PAT) All candidates will be required to take the PAT test. The exam is comprised of eight stations that are completed in one continuous sequence. The maximum time allowed for passing is 5 minutes and 50 seconds. Upon successful completion, the candidate will be given an application packet and scheduled for an oral interview. Oral Interview Candidates will be interviewed and given a briefing concerning the course. Upon successful completion, the candidate will be offered a conditional membership contingent on the successful completion of the background check and drug screening. Background Investigation A background investigation is conducted on candidates to establish evidence of good moral character, a welladjusted personality, community commitment and fire service adaptability. Remember to list all convictions on your application, and do not withhold any information. If a violation is discovered, the candidate is notified that he/she does not meet minimum standards and will be removed from the process. Drug Screening A drug screen will be performed on every candidate. The screen will be at a random time at any point throughout the process. Candidates who do not pass the drug screen will be immediately removed from the process. Recruit Orientation Recruits will be briefed about the program and establish a class chain of command. Candidates will also be fit tested, measured, and have identification photos taken on this day. Recruit Training CVFD is committed to training those that qualify to become part of our team and serve the citizens of our community. The program is an 15 week course which meets the standards set forth by the State Firemans and Fire Marshalls Association of Texas. Recruits must successfully complete 3 phases of classroom material, pass a written test, and demonstrate skills proficiency. Classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00pm to 10:00pm and Saturdays from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Probationary Period Upon course completion, recruits attend a graduation ceremony where they are rewarded for the dedication and hard work achieved during the course. Recruits will be assigned to a fire station as Probationary Firefighters where they are evaluated by station officers and must complete an ongoing structured training program. Probation lasts six months, starting on the date of your class orientation.

ABOUT THE PAT

The PAT is a sequence of events requiring the candidate to progress along a predetermined path from event to event in a continuous manner. The rigorous and fair test is designed to provide the department with a reliable and diverse pool of candidates who can handle the physical demands of firefighting. Within 5 minutes and 50 seconds, candidates must successfully complete eight separate events simulating the most common and demanding firefighting tasks.

Hose Drag Ladder Carry Hose Advance Equipment Carry Stair Climb Equipment Hoist Ceiling Breach and Pull Dummy Drag

All eight events are performed wearing a firefighting breathing apparatus and will be graded on a pass-fail basis. In addition, candidates will be required to complete an untimed confidence drill comprised of a ladder climb and SCBA evaluation For more information, contact recruiting@communityvfd.com

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IF I HAVE A CRIMINAL RECORD? A criminal conviction may not automatically eliminate you from the process. What are considered are: crimes committed, when it occurred, your age at the time, the relationship between the crime and your position as a firefighter. Police records never go away, so be sure that you are straightforward on your application and all other documents submitted to us. WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS AFTER GRADUATION? CVFD operated scheduled shifts which are selected from each members availability. All members must provide a minimum of 4-8 days of availability per month. DO I HAVE TO BE A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES? No. However, if you are a non-citizen, you must have acceptable documentation that verifies you are a legally allowed to work in the United States. The documentation must be presented/valid during the application process. WILL I NEED A COPY OF MY BIRTH CERTIFICATE? No but you will have to present two (2) forms of identification at the time of registration. The most common documents are a drivers license and a Social Security Card. IF I HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE PROCESS, WHAT DO I DO? Email the following email address: recruiting@communityvfd.com This email is checked 7 days a week; you should get a response within 24 to 48 hours.

EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING PROVIDED WORKER COMPENSATION INSURANCE WILL PAY FOR MEDICAL EXPENSES IF YOU ARE INJURED IN THE LINE OF DUTY. ENJOY THE EXCITEMENT AND PERSONAL SATISFACTION OF BEING A PART OF AN EMERGENCY SERVICES TEAM.