Fire Cadet

Structural fire protection personnel.

The following general position description for structural fire protection personnel serves as a guide for anyone interested in understanding the qualifications, competencies, and tasks required of the fire fighter operating in the State of Texas. It is ultimately the responsibility of an employer to define specific job descriptions within each jurisdiction.

A. Qualifications. Successfully complete a commission approved course; achieve a passing score on written and performance certification examinations; must be at least 18 years of age; generally, the knowledge and skills required show the need for a high school education or equivalent; ability to communicate verbally, via telephone and radio equipment; ability to lift, carry, drag, and balance weight equivalent to the average human weight; ability to interpret in English, written and oral instructions; ability to work effectively in high stress situations; ability to work effectively in an environment with loud noises and flashing lights; ability to function through an entire work shift; ability to calculate weight and volume ratios; ability to read and understand English language manuals including chemical, medical and technical terms, and road maps; ability to accurately discern street signs and address numbers; ability to document in English, all relevant information in prescribed format in light of legal ramifications of such; ability to converse in English with coworkers and other emergency response personnel. Good manual dexterity with ability to perform all tasks related to the protection of life and property; ability to bend, stoop, and crawl on uneven surfaces; ability to withstand varied environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold, and moisture; and ability to work in low or no light, confined spaces, elevated heights and other dangerous environments.

B. Competency. A basic fire fighter must demonstrate competency handling emergencies utilizing equipment and skills in accordance with the objectives in Chapter 1 of the commission's Certification Curriculum Manual.

Physical Agility Test (PAT)
As part of the selection standards for appointment to the Pleasanton Fire Department, you will be required to pass a Physical Agility Test (PAT) provided you have met all prior requirements.

The date and time of the PAT will be announced in advance. The following information is provided for your assistance. If you have any physical condition which, in the opinion of the Test Administrator, could present a greater than normal possibility of injury, you may be required to obtain a physician’s statement to document your suitability for testing.
The PAT consists of two components; the aerial ladder climb and the fire suppression simulations.

Component #1
Aerial Ladder Climb- (Not Timed, must complete component to continue)
This component is to test your ability to work above ground level. The candidate will wear a turnout (bunker) coat, firefighting helmet, and structural firefighting gloves during this event and will be belayed for safety.
The candidate will be required to climb a 75’ aerial ladder at a 40-degree angle, beginning from the base of the ladder (on the turntable). The candidate will be required to climb to the top of the ladder as to be at eye level with the highest rung of the ladder. The candidate will be required to step on all rungs of the ladder while ascending and descending the ladder. Safety belt must be worn while on ladder.
The remainder of the components must be completed within 7 minutes.

Rest period
A 3 Minute (180 seconds) rest time will be provided between Component #1 and Component #2.
Component #2 shall begin no later the completion of the 3-minute rest time.

Component #2
Fire Suppression Exercise-
This component is to test your ability to perform several physical tasks which firefighters often perform during fire suppression. The exercise is composed of the following events in the order listed. The candidate will wear turnout coat, helmet, structural firefighting gloves, and service pack without the regulator. The timer starts at the beginning of the first event working continuously until completion of the last event.

1. Charge Hose Drag
This event begins with 150 feet of 1.75 inch of charged firefighting hose on hydrant pressure. The candidate will start behind a predetermined mark and drag the charged line to another mark 50 feet from the starting point. Once the second mark is reached, the candidate will, while kneeling discharge water for 3 seconds, close nozzle and place it on the ground.

2. High Rise Pack Carry (ascending stairs)
This event begins at ground level where a high-rise pack consisting of (2 – 50-foot sections of 1.75 inch firefighter hose, coupled and bound together) is placed flat on a marked area. The candidate will pick up the high-rise pack and carry the hose to the third landing. Upon reaching the third landing, the candidate will place the high-rise pack into the marked area and proceed to the next event.

3. Hose Hoist
This event begins on the third landing where a rope is tied off to the stair railing at one end and the other end tied to a rolled 50-foot section of 2.5 inch firefighting hose. The candidate, while maintaining contact with the floor with both feet, using the hand over hand method, pull the rope and entire rolled section of hose up and over the railing. This event concludes when the second section of raised hose is over the rail. The candidate will proceed to the next event.

4. High Rise Pack Carry (descending stairs)
This event begins on the third landing, where the previously carried high-rise pack was placed. The candidate will pick up and carry the high-rise pack as they descent the stairs back to the floor level landing. The candidate will place the high-rise pack marked area and proceed to the next event.

5. Sled
This event begins with the candidate standing on the sled, one foot on each platform with the weighted sled between the strides. Using an 8-pound sledgehammer the candidate will strike the weighted sled repetitively until the sled has moved a distance of at least 3 feet. The candidate will place the sledgehammer on the ground and proceed to the next event.

6. Dummy Drag
This event begins with the candidate picking up the hosed dummy and dragging it. The candidate will proceed to walk around one cone and continue until the candidate passes the second cone. Once passed the second cone the candidate will raise both hands up and that will determine candidate is done with the test. Time stops.

Candidate after completing all events should then be assessed by an EMT before being released.

NEW HIRES- The candidate must complete all components to be considered for the position of Fire Cadet.

The Fire Cadet is an entry-level fire suppression, prevention, and emergency medical technician position for the Pleasanton Fire Department.

Upon successful completion of the fire cadet academy, personnel will progress into the position of a probationary firefighter for six months.

PLEASE SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENTS FOR APPLICATION PROCESS AND DISQUALIFIERS

Application Process

Immediate Disqualifiers

Firefighter Academy
The fire academy is focused on training and preparing the cadet to meet specific standards set forth by Pleasanton Fire Department and the state. The program includes online academy with additional classroom instruction and hands on training in firefighter techniques, search, and rescue, vehicle extrication, emergency medical services, firefighter survival, and the use of various firefighting tools and equipment. The fire cadet shall attend Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for 8 hours and every other Saturday for hands on training, skills.
Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions
The Pleasanton Fire Department fire cadet program will also participate on wellness and fitness program for one hour on days attending class sessions.
