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FIREPREP.COM NEWSLETTER AND FIREFIGHTER EXAM ANNOUNCEMENTS!
www.FirePrep.com Newsletter #34 www.Fireprep.com entry-level newsletter is about YOU BEING THE BEST - THE BEST PREPARED AND BEST INFORMED! We currently have over 30,000 subscribers to our newsletter!
November 2008 The estimated time of reading any section of this newsletter is 1-2 minutes - our newsletters are well worth your time to get that true ultimate edge over your competition! DMFireSchool@aol.com Web Site: www.fireprep.com 1-800-989-FIRE Fax: 440-572-5971
========================================== Since 1950, Don McNea Fire School's seminars, entry-level and promotional products have prepared over 40,000 applicants in their pursuit of becoming a firefighter or an
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========================================== IN THIS ISSUE: 1. Firefighting Testing in Tough Times 2. Job Announcements by www.FireJobs.com
========================================== Go to the link below for our website sitemap:
http://www.fireprep.com/sitemap.html 1. Firefighting Testing in Tough Times Some thoughts for the future firefighter when testing in tough
economic times, in no specific order:
COMPETITION:
A. Realize you're up against more competition than you probably ever have been or will be.
- There will be more people applying for the entry
level positions with minimal qualifications (18 years old, high school diploma/GED). - There will also be more people applying for positions with other qualifications (EMT, FF 1, etc.). - There will be paid
firefighters testing for other departments because of fear of layoffs, or other concessions (pay cuts, benefit reductions, etc.). All of these three items will make it more difficult because of the increased
competition. However, increased competition doesn't mean increased competition for you - as you are your own competition. I've known many firefighters test for other fire departments and score poorly. Why?
1. They haven't been keeping up-to-date on the testing process and in general.
2. They haven't been practicing their oral board skills, or for that matter, their skills
with the entire testing process.
3. They think they're entitled to a job because they're already on the job.
4. And so on. B. It is critical to keep yourself "clean" - no arrests, no traffic tickets, no drug use, no excessive alcohol
use/abuse, no accidents, etc. With more candidates, there are more to choose from. Why do law enforcement agencies hire people that have had "problems" in the past? Because of supply and demand. They just
can't get enough qualified or clean people. Clean is a bad word, but the only word I could think of; if you can think of a better word, let me know. C. Keep your resume up-to-date. While we're not hiring a resume -
we're hiring a person, it is common in tough times for departments who can't afford to put people through certain types of classes (EMT, paramedic, bilingual classes, FF 1 Academy, FF 1 Certification, etc.) to hire
people with those certificates. So, when you look at job flyers, see what the minimum and desired qualifications are. After a while, you'll see a pattern. D. More importantly, keep your testing skills up-to-date. Now
is the time to be scoring in the high 90's on your written examinations, passing EVERY physical ability test, scoring in the 90's on every oral interview, etc. Every point matters, so do what it takes to increase your
knowledge, skills and abilities in EVERY phase of the hiring process. Just "making the list" is not good enough. Hundreds or thousands may have also "made the list." If you're not making it to
Chief's interviews on the majority of your tests, or making the top 25 to 50 in EVERY test (top 10 in smaller department testing processes, especially if they're only hiring 1 person), it's time to regroup and find out
what your weaknesses are and what you need to do to get into those high rankings. To get that additional edge over your competition, go to the link below for entry-level exam preparation: http://www.fireprep.com/entry_level_fireman_exam_store.html HIRING PRACTICES: A. Many departments may be putting off hiring or even suspending recruit academies, even after job offers. Thus, it is really critical to be on
multiple lists and don't just blow off the rest of the lists once you score well on one list, even if they offer you a job. So, be patient, don't put your eggs in one basket. Also, don't get your hopes up. I've heard
candidates for our department say we're hiring 15 people. Well, maybe, maybe not. Yes, our Chief has said up to that number, but that could depend on a number of factors:
- Retirements and promotions (or lack there of). We base projected hiring on projected retirements and promotions. But, we don't hire until those folks have left the department or have been officially (not
provisionally) promoted. Things change, as does life. What was 15 could be 0 or 5, or 10, or for that matter even more. We don't and won't know until the last necessary minute. - Economy and finances. Face it, if the
expenditures start exceeding the revenues or get close (because we have to stop the bleeding and cannot live beyond our means), then cuts will have to be made. When personnel costs exceed 90% of most fire department
budgets, and you have to cut large percentages, there is no other way than to cut personnel - unless the current personnel are willing to forego raises or even take pay cuts. But that is an interesting issue -I've
heard from many firefighters in many different departments that if they had to take a vote on either laying off personnel (maintaining their salary or in most cases - getting the pay raises) or not laying off personnel
(and taking put cuts or foregoing raises for a number of years), they would probably be laying off people.
