CITY OF BELEN FIRE DEPARTMENT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER RECRUIT ORIENTATION GUIDE THIS DOCUMENT WAS CREATED TO FAMILIARIZE PROSPECTIVE FIRE DEPARTMENT MEMBERS WITH THE OPPORTUNITIES AND BENEFITS BY JOINING THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE CITY OF BELEN FIRE DEPARTMENT. THIS GUIDE BRIEFLY EXPLAINS THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED TO BECOME A MEMBER AND SERVES TO EXPLAIN THE ADMISSION PROCESS. CITY OF BELEN FIRE DEPARTMENT Manny J. Garcia, Fire Chief 100 S. Main Street Belen, NM 87002 (505) 966-2710 manny.garcia@belen-nm.gov
LETTER FROM THE FIRE CHIEF Dear Applicant, Thank you for your interest in serving with the City of Belen Fire Department. The position of Fire Fighter is one of tremendous responsibility and individual dedication. Being a fire fighter demands a great deal from each individual, however becoming a firefighter is one of the most rewarding things you can do as an individual and service to the community. We have prepared this recruitment packet for you to review in anticipation of possible questions you may have. This packet does not provide complete details of the position or the expectations of you should you be considered for service affiliation with our department. It provides only the basic information you need to get started. Our department and its personnel are held to the highest esteem and respect by our community. We are a progressive organization that maintains a high level of professionalism and expertise. Becoming a team member of our firefighting team carries with it not only great responsibility, but it also carries personal pride, honor and commitment to carrying out the mission of our organization. Our city is very proud of the men and women who are part of our department and are highly motivated and committed to improving and protecting our community. We constantly strive to enhance, upgrade and improve the level of fire protection and emergency services we provide. We hope the information contained herein is helpful to you. Should you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. If you intent to apply for membership, please complete the service affiliation application and return to the address provided. Again, thank you for your interest and good luck. Sincerely, MANNY J. GARCIA, Fire Chief City of Belen Fire Department -2-
Why Volunteer? Ask any firefighter why they accept the challenges and risks they do and they will tell you in their own words that they feel a need to help others and give back to their community. As firefighters work to fulfill their need to help others, they also meet the growing needs of their community. When you join the fire service, you are joining a profession steeped in tradition, a brotherhood dating to the beginning of American History. Today, you can walk into any fire house in the Country, tell them you are a firefighter and you instantly have a connection and shared sense of commitment to something that is greater than yourself. Firefighting is very demanding of any individual. Many hours of training are involved, requirements must be met and regulations and standards are to be upheld. Many like the feeling they get when they help people in their time of need and some feel it is an obligation to serve the community. Yet others just want to belong to the team. Whatever motivates you to volunteer everyone gains the self satisfaction of being at their best when others are dealing with what is often the worst time of their life. The personal rewards and satisfaction received from what we do are often beyond description. There is the sense of accomplishment when you control a structure fire or extend compassion for automobile crash victims, and there is fulfillment from teaching fire safety education to children. Volunteering with the City of Belen Fire Department is one of the most important decisions you may make. We hope that you give this decision the time and serious consideration it deserves, and decide to join our ranks. COMMUNITY HONOR DUTY -3-
About our Department The City of Belen Fire Department is comprised of career and volunteer members, known professionally as a combination department. This combination of firefighters makes up the fire service for the city. There is no separation between a career and volunteer firefighter. All of our personnel are treated to their level of certification. We maintain 2 Main stations and 1 sub-station, 3 Engine Companies, 1 Ladder Truck, 2 Wildland Brush Units and 2 EMS/Rescue apparatus. Our department responds to approximately 2,500 emergencies per year that involve building and house fires, automobile accidents, medical rescue calls, vehicle fires, wildland and brush fires and hazardous materials incidents. Belen firefighters conduct monthly training that equals approximately 200 hours per firefighter, per year. The Belen Fire Department is very involved in our local community and we participate in many civic events such as Fire Prevention Week, 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, National Night Out, EMS Week, parades, school fire safety program and many other events. Benefits of Membership FIRE TRAINING you provide the dedication and commitment, and we provide all of the quality training at no cost. We offer local and state training via the New Mexico Firefighters Training Academy in Socorro, New Mexico, regional and national fire academy courses and multiple seminars and conferences. UNIFORMS look professional and show your department pride to the community. PROTECTIVE GEAR we protect our firefighters with the top-of-the-line OSHA and NFPA compliant bunker gear. SOCIAL EVENT members and their guests enjoy our annual Firefighter Appreciation and Recognition Awards Ceremony each year recognizing individual and department accomplishments. This event is also our opportunity to say thank you to loved ones who support us throughout the year. COMMUNITY AND FIRE DEPARTMENT EVENTS the department participates to several community and civic events throughout the year. -4-
