CAREERS IN FIRE FIGHTING

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1 CAREERS IN FIRE FIGHTING 2012 Education, training and job prospects in Canada s firefighting sector Photos courtesy (clockwise from top) Dan Sutton, Ontario Fire Academy, John Snider, Laura King

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3 Careers in Fire fighting 2012 Short program, large impact FESTI offers a new pre-service option By Stefanie Wallace Thinking about becoming a firefighter? The pre-service firefighter training program at the Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute (FESTI) part of the emergency service department at Toronto s Lester B. Pearson International Airport is the country s newest option. The program, approved by the Ontario Fire Marshal s office, received official college status in November, but Dwayne MacIntosh, deputy fire chief at FESTI, thinks a few things will set its program apart from typical Ontario college pre-service programs. Perhaps one of the greatest differences between FESTI s program and a typical Ontario college pre-service program is the duration: At just 22 weeks (15 weeks of pre-service fire fighting, one week of practical scenario-based testing and six weeks to complete the pre-graduate experience), FESTI s pre-service program is filled with long, intense days. Students are required to wear a uniform in order to understand the importance of looking respectable on the job to their peers, their bosses, and the communities they serve, MacIntosh says. The program schedule varies from day to day. Some days include a dress inspection; some mornings include physical activity or proper ceremony drill in accordance with the fire marshal s manual. Some days are full of classes, and some days are full of practical lessons, which represent up to 50 per cent of the program. And with a fire service on the school s grounds, students are able to complete their placements on site. MacIntosh believes FESTI is uniquely positioned to prepare students for a career in the fire service. Not only do we train, but we re connected to the fire department that actually responds [to emergencies] so we learn and live through real-life experiences, he says. We want to ensure that [students] have a full understanding of what it s like in a fire department. The FESTI faculty will have high expectations of the students something that Mac- Intosh hopes will challenge them. They will work 40 hours a week; they ll have homework at night and on the weekends, but the experience is intended to prepare them to a very high level so the chiefs will want them to work in their departments, he says. The days are long, the expectations are high, but I think the results will be very, very good. MacIntosh says the program will provide students with the education, training, background and history that will equip them with the qualifications to meet a fire chief s expectations when entering the workforce. I m a chief that hires people; I hire people all the time. What is it that I m looking for when I m hiring somebody? And what I m looking at would be the expectation, I would think, of most chiefs, MacIntosh says. Therefore, we re trying to prepare those students to meet those expectations. An intense application process allows FESTI to offer such an exclusive program. Students can apply through FESTI s website ( or by telephone, and applicants must meet minimum requirements outlined by the Ontario Fire Marshal s office and the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (all available on FESTI s website). Applicants must complete an academic test, a physical test and an interview. The top 20 applicants will be admitted to each class. That s different than other programs too we re only taking 20 so we can maximize the time that each student will have during practical evolutions. We do not want to set these students up for a fall, MacIntosh says. Our goal is to run three programs a year with 20 students per program we re not about quantity, we re about quality. The short duration of the program doesn t affect the qualifications graduates will receive upon completion of the program. [Students] do not have to take general education [classes], but in the end, they ll receive the same certifications, MacIntosh says. Those certifications are ProBoard (accreditation from the national board for fire-service professional qualifications), the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), and the Ontario Fire Marshal s certification once students become employed in Ontario. The certifications are the same as those that students in a 12-month program would receive. Students will also take the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) at the end of the program, ensuring they have the physical ability needed to complete tasks as a firefighter. At $13, plus HST, the program is costly. However, all materials books, firefighting gear, graduation ceremony and uniforms (save for the boots) are included. The program s first group of students begins classes Jan. 30 and is set to finish mid-june. MacIntosh feels a graduation ceremony is an important opportunity for the students to share their accomplishments with their families. We want to have a graduation ceremony that brings together both the students and their families so that the families can experience what the students their sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, etc., went through. I think it s a big deal. These students are going to work hard; we re not going to just allow them to float through the course; they have to work to achieve it, MacIntosh says. But again, when you look at it, that s what a chief expects whether they re male or female, somebody who is hard-working, dedicated, committed to helping people, committed to the community... that s what we re going to try to instil in these people during this program.