In tough times, many folks have that IGM mentality, and emotions tend to take over. Or, even if they are
thinking rationally, they are in so far over their head they are barely making ends meet now, even as a FF, Engineer, Captain or BC, even with as much overtime as they can get. I know many firefighters whose houses are
worth half of what they paid and may be looking at getting foreclosed upon.
PERSONAL ATRIBUTES:
A. Remain focused.
B. Don't give up. C. Realize it may take longer than you had planned to get hired. D.
Thus, tying into "C", don't piss off your current employer - you'll need them as a positive reference. E. Remember the best predictor of future success, is past success. F. Be persistent. G. Have a support
group of other future firefighters; you'll need them in these tough times. Don't make your sessions into complaining or whining sessions. The last thing you need to do is getter bitter or resentful during this period.
If you do, it will show during your interviews or other contacts you make with firefighters and departments that may be wanting to hire you. Go back to number 5 above. Remember that. Every department has people off
probation who complain and whine (read - part of the problem, and not part of the solution); we don't need to hire more people. H. Remember, we want to hire for attitude; we'll train you for the skills set. Meaning,
we can't teach you attitude; that's something your parents or guardians should have done. People are creatures of habit. But, we can teach you the necessary skills to be a firefighter. Don't read that as you shouldn't
be going through a college fire academy or taking college fire technology classes. That's not what I meant. Doing those things demonstrates to a department you not only have a passion for the career, but that you have
the ability to do the things. If you've successfully passed a college fire academy and related fire technology classes, there is a good chance you'll pass a department recruit academy and the resulting probation
(noticed I said good, not great - because every college is different; some are easier than others and each may have different styles - read quality of instructors). Thus, go back to the part above, we're not hiring a
resume. Too many candidates rely on their resume (packed with certifications) to get hired, and they fail to look at the big picture. Attitude is so critical; we need positive, professional, caring personnel. We don't
need people complaining about the workload, the multiple calls to the same location, the department, the community, etc.
Just some random thoughts, hope they help or inspire others to share some of their thoughts
as I know I only touched on a fraction of ideas.
Chief Steve Prziborowski is currently serving as a Battalion Chief for the Santa Clara County (Los Gatos, CA) Fire Department. He is also an instructor
within the Chabot College (Hayward, CA) Fire Technology Program. Chief Prziborowski also publishes a free monthly newsletter "The Chabot College Fire & EMS News"; which is geared toward better preparing the future
firefighter for a career in the fire service and the current firefighter for promotion. For more information, or to contact him, visit his website at
www.chabotfire.com Thanks to Chief Steve Prziborowski for this insightful article. Additional articles by
Steve Prziborowski can be found at the link below:
http://www.fireprep.com/steve_prziborowski_-_career_ar.html ========================================== 14-day FREE email series! If you
want to start getting that competitive edge immediately over your competition, our 14-day FREE e-mail series covers the written, psychological, oral interview and physical agility. This e-mail series will guide you step
by step through the maze of the testing process to help you shorten that learning curve between you and that coveted badge. As soon as you sign-up you will receive the first e-mail with important inside secrets.
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!!
http://www.fireprep.com/fireprep_com_free_14_day_email.html ========================================== 2. Job Announcements by www.FireJobs.com
About Firejobs.com: Since 1996, Firejobs.com has been providing its members with the most comprehensive and accurate firefighter employment information available. We list complete hiring information and
provide links to the Departments' websites and local area.
Every time we post a new listing, we verify the information and verify links to the department. We search newspapers all over the nation daily to provide
you with the most current job listings available.
We also provide links to the city in which the department is located. This helps those who are interested in moving to another location to find out about the
area. With this tool, you can check out housing, schools, cost of living and even entertainment options before you move anywhere.
