Firefighter Recruit Training Academy
Firefighter Recruit is a classification for entry level members assigned to the Phoenix Fire Training Academy. Members are paid as a firefighter recruit to attend the Phoenix Fire Training program consisting of firefighting methods, emergency medical services, fire code enforcement and prevention practices, salvage operations, public relations, physical fitness and associated topics to prepare for appointment as a firefighter.
In the Fire Academy, recruit classes are broken into engine company assignments consisting of 4-5 recruits and one Recruit Training Officer (RTO). Each recruit is assigned to an RTO whom will participate with recruits in the daily physical fitness activities and provide one-on-one instruction. Recruit Training Officers are a Captain’s rank position assigned to the Fire Academy for the duration of the academy. RTO’s manage the recruit training program by planning the curricula, coordinating training and evaluating firefighter recruits throughout the Fire Academy.
Upon completion of recruit training, firefighter recruits are promoted to the class of firefighter and assigned to the field as probationary firefighters for the balance of their one year of employment. Each probationary firefighter will rotate every three months to a different station and apparatus. Under the supervision of a company officer, probationary firefighters can be assigned to an Engine or Ladder Company where they will apply their skills and training, participate in company training and be evaluated on performance. Over the nine month period probationary firefighters are required to attend their continuing education classes scheduled at the Phoenix Fire Training Academy.
Recruits will be evaluated on the following:
- Customer Service
- Fitness Level
- Performance on Skills Course
- Hose Lays
- Teamwork, Interaction, and Initiative
- Tool and Job Skills
- Written Tests
- Safety Practices
- EMS
- Didactic
- Appearance
The following are specific performance requirements necessary to successfully complete the fire academy:
- Ability to work in a confined space
- Ability to work from heights
- Ability to function while wearing PPE including an SCBA
- Ability to work in incendiary environments
- Ability to perform required firefighter skills
The Fire Academy is broken into four phases:
Phase 1. During this phase, Recruit Training Officers (RTOs) will introduce and demonstrate the skills and standards to everyone. Videos will also be provided for recruits to review. RTOs will walk recruits through the steps in a non-evaluative manner and then be given a written (essay format) quiz on the steps required to complete the skill. Each recruit will be required to pass all quizzes with a minimum score of 80%.
Phase 2. During this phase recruits will get repetition with the specific skills. They will have a minimum of (3) attempts at each skill with an evaluation on your performance. This evaluation will be informal and focus on areas of concern as well as what was performed well. These will be constructive and informative critiques. Improvement plans will be generated by your RTOs as needed. Failure to improve will require consideration by the Peer Review Board. It will be the responsibility of the recruit to seek assistance and take steps necessary meet the standard during this phase. RTOs will be available for additional help and assessment. It is the responsibility of the recruit to request and initiate this assistance.
Phase 3. During this phase, you will be required to perform skills to “standard”. If the standard is met for each skill, the recruit will continue in the academy and learn additional skills. If any Firefighter Recruit fails to meet standards, the RTO's will meet to discuss the situation and work through a plan for improvement. This will include the notification of the Peer Review Group. If unable to meet standards, the Peer Review group will determine action to be taken up to and including dismissal.
Phase 4. During this phase, recruits will be required to pass Final Evaluations. This is a culmination of all training received throughout the Academy. The evaluation will be based on the performance of all skills taught throughout the academy. Recruits will have (3) attempts to successfully perform each skill to standard. Successful completion of final evaluations will allow the recruit to continue to graduation from the Fire Academy. Failure to pass evaluations to standard will require the Peer Review Board to meet and discuss the situation where they will determine the necessary actions.
Tips for Success:
- Be in good physical condition before you arrive. The Candidate Physical Ability Test is the minimum requirement for physical fitness.
- Research the Phoenix Fire Training Academy by talking with probationary firefighters.
- Work hard, even when no one is watching.
- The organization is looking for people that possess leadership qualities, take initiative to be a leader when appropriate and know when to be a good follower.
- Understand that the year you invest in the Training Academy and on probation is an investment in your future career. Firefighting is not a job. It is a career.
- Be a team player. Help others around you and recognize when to ask for help. The Recruit Training Officers want to see you succeed and will assist you at any time throughout the Academy.
- Take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Rest, eat well and take time to spend with your family and friends. It is important to have the support of your family and friends.
- Keep an open mind about new experiences. You are going to be learning the techniques at a very quick pace and they may be different from your previous experience.
- Use good time-management skills for your studying and physical training.
- Come to work every day prepared physically and mentally ready to accomplish any challenges given to you.
- Attitude is everything. It is all about selflessness, not selfishness.
- Take pride in your profession, and the fact that you are being extended the opportunity to become a Phoenix Firefighter. We'll get you started, but it is up to you to continue to improve. The degree of success that you experience is dependent on the amount of effort you put into your career.
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Be professional at all times!
Phoenix firefighters work a 24-hour on/48-hour off schedule and can be assigned to A, B, or C, shift. This means that firefighters report to work at 8:00 am the day of their shift and continue working until 8:00 am the following morning. Firefighters then have the following two days, or 48 hours, off. Employees are required to work shifts on holidays and weekend. At the beginning or during their shift, a firefighter is required to check all personal protective equipment, maintain, clean and check all apparatus and assigned equipment, clean and maintain the station, attend and participate in all scheduled training, shop and prepare meals with crew all while being ready to respond to emergencies throughout the shift.