Costs While there is no "cost" associated with you becoming a member of the fire department, the following information details the cost of having you part of our team. Protective Gear $5,000 Communications Equipment $2,500 Uniforms $ 500 Fire Training $2,500 Expectations Although no fire experience is needed, you are expected to complete the recruit training program and other associated training as required. Our service calls on its members to perform hot, sweaty, dirty, strenuous work, often in uncertain and hazards environments. Our volunteers are team players, respecting each other's role and contributions to the department and our community. You need to be willing to work on shift or oncall to deal with occasional interruptions in your lifestyle, dropping what you're doing at the "sound of the alarm" to respond to the emergency needs of your fellow citizen. Fire Department Recruitment Training Program Once applicants complete service affiliation requirements, a mandatory meeting will be scheduled so our recruitment training program can be presented and answer any questions you may have. The training program is geared to help prepare you to attend the New Mexico State Firefighters Training Academy in Socorro. ALL APPLICANTS that have been considered for this program MUST ATTEND ALL TRAINING as scheduled or will be automatically terminated from the program. -5-
Application Process You have taken the first step by expressing interest and reading the membership packet. The following steps will help guide you through the process needed to become a member of the City of Belen Fire Department. 1. Read the membership packet and complete the application Minimum Requirements for Membership are: Have attained the minimum age of 18; 21 to drive and operate any apparatus Have a high school diploma or equivalent Legal resident of the United States Physically live in the Belen Fire District (Valencia County)* Valid New Mexico Driver's License and acceptable driving record Be subject to an NCIC background check to include criminal and previous employment review Be subject to being certified by a physician as being physically fit to perform the duties of a firefighter 2. Submit your completed application to the Belen Fire Chief along with copies of: New Mexico Driver's License High School diploma or equivalent Copies of any current fire fighting certificates, emergency medical license or training of related field or skills 3. Your application will be reviewed as to the contents with an NCIC criminal background and previous employment check. If all information on your application is in good order and validated, you will then be considered for the next step in the process. 4. If your background and driver's history are acceptable, you will receive a letter from the fire chief indicating the date and time for the written examination. The 25-question exam covers basic fire knowledge and is gauged to determine your level of firefighting knowledge. If you don t have any experience, no need to worry! It gives us a starting point of what you know about fire fighters and the work we do. Should you successfully complete the written examination, you will then be scheduled for a physical fitness exam. 5. Should you successfully complete the physical fitness exam, you will then be scheduled for an oral interview. Should the interview committee "Do Pass" recommendation to the fire chief, you will then be scheduled for a pre-service alcohol and drug screening. If the results return favorable, you will then be considered to attend the Belen Fire Department Recruit Training Program. *Those applicants living within the Belen Fire District will have preference of those living outside of our response area. -6-
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CITY OF BELEN FIRE DEPARTMENT SERVICE AFFILIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Date of Application: / / Phone Number: PERSONAL INFORMATION Last Name First Name Middle Date of Birth Social Security Number Email Address New Mexico Drivers License Number Class Expiration Date Physical Street Address City Zip Code Same as above Mailing Address High School College EDUCATION School Name Diploma/Degree Graduate/Professional PERSONAL REFERENCES (Do not include relatives) Name Address Phone Number EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION Name Address Phone Number Relationship -8-
Have you ever been a member of a career/volunteer fire department? Yes No Name of Department: Fire Chief: Phone Number: Dates of Service: Beginning Ending Position(s) held: Reason for leaving (optional): Briefly describe your interest in serving with the City of Belen Fire Department: List all current certifications, trainings, licenses, special skills, courses of study or any additional information you feel may be helpful to us in considering your application. MUST ATTACH COPIES TO THE APPLICATION First Aid Exp: IFSAC Firefighter I IFSAC No.: BLS CPR Exp: IFSAC Firefighter II IFSAC No.: EMS First Responder EMT-B EMT-I EMT-P NM License Num: Exp: National Registry Certification Num: Exp: Other training, skills or course of study relative to this position: Would your employer object to you leaving for an emergency or fire? Yes No Employer Name: Supervisor: Phone: Have you had any moving traffic violations within the past 12 months? Yes No If yes, please explain: Are you willing to complete a fitness and agility examination provided by the department? Yes No Are you willing to submit to an alcohol and drug screening provided by the department? Yes No -9-