Dearborn Heights Fire Department 1999 North Beech Daly
Dearborn Heights, MI 313-791-36 www.dhol.org/
Position: Firefighter Last Filing Date: November 21, 2008 Last Modified Date: October 25, 2008 Special Instructions: Requirements: QUALIFICATIONS: Must be at least 18 yrs, and possess a valid,
non-restricted MI driver's license. Must present at time of application: College transcripts indicating 60 hours completed; Firefighter I and II certification or completion of Fire Academy; valid State of Michigan
Paramedic License; Certification from CWW Firefighter testing program (written and physical agility); and current driving record. Must pass oral interview, background investigation, post-offer psychological exam,
drug screen, and physical. WAGE & BENEFITS: Starting salary is $34,770 plus benefits. Starting Salary: $ 34,779.00 Top Salary: N/A Contact: City of Dearborn Heights, Human Resources Department
6045 Fenton Dearborn Heights, MI 48127 313-791-3420
humanresources@ci.dearborn-heights.mi.us www.dhol.org/hr/employ.htm
______________________________________________________________ __________ Lansing Fire Department 120 East Shiawassee Street Lansing, MI 48933 517-483-4563 517-483-4488 - fax www.cityoflansingmi.com
Position: Firefighter I Last Filing Date: January 30, 2009 Last Modified Date: October 6, 2008 Special Instructions: Requirements: Applicants must possess a ¥?High School Diploma or GED. Possession of
Michigan Firefighter Training Council Firefighter II Certification. Possession of either an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification OR an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (Paramedic) License. Thirty (30)
college credit hours in Fire Science or any field preferred. Applicants must complete a City of Lansing application by May 30, 2008. Provide proof of education and all certifications. Applicants must click on our
website for Job Application to retrieve the employment application and additional forms (to be completed by the applicant and appropriate personnel) for Firefighter I. BE SURE TO TURN IN THE EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION BY
THE DUE DATE OF JANUARY 30, 2009 INCLUDING THE ADDITIONAL WAIVER AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FORMS. Starting Salary: $ 40,236.00 Top Salary: N/A Contact: City of Lansing, Personnel Department
124 West Michigan Avenue, 4th Floor Lansing, MI 48933 517-483-4004 www.lansingmi.gov/humres/job_postings.jsp
========================================== Psychological Exam Preparation! Don McNea Fire School Psychological Exam Preparation addresses this key component of the testing process that between
40%-60% of applicants are failing. More information can be found at the link below: http://fireprep.com/psychological_prep_package_pag.html ==========================================
Central Jackson County Fire Protection District 805 Northeast Jefferson Blue Springs, MO 64014 816-229-2522 816-229-5110 - fax www.cjcfpd.org Position: Firefighter/EMT Last Filing Date: November 28, 2008
Last Modified Date: October 25, 2008 Special Instructions: Position open until filled Requirements: The minimum qualifications for Firefighter/EMT are a current Missouri EMT license, Firefighter I & II
certification, a valid drivers license, and a minimum age of 21 years old. There are seven ranks, with multiple steps/ levels within those ranks: Firefighter, Engineer, Inspector, Captain, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief,
and Fire Chief. Firefighters, Engineers, Inspectors, and Captains are all members I.A.F.F. Local 3133, the bargaining unit for members of those ranks. Applicants are required to pass a battery of written tests and a
physical agility test. Salary range for Firefighter/EMT is $38,000 with a top out $55,000. Benefits include health, dental, & life/A. D. & D. insurance, with full coverage provided to employees and half the
cost of dependant coverage paid by the district. CJCFPD participates in LAGER's (a state run retirement system for local government employees), and employees have the option of participation in a 457k deferred
compensation program. Those with the highest written test scores who have successfully completed the physical agility test (C.P.A.T.) are invited to participate in oral interviews on an as needed basis. Candidates
selected for employment must successfully pass a medical examination, including drug screening. Central Jackson County Fire Protection District is an equal opportunity employer. Starting Salary: $ 38,000.00
Top Salary: $ 55,000.00 Contact: Central Jackson County Fire Protection District 805 NE Jeffersn Blue Springs, MO 64015 816-229-2522 fax 816-229-5110
www.cjcfpd.org/cjc/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Ite mid=68
_________________________________________________________ _______________ Fulton Fire Department 1201 Westminster Avenue Fulton, MO 65251 573-642-2231 573-642-5419 - fax http://fulton.missouri.org/
Position: Firefighter Last Filing Date: November 21, 2008 Last Modified Date: November 8, 2008 Requirements: The City of Fulton, MO (pop 13,000) is centrally located 20 minutes North of the State
Capitol. We are currently accepting applications for a full-time Firefighter. Duties include responding to emergency incidents, determining manpower and equipment requirements, compliance with all departmental
procedures, cleaning and maintenance activities and training as necessary. Must be at least 21 years of age and live within five miles of the city limits of Fulton. Previous fire service and EMS experience a plus.
Firefighter I & II designation strongly preferred. Starting salary: $21,591 depending on qualifications, plus an excellent benefit package. To receive an application packet, contact Human Resources at (573)592-3128
or e-mail hr@fultonmo.org before November 21, 2008. EOE.