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5 Careers in Fire fighting 2012 ALGONQUIN COLLEGE Contact: Randy Foster, Coordinator 1385 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8 Tel: Ext Website: Courses: The Pre-service Firefighter Education and Training certificate progam provides a theoretical/lab basis for entry to the career of firefighter. Students develop a sound understanding of fire science principles, practices of fire prevention, suppression, rescue, emergency patient care, and community service. Students can practice their knowledge and skills in a pregraduate experience in level 3 of the program. COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES Contact: Judy Kolesar, Ron McRae Box 8500, 2700 College Way, Cranbrook, BC V1C 5L7 Tel: Ext kolesar@cotr.bc.ca Website: Courses: Firefighter I and II; Hazmat Awareness; Operations; Airbrakes; Class 3 Driver; EVO; Vehicle Rescue Technician; BC Medical First Responder Level 3; EMR; Fire Suppression S100, S185 and S215; Basic Chainsaw; Incident Command Systems 100 & 200; Industrial Firefighter; Confined Space Rescue Technician. COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY PO Box 3110, Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL Tel: or Toll Free: Ext. 149 Website: DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE OF CONTINUING EDUCATION Contact: Gwen Doary Dalhousie University, College of Continuing Education, Fire Management Education Programs, LeMarchant St., PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2 Tel: gwen.doary@dal.ca Website: Courses: A total of 16, on the following subjects: Fire Suppression Management, Fire Prevention Management, Strategic Planning, Municipal Government and Service Delivery, Fire Service Law, Municipal Finance, Program Evaluation and Statistics, EMS Management and the Fire Department, Disaster Management and the Fire Department, Personnel Management in the Fire Service, Fire Strategic Planning, Organizational Behaviour, Station Officer: Dealing with People, Station Officer: Dealing with New Operations, the Environment of the Fire Station. DURHAM COLLEGE Fire and Emergency Services Contact: Robert Brandon, Program Coordinator; Stephanie Ball, Dean 2000 Simcoe St. N., Oshawa, ON L1H 7K4 Tel: Ext Robert.brandon@durhamcollege.ca; Stephanie.ball@durhamcollege.ca Program: Firefighter Pre-service, Education and Training. Courses: Patient Care, Fire Behaviour & Fire Ground Operations, Fire Prevention & Public Education, Fire Fitness Management, Fire Ground Practical. EMERGENCY SERVICES ACADEMY LTD. Contact: Chelsey Reid, Director of ESA, EMT, FF; Linda Reid, Finance Manager ESA; Kim Lee, Administrative Assistant ESA. 2nd Floor, 161 Broadway Blvd., Sherwood Park, AB T8H 2A8 Tel: esacanada@shawbiz.ca Website: Courses: Fire training including NFPA 1001 (Levels I & II), and accessory courses in Rope and Ice Rescue; EMS training including EMC, EMT/ACP, refresher courses and ACP exam prep. ESA is a private vocational school located in Sherwood Park, AB (close to Edmonton). Fire and emergency medical training provided by career professionals. FESTI FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES TRAINING INSTITUTE Contact: Registration Office PO Box 6031, 2025 Courtneypark Dr., Toronto AMF, ON L5P 1B2 Tel: festi@gtaa.com Website: Courses: We are pleased to offer the Pre- Service Firefighting Training program. The faculty instructing the program are NFPA certified Fire Service Instructors, OFM Trainer Facilitators and active firefighters who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the classroom and field training. The program combines theoretical firefighting knowledge with considerable practical skills development, including Firefighter Emergency Patient Care, Fire Behaviour, Fire Ground Operations, Environmental Protection & Rescue Operations, Hazardous Materials and Fire Prevention in the Community. GEORGIAN COLLEGE Contact: Bob Pollard, Coordinator 1 Georgian Dr., Barrie, ON L4M 3X9 Tel: bpollard@georgianc.on.ca Website: Courses: Fire and Emergency Services, Pre-Fire Planning, Emergency Operations, 1,2,3; Emergency First Responder; Rescue and Hazardous Materials Awareness; Communications and Relationships; Practical Fire Training 1, 2; Work Place Communications. HOLLAND COLLEGE Contact: Sue Norquay 140 Weymouth St., Charlottetown, PE C1A 4Z1 Tel: or Toll Free: info@hollandc.pe.ca Website: Courses: Paramedicine Primary Care Paramedicine and Advanced Care Paramedicine (CMA accredited). HUMBER COLLEGE 205 Humber College Blvd., Etobicoke, ON M9W 5L7 Tel: Ext Website: Courses: Pre-service Firefighter Education and Training as well as Advanced Specialized Rescue Training, on