CITY OF BELEN FIRE DEPARTMENT CERTIFICATION AND RELEASE OF INFORMATION WHEREAS, after reading and answering the questions in this application to become an appointed volunteer firefighter with the City of Belen Fire Department, I hereby certify that the answers and statements provided by me are complete and true to the best of my knowledge and belief; and WHEREAS, I understand that any false information, omissions or misinterpretations of facts called for in this application may result in rejection of my application or discharge at the time during my service tenure and affiliation with the City of Belen Fire Department; and WHEREAS, I authorize the City of Belen and Belen Fire Department to inquire as to the status of my driver's license, perform a criminal background check with respect to any criminal record I may have, verify personal references and agree that my status as a member is contingent to the satisfactory result of any background investigation, and results of my pre-service alcohol and drug screening; and WHEREAS, I understand that the use of illegal drugs or narcotics is strictly prohibited during my service tenure and I am willing to comply with the city and department policy by submitting to a preservice drug testing to detect the use of illegal narcotic drugs prior to and randomly during my service affiliation with the department; and WHEREAS, I further authorize the City of Belen and consumer reporting bureaus to verify any of this information including but not limited to criminal history and motor vehicle driving records, and I authorize all persons, schools, companies and law enforcement agencies to release any information concerning my background and hereby release said persons, schools, companies and law enforcement agencies to include the City of Belen or Belen Fire Department from any liability for any damage whatsoever for issuing information; and WHEREAS, I understand the department training and fire certification program requirements and agree to fully comply with the rules and regulations established by the department including obtaining IFSAC Fire Fighter I and must maintain any held certifications or licenses to continue affiliation with the department or I will be terminated from the department; and WHEREAS, I, for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, waive and release the City of Belen and Belen Fire Department and any of its participating agencies and personnel for all claims of damages, demands, actions whatsoever in any manner as result of my participating in the Belen Fire Department physical agility exam. NOTARY PUBLIC Applicant Signature Witnessed this day of, 2 Notary Public Signature My commission expires: -10-
CITY OF BELEN, NEW MEXICO JOB DESCRIPTION Department: Fire/Rescue Position: Volunteer Fire Fighter / EMT (appointed) Supervisor: Shift Supervisor, Senior Fire Department Personnel, Chief Officer, Fire Chief GENERAL PURPOSE: Under close supervision, protects life and property by performing firefighting, emergency medical aid, hazardous materials response, maintains fire and medical apparatus, issued equipment and facilities. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Volunteer Firefighter/EMT applicants must meet the following requirements for consideration of employment: Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application and a US Citizen Possess a high school diploma or equivalent Possess a valid New Mexico Driver s License, and acceptable driving record, Class E (or obtain within 6 months of hire) Not have been convicted of a felony or other crimes of moral turpitude Pass a written examination Pass a physical agility test and annually thereafter Pass an initial drug and alcohol screening and subsequent random screenings thereafter REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS: IFSAC Firefighter, Level I (minimum) Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider CPR GENERAL KNOWLEDGE AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS: Desire to serve public. Knowledge of response area to include target hazards. Ability to understand and discharge orders and assignments, in both emergency and nonemergency situations; must be able to communicate effectively and tactfully with the public, co-workers, supervisors and city officials in varying conditions. Ability to operate manual and power firefighting tools in both emergency and nonemergency situations during light or complete darkness. Properly maintain all equipment issued by the department. Able to face life or death decisions during emergency and non-emergency conditions. Capable of performing job at a safe level with or without reasonable accommodation. Participates in classroom and training drills and activities; attends training courses in fire suppression, emergency medical, hazardous materials and other related training activities; attends meetings, public gatherings, and special events as required or scheduled. -11-