Starting Salary: $ 21,591.00 Top Salary: N/A Contact: City of Fulton, Human Resources Department PO Box 130 Fulton, MO 65251 573-592-3128 hr@fultonmo.org http://fulton.missouri.org/employment.htm
========================================== Written Exam Preparation! Every exam process starts with the written examination! Check out our
Written Exam Bonus Packages to give you that ultimate edge over your competition as you prepare for your written examination! http://fireprep.com/written_exam_packages.html ==========================================
Webster Groves Fire Department 6 South Elm Avenue Webster Groves, MO 63119 314-963-5328 314-962-6204 - fax www.webstergroves.org Position: Firefighter/Paramedic Last Filing Date: November 24, 2008
Last Modified Date: November 11, 2008 Special Instructions: Requirements: City of Webster Groves accepting applications for a full-time Fire Fighter/Paramedic. Must be a graduate of the St. Louis County Fire
Academy and a Certified Firefighter I & II. Valid Drivers License required Emergency Vehicle Driver's certification preferred. Licensed Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic in the State of MO. Please provide
copies of all current certifications and licenses with application. Starting salary $46,388/annual. Starting Salary: $ 46,388.00 Top Salary: N/A Contact:
City of Webster Groves, Human Resources Department 4 East Lockwood Avenue Webster Groves, MO 63119 314-963-5305 www.webstergroves.org/index.asp?NID=443&ART=1546&admin=1 ______________________________________________________________ __________ Barona Fire Department
1112 Wildcat Canyon Road Lakeside, CA 92040 619-390-2794 www.baronafire.com/
Position: Firefighter/ Paramedic Last Filing Date: December 31, 2008 Last Modified Date: November 6, 2008 Special Instructions: Position open until filled
Requirements: Minimum Qualifications: -California State EMT-P and San Diego County Accreditation within 60 days of hire. -ACLS Certification -CPR
-Current CDL Class C, Ambulance endorsement within 30 days of hire. -Graduation from High School or equivalent -Firefighter I highly desired but not required ( must pass FF-I within 12 months of hire.)
Starting Salary: $49,722.00 Top Salary: $61,489.82 Contact: Barona Fire Protection District 1112 Wildcat Canyon Road Lakeside, CA 92040 619-390-2794 hr@barona-nsn.gov www.baronafire.com/news.html ______________________________________________________________ __________ Corte Madera Fire Department 342 Tamalpais Drive
Corte Madera, CA 94925 415-927-5077 415-927-5178 - fax www.ci.corte-madera.ca.us Position: Fire Engineer Paramedic Last Filing Date: December 4, 2008 Last Modified Date: November 11, 2008 Special Instructions: Position closes at 12 noon
APPLICATION PROCESS Applications may be obtained at 342 Tamalpais Drive, Corte Madera, or by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the above address, or by downloading from the Town web site,
www.ci.corte-madera.ca.us In addition to the department application and resume, applicants must submit copies of the following with their application: • High school diploma or GED. • DMV printout. A valid,
unrestricted driver's license with a satisfactory driving record is required. Must be able to obtain a Class B driver's license within a timeframe set by the department. • Valid Firefighter I certification issued by
the State of California, or Firefighter I completion certificate issued by a community college approved by the California State Board of Fire Services or California Fire Service Training and Education System.
• Current ACLS certificate. • Current EMT-P license issued by the National Registry, the State of California, or equivalent. Within one month of employment, must possess an EMT-P certificate issued by the Marin
County Health Officer. • Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) card, obtained within the past year. APPLICATIONS AND COPIES OF REQUIRED MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE CORTE MADERA FIRE DEPARTMENT BY 5:00 P.M.
ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2008. POSTMARKS AND FAXES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. THE APPLICANT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALLOWING ADEQUATE DELIVERY TIME. Starting Salary: $ 6,489.00 Top Salary: $ 7,778.00 Contact:
Corte Madera Fire Department 342 Tamalpais Drive Corte Madera, CA 94925 415-927-5077
www.ci.corte-madera.ca.us/current_events/jobs/index.html ========================================== Go to the link below for information on the #1 oral interview preparation package in the country!
http://fireprep.com/capt_bob_s_prep_package_page_.html ========================================== Lemon Grove Fire Dept 7853 Central Avenue
Lemon Grove, CA 91945 San Diego County 619-469-4115 619-469-4152 - fax
www.ci.lemon-grove.ca.us/ Position: Firefighter/Paramedic Last Filing Date: January 8, 2009 Last Modified Date: November 10, 2008
Special Instructions: SELECTION PROCEDURE Examination for the position will consist of any combination of written, performance and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skills, training, experience and other
qualifications for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list for the position. The following is an example of the selection procedure examinations.