weekends. JIBC, Fire and Safety Division Contact: Jessica DeVreeze 715 McBride Blvd., New Westminster, BC V3L 5T4 Tel: or Toll Free: fire@jibc.ca Website: Courses: JIBC is Canada s leading public safety educator. JIBC s Fire & Safety Division offers a comprehensive range of education and training designed to meet the needs of the fire service, public and private sector and a broad international market. The Fire & Safety Division also offers Canada s only Bachelor of Fire & Safety Studies, and is the only public post-secondary institute in Canada that is fully accredited to Fire Officer I - IV. JIBC educational experiences are enhanced by an impressive range of facilities, training resources, simulations and E-learning. For more information visit LAKELAND COLLEGE EMERGENCY TRAINING CENTRE Contact: Denis Cunninghame 5704 College Drive, Vermilion, AB T9X 1K4 Tel: infofire@lakelandcollege.ca Website: Courses: A multi-dimensional emergency services training centre specializing in fire service, emergency medical services, incident command and emergency preparedness training. LAMBTON COLLEGE FIRE AND PUBLIC SAFETY CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE Contact: Sandra Morrison 1457 London Rd., Sarnia, ON N7S 6K4 Tel: Ext. 21 or Ext Sandra@lambtoncollege.ca Website: Courses: Lambton College s on-site Fire and Public Safety Centre of Excellence recently underwent an approximate $10 million upgrade. This facility will not only benefit post-secondary students, but also local, national and international industrial and commercial clients who rely on Lambton College for their emergency response training solutions and programs. Take advantage of our 40+ years of industry leadership and allow us to customize courses specific to your needs. MANITOBA EMERGENCY SERVICES COLLEGE Contact: Brenda Popko 1601 Van Horne Avenue East, Brandon, MB R7A 7K2 Tel: Brenda.popko@gov.mb.ca Website: Courses: The Manitoba Emergency Services College is a Canadian leader in firefighter, rescue, hazardous material, fire inspector, building inspector, management, paramedic and emergency services training. The Manitoba Emergency Services College (MESC) is located in Brandon, Manitoba. The Manitoba Emergency Services College takes pride in offering exceptional training opportunities contributing to the building of confident, competent firefighters, rescuers and paramedics. Whether you are seeking a career in the emergency services or if you are currently a member of a local fire service and would like to expand your current knowledge and skills, the MESC has the training that you need. MARINE INSTITUTE Contact: Office of Student Recruitment PO Box 4920, St. John s, NL A1C 5R3 Tel: , Ext recruitment@mi.mun.ca Website: Courses: Located in Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Marine Institute s Safety and Emergency Response Training (SERT) Centre delivers world-class training in: Firefighting High Angle Rescue First Aid Hazardous incident identification and response Vehicle extrication Confined space rescue NOVA SCOTIA FIREFIGHTERS SCHOOL Contact: John S. Cunningham, Executive Director 48 Powder Mill Rd., Waverley, NS B2R 1E9 Tel: Ext. 223 Toll Free: nsfs@accesswave.ca Website: Courses: Confined Space training, Haz-Mat, Vehicle Extrication, Basic Fire Fighting, Officers training, High Angle Rescue, Driver training, Fire Safety, Health and Occupational Safety Officer and Incident Scenes Safety Officer, Rapid Intervention Techniques, Thermal Imaging Camera training, Trench Rescue, Ice Rescue, Collapse Rescue. OFFSHORE SAFETY AND SURVIVAL CENTRE PO Box 4920, 155 Ridge Rd., St. John s, NL A1C 5R3 Tel: Ext. 225 Website: Courses: Municipal, industrial and offshore applications. More than 30 related courses and capability to tailor courses to clients needs. SENECA COLLEGE Contact: Stu Evans 1750 Finch Ave. E., Toronto, ON M2J 2X5 Tel: Ext stuart.evans@senecac.on.ca Website: Courses: The pre-service firefighting program is a new 1-year recruit training program available both to full-time and parttime. The full-time 2-year or 3-year diploma programs are fire science-based with available option courses in firefighting. ST. CLAIR COLLEGE of Applied ARTS and Technology Contact: Dann Dancey, Co-ordinator, Public Safety Institute, Tel: Ext. 243, Fax: ; Greg Skomash, Paramedic Program, Tel: Ext Rhodes Dr., Windsor, ON N8W 5A4 Tel: ddancey@stclaircollege.ca OR gskomash@stclaircollege.ca Website: Courses: Firefighter: Confined Space, Trans. Rescue, Fire Extinguisher Training, Search and Rescue, Security Officer Training. Paramedic Courses: Various to ensure eligibility to write the Ont. Ministry of Health s Advanced EMCA (primary care paramedic) examination.