Operates public safety communications equipment and office appliances. Ability to read and speak English language; demonstrate adequate, legible writing skills. Operates fire and medical apparatus in emergency and non-emergency situations and conditions. Willingness to follow policies and procedures; respond to correction and discipline; respond to supervisory guidance and assignments; work effectively with others as a team member. Ability to cope with dynamic work schedule and impact to self and family members; Ability to maintain a communications device for the ability to call or re-call in the need of emergencies. Ability to make quality decisions based on training, certifications and common sense. Submit timesheets and forms as required. FIRE SUPPRESSION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Performs firefighting activities including driving and operating from fire and medical apparatus; operates hydraulic pumps and related equipment; performs live fire combat, containment and extinguishment tasks. Performs daily, weekly, monthly, annually preventive maintenance inspections of personal protective equipment clothing and equipment, fire and medical apparatus, equipment to ensure readiness and availability for immediate use; performs minor repairs to apparatus, equipment or facilities as needed. Maintain certifications in firefighting as a requirement of the position. Must be able to rely on senses of sight, hearing, smell and touch to help determine the nature of emergency; maintain personal safety and make critical decisions in a confused, chaotic, and potentially life threatening environment throughout the duration of the operation. Courage to confront and ability to cope with danger; Ability to cope with (repeated) trauma and loss. EMS ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Assure readiness of medical bags and stock; replenish supplies as needed. Performs duties in accordance with Valencia County Medical Protocols and at their level of state issued medical licensure. Comply with confidentiality and protected health information laws and policies. Ability to lift and carry a loaded stretcher up or down flights of stairs, with one person to assist. Ability to continue patient assessment and medical care to a facility or intercept point. Ability to use medical diagnostic equipment; Cleans all medical diagnostic equipment following appropriate disinfecting procedures. Ability to act effectively in emergency and stressful situations; ability to follow verbal, written and medical control orders and instructions; ability to communicate effectively to co-workers and other medical personnel. Ability to work in areas where the potential for traumatic or thermal injuries are possible. Ability to face exposure to grotesque sights and smells associated with medical emergencies, major trauma and burn victims. Maintain state licensure by obtaining continuing education and renewal requirements every 2 years. -12-
WORKING CONDITIONS AND DEMANDS Be able to provide 48 service hours per month or as required. Must be appropriately motivated and disciplined to learn complex job knowledge with reasonable timeframes. Willingness to perform both emergency and routine tasks with consistency of investment and effort. Ability to repeatedly lift and carry at least fifty (50) pounds of weight over horizontal and vertical distances at least 250 feet. Ability to operate in environments of high noise, poor visibility, limited mobility, at heights and in enclosed or confined spaces. Must be able to sit, stand, walk, jog, run, sprint, climb, bend, lift, raise, kneel, crawl, squat, stretch, pull, twist, hold, grip, carry, drag, throw, catch, lean, maintain balance, and other miscellaneous physical agilities. Dexterity and ability to use a wide variety of fire suppression and special protective hear under stressful and non-stressful environments to include calm or inclement weather conditions or in complete visibility or darkness. Ability to make rapid transitions from rest to near maximal exertion without warm-up periods. Ability to drag hose lines both charged and non-charged, limited distances, both horizontally and vertically, at ground level and varying heights. Ability to spend extensive time outside exposed to the elements; connect hose couplings in complete visibility or darkness. Ability to tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while operating firefighting or medical duties; perform physically demanding work in hot (up to 400 o or greater) atmospheres while wearing protective equipment that significantly impairs bodily cooling systems. Ability to experience frequent transitions from hot to cold and from wet to dry atmospheres; perform a variety of tasks on slippery, hazardous surfaces such as rooftops or ladders. Ability to wear personal protective equipment and self contained breathing apparatus that weighs approximately 60 pounds while performing strenuous firefighting, rescue and other related tasks. Ability to work long periods of time, requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration. Ability to face exposure to hazardous materials or infectious agents including carcinogenic dusts such as asbestos, toxic substances such as chlorine, corrosives, carbon monoxide, or organic solvents either through inhalation or skin contact. NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES: The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. -13-
CITY OF BELEN JOB DESCRIPTION Firefighter/EMT The duties as listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for personnel so classified. The work environment characteristics here are representative of those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The job description by the employer as the needs and requirements of the job may change. Signing the job description does not constitute a contract for employment. I,, have reviewed the job description. Date: -14-