Part 1 – Written Exam (Tentatively scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2009) Based on IFSTA Essentials 4th Edition and San Diego County Paramedic Protocols Part 2 – Oral Exam Part 3 – In lieu of a
physical agilities exam, candidates will be required to present a valid CPAT certification dated within one year of the filing deadline. If placed on an eligibility list, candidates will be required to keep their CPAT
certification current, within one year of date of hire. Information on CPAT certification can be found at
http://www.cpatonline.org , or by calling (877)648-CPAT. TO APPLY Applications are available at City Hall (3232 Main Street, Lemon Grove, CA
91945) or on the City's website www.ci.lemon-grove.ca.us/jobapp
. You must complete and return a City of Lemon Grove Application for Employment by the application deadline. Please attach copies of all certifications with your application.
The application may be delivered in person or mailed to: Lemon Grove City Hall ATTN: Corinne Lynch 3232 Main Street Lemon Grove, CA 91945 Or Faxed to: (619) 825-3804 Or E-mailed to: clynch@ci.lemon-grove.ca.us
City Hall is open 8:00 am to 5:30 pm Monday-Thursday and alternate Fridays. Please do not submit applications to the Fire Department. For more information, contact Corinne Lynch at 619-825-3800.
Starting Salary: $4,995 Top Salary: $6,073 Contact: City of Lemon Grove City Hall 3232 Main St Lemon Grove, CA 91945 619-825-3800 fax 619-825-3804
clynch@ci.lemon-grove.ca.us www.ci.lemon-grove.ca.us/jobs ========================================== Go to the link below for the most comprehensive web page on
the internet on How to Become a Firefighter!
http://fireprep.com/how_to_become_a_firefighter.html ========================================== San Miguel Consolidated Fire Department
2850 Via Orange Way Spring Valley, CA 91978 San Diego County 619-670-0500 619-670-5331 - fax
www.smgfire.org Hiring Information: Position: Firefighter/Paramedic Last Filing Date: December 5, 2008 Last Modified Date: November 14, 2008
Special Instructions: Requirements: Qualification of Applicants Any combination of education, training and experience, which clearly demonstrates possession of the knowledge and abilities needed to perform the
typical duties listed above. License and Certificates ¥?Within two years of service, possession of a valid Class B Firefighter California driver's license ¥? Basic CPR Certificate ¥? Fire prevention
assignment may require completion of P.C. 832 course and other fire prevention related classes. ¥? Must have a valid Class "C" - California Drivers License. Within two years of appointment must have a valid Class "B"
– California Drivers License. ¥? Must be a licensed EMT-P in the state of California with San Diego County accreditation upon appointment Salary and Benefits
Salary: $51,132 - $73,044 annually dependent on qualifications and experience The Process: If you are interested in this position, please pick up an application beginning Monday, November 3, 2008 from District
Headquarters at: San Miguel Fire District Firefighter/Paramedic 2850 Via Orange Way Spring Valley, California 91978 www.smgfire.org The final filing date is Wednesday, December 5, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. The District will only
screen complete applications and schedule qualified applicants for any combination of written, performance, physical ability, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skills, training, experience and personal
qualifications for the position. Candidates successful in all phases of the examination will be placed on an eligibility list, from which hires are made. The eligibility list is active for one year, unless extended or
retired. Starting Salary: $ 51,132.00 Top Salary: $ 73,044.00 Contact: San Miguel Fire Protection District 2850 Via Orange Way Spring Valley, CA 91978 619-670-0500 www.smgfire.org/ ========================================== Ultimate Exam Preparation! If you want to start getting that ULTIMATE
edge over your competition in this highly-competitive firefighter job market, click on the link below for exam preparation covering the written, oral, physical agility and psychological portions of the testing process:
http://www.fireprep.com/ultimate_firefighter_examinati.html ========================================= Firefighters Walk to Christianity! http://www.fireprep.com/Firefighters_walk_to_Christianity.doc ========================================== Have you recently been hired by a department? Do you have any questions? Email us at DMFireSchool@aol.com We hope this newsletter and upcoming editions
will assist you in obtaining the best job in the world - a firefighter. We wish you the best of luck! Don McNea Fire School ========================================== KEEP GETTING THIS NEWSLETTER!
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