FIRE CAREERS
Firefighters perform duties related to suppression, vehicle
and technical rescue, basic life support and fire prevention
activities. Firefighters work under the direct supervision
of a company officer and must adhere to rules and
regulations for the safety of all persons.
Minimum Qualifications for Recruit Firefighter
A Firefighter Recruit must possess the following prior to
application deadline:
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High school or general equivalency diploma (GED).
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Certification under the National Registry or Emergency Medical Technicians AND/OR Kansas Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
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Successful completion of the following National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board) OR International Fire Service Accreditation (IFSAC) certifications through the Kansas Fire and Rescue Training Institute or equally recognized and accredited organization:
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Firefighter I​
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HAZMAT Awareness
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A Firefighter Recruit must provide the following at or prior to the Staff Interview:
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Certified Physical Agility Test (CPAT) within the past 12 Months OR​
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Successfully complete the Ottawa Fire Department's Physical Agility Test the day of the Staff Interview
Work Schedule
Shift fire personnel work a regular pattern of 24-hour shifts in a 28-day work period. This includes 24 hours on duty, 24 hours off duty, 24 hours on duty, 24 hours off duty, 24 hours on duty, 96 hours off duty. This is referred to as the Berkley Rotation.
Become a Volunteer Firefighter
Duties of the Volunteer Firefighter include protection of life and property by combating, extinguishing and preventing fires. An employee in this class performs specialized firefighting duties under emergency conditions, frequently involving considerable physical dange. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the supervising officer, but requires thourough individual understanding of firefighting methods. The employee is also responsible for assisting in maintenance of fire equipment, apparatus and quarters.
Education and Experience
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High school or general equivalency diploma (GED).
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This is a volunteer position and prior experience in firefighting is not required but preferred.
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Volunteer is expected to have acquired the necessary information and skills to perform the job reasonably well after six months in the position.
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Expectations
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Attend monthly meetings
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Complete a minimum of 8 hours of shift time per month
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Respond to structure fires and major incidents
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Ride-Along Program
The Program:
The ride-along program allows citizens to accompany the Ottawa Fire Department and to observe fire department activities. The observer must act in a business and professional manner at all times during the ride-along. Safety of non-firefighting personnel is our primary concern. Ride-along participants will not handle or operate any firefighting equipment nor will they participate in activities on an incident scene. The ride-along participant shall not interfere with the duties of the fire crews they are riding with, nor shall they converse with victims, suspects or witnesses.
Release & Waiver:
The fire chief or his designee may ask for a record check on any applicant for a ride-along. The applicant may not be permitted to ride unless approval is granted. A waiver must also be signed by the ride-along. Parent or guardian approval must be given if the ride-along applicant is a minor. A confidentiality agreement must also be signed.
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Attire:
The ride-along shall be appropriately dressed. Slacks, jeans, and skirts, collared shirts and blouses, with closed toe shoes are acceptable. There shall be no holes in clothes, no logos or advertisements shall be displayed on clothing. If dress is not acceptable, the ride-along will be cancelled for that person by the on-duty supervisor.
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