6 OUR SCHOOL ALSO HAS FIRE DRILLS. 850ºF FIRE DRILLS. Our Pre-Service Firefighter Training Program is taught by the best firefighters of today, for the best firefighters of tomorrow. That s why half of our firefighting course is hands-on training. The other half is the essentials you need to be the greatest. Talk to us about our intense firefighting program.

7 Careers in Fire fighting 2012 How to pursue a career in fire fighting By Kory Pearn Are you serious about learning how to become a firefighter but not sure what steps to take? Here are some points to help you along the way. Fire departments have specific requirements when hiring recruits. Most fire departments in Canada expect you to present a post-secondary fire-education certification. There are several program choices available through community colleges or specialized fire schools. Programs range in duration from 10 weeks to three years. Online courses are also available through websites such as www. trainingdivision.com, where you can complete your NFPA 1001 certification. There are advantages and disadvantages to every option, and these vary for each recruit online training can be more flexible so it s important to research the programs as much as possible to ensure you make the right choice. Search the forums in visit and check out different schools that are of interest to you most schools websites list requirements and program durations. Firefighters today are trained to handle all types of emergencies, from vehicle accidents and train derailments to hazardous-materials incidents and, as always, fires. Firefighters also respond to medical-related emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, VSA (vital signs absent), seizures, severe bleeding, delay of EMS, home accidents, drowning... just about any medical emergency you can think of. Firefighters must be highly diversified to handle every type of emergency and nonemergency situation with little or no warning or preparation. In addition to emergency response, a typical day for a firefighter includes maintenance of tools and equipment, pre-planning, community education, building inspections, personal development/training, station and apparatus maintenance and volunteering in the community. Visiting fire halls and asking questions will give prospective recruits a better understanding of what firefighters do. Firefighters must be physically fit to meet the demand and strain that is applied to the body under high heat conditions and dangerous environments. Physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle are vital to firefighters: being healthy and fit improves your chances of being recruited and will help you maintain a long and healthy career as a firefighter. A diverse learning experience is key. Mathematics, physics, chemistry, English, biology and technology courses are directly related to fire fighting, and second-language, physical education and geography courses can be beneficial too. Fire departments will also be looking at your extra-curricular activities and achievements such as sports teams, volunteering and awards. Visiting fire halls and asking questions will give you a better understanding of what firefighters do. Find out what shifts the fire departments in your area use some departments work 24-hour shifts; others work a rotation of 10-hour days and 14-hour nights. How many firefighters work for the city in which you live? What kind of trucks does your local department have? What types of calls does your home-town department handle? Is your local department looking for volunteers? The answers to these questions will help you better understand what you re getting into, and you may be given some great advice along the way. Minimum requirements Each fire department has a list of minimum requirements that recruits must meet prior to applying for a firefighting position. Check fire department websites for the minimum requirements, or call the department s administration phone number and ask how you can obtain a list of the requirements. These minimum requirements vary; departments request that you meet certain requirements based on the types of calls to which they respond. A fire department located near water, for example, may require you to have a certain waterrescue course, and a department located on an escarpment may want you to have highangle rescue certification. Be thorough when researching the minimum requirements for the fire departments that interest you most. Applying to a fire department The objective of a fire-department recruitment process is to determine an applicant s aptitude for fire fighting. Recruitment processes can be complicated, or short and simple. Fire departments have the authority to establish processes to find the best applicants and set the minimum qualifications and standards they want in their recruits. Departments may use multiple evaluations to determine applicants ability to execute firefighting-related tasks and to function under physical exertion. Departments also do testing to determine the overall health and fitness of recruit candidates and their ability to understand written and verbal information. Fire fighting is a challenging, yet rewarding, career. Do your research to find out if it s the right career for you. Kory Pearn is the author of The Complete Guide to Becoming a Firefighter and manager of Becomingafirefighter.com

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