Chapter 1
Fire Science Education and the Firefighter
Selection Process
Introduction
FIRE SCIENCE CURRICULUM
• Designed to produce comprehensive background
• Technical training
• Fire suppression and prevention
• Hands-on training may or may not be included
Learning Objective 1
Differences in Fire Science Programs
FIRE SCIENCE–RELATED COURSES
• FEMA has a list of higher education programs
• Range from associate to doctoral level
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
• Set number of accredited core courses
• Attests to a body of knowledge in the fire science area
Learning Objective 1
Differences in Fire Science Programs
ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN FIRE SCIENCE
• Requires more general education units
• Some courses transferable to a four-year college
• FESHE Model core six-course curriculum
• FESHE Model curriculum noncore courses
Learning Objective 1
Differences in Fire Science Programs
BACHELOR DEGREE PROGRAM
• FESHE Model Curriculum at a Distance Program
• Four-year college degree programs
• NFSPC Bachelor’s Group
Learning Objective 2
Advantages of Regionally
Accredited Institutions
PURSUING HIGHER EDUCATION IN FIRE
SERVICE
• More effective member of the fire service community
• May help achieve promotions after employment
• Direct dollar value in the workplace

Retirement value
• May be a condition of probationary period
Learning Objective 2
Advantages of Regionally
Accredited Institutions
OTHER COLLEGE PROGRAMS
• Public administration
• Specialized study (emergency management, law, etc.)
• Firefighter certification


NFPA 1001 Firefighter Professional Qualification
Primarily manipulative with some technical
instruction
Learning Objective 3
Availability of On-Line Science
Programs
ON-LINE PROGRAMS
• Available from numerous schools of higher learning
• Associate through master’s degrees may be earned
ADVANTAGES
• Student does not need to live in close proximity
• Duty schedule may not allow for traditional classroom
Learning Objective 3
Availability of On-Line Science
Programs
EXAMPLES
• NIMS courses offered by FEMA in an on-line format

Emergency Management Institute
• International Association of Fire Fighters Virtual
Academy
 Distance learning or extended university programs
Learning Objective 4
Assess Your Career Potential in the
Fire Service
BECOMING A FIREFIGHTER
• Person of highest moral and ethical character
• Represent one of the proudest professions there is
• Expected to act at great personal risk to save lives
and property of others
Learning Objective 4
Assess Your Career Potential in the
Fire Service
EXPECTATIONS OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
PERSONNEL
• No matter the disaster the fire department is there
• Public expects high level of professionalism
• Entails a certain amount of danger and excitement
• Suffer the same ills and problems as the rest of society
• Must show compassion
• Must be skilled in dealing with people
Learning Objective 4
Assess Your Career Potential in the
Fire Service
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
• Allowed to talk confidentially with a counselor
• Available for alcohol and drug abuse treatment
• Critical incident stress debriefings
FIREFIGHTERS AS TEAM MEMBERS
• Willing to give up personal desires to benefit the team
• No one can perform the job alone
Learning Objective 4
Assess Your Career Potential in the
Fire Service
CAREER-LONG COMMITMENT TO PHYSICAL
FITNESS
• Being unfit endangers you, co-workers,
and the public
• Physically demanding profession
CHANGING ROLE OF THE FIRE SERVICE
• Firefighter is expected to be an educator and technician
• Firefighters participate in community programs
Learning Objectives 5 and 6
Work Ethics and Sensitivity to
Diversity
HUMAN RELATIONS AND WORK ETHICS
• Must be prepared to deal with diversity in workplace

Women and minorities are a large part of the force
• Affirmative action and equal opportunity

Prohibit discrimination
• No tolerance for harassment

Sensitivity must be shown to all groups

All customers treated with dignity and respect
Learning Objectives 5 and 6
Work Ethics and Sensitivity to
Diversity
FIREFIGHTER ATTRIBUTES
• Loyalty
• Dedication
• Accepting hardship without complaint
• Being able to follow orders
• Ability and willingness to follow orders
• Willing to accept personal responsibility
• Having a positive safety attitude
Learning Objective 7
Availability and Levels of Training
Programs
PRE-SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAMS
• Available through the following:

Explorers

Volunteer firefighting

Reserve/cadet program

National Junior Firefighter Program

Colleges and training associations
Cont.
Learning Objective 7
Availability and Levels of Training
Programs
PRE-SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAMS
• Goal is to teach actual skills necessary
• Ladders, extinguishers, salvage, SCBA, and hose lays
• Medical training

EMT or paramedic training is beneficial for gaining
employment
• Programs sponsored by fire departments,
associations, or professional groups
Learning Objective 7
Availability and Levels of Training
Programs
IN-SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAMS
• Developed to train active firefighters
• Start with academy, move on to station, battalion,
department, area, state, and national level
• Often require department-sponsored
attendance due to worker’s
compensation coverage
Learning Objective 7
Availability and Levels of Training
Programs
ACADEMY TRAINING PROGRAM
• First level of training for new firefighters

Provides courses required by law

Observation of physical and mental performance
• Evaluated on performance of written tests and
drills

Dismissed if department standards are not met

Homework and studying required to perform well
Learning Objective 7
Availability and Levels of Training
Programs
TECHNICAL TRAINING PROGRAMS
• Numerous schools offer technical training programs
• National Fire Academy and Emergency Management
Institute

Year-round courses in Emmitsburg, MD

Expert instructors from all over the country

No tuition; must be sponsored by their department
Learning Objective 8
Types of Personnel Development
Programs
PERSONNEL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
• Develop an understanding of how department works
• Trained one to two ranks above current position
• May be assigned a mentor
GENERALISTS TO SPECIALISTS
• Modern firefighter must be a generalist
• May have extensive training in one area of operations
Learning Objectives 9 and 10
Steps in the Selection Process
SELECTION PROCESS STEPS
• Recruitment/application
• Written examination
• Skills test
• Oral examination/interview
• Physical agility/ability
Cont.
Learning Objectives 9 and 10
Steps in the Selection Process
SELECTION PROCESS STEPS
• Background check
• Final oral exam
• Medical examination
• Probationary period

Last step in the selection process
FPS 1-23
Learning Objective 11
Purpose and Importance
of Probationary Period
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
• Academy program can be part of probationary period
• After academy, firefighter goes to assignment at station
• May last up to 12 months
Learning Objective 11
Purpose and Importance
of Probationary Period
PROBATIONARY FIREFIGHTERS
• Expected to perform independent study
• May not have full civil service protection
• May be removed if unable to perform duties
• May be a comprehensive combination
written/manipulative test at end of probation
Learning Objective 12
Steps in Setting SMART Goals
SETTING GOALS
• Clearly define the goals
• Create a road map to success
GOAL SETTING WITH SMART
•
•
•
•
•
Simple
Measurable
Accountable
Realistic
Timely
Summary
• Process of becoming a firefighter starts by seeking
an education in the fire science field
• Prospective firefighter must prepare for all areas of
the selection process
• Be properly prepared for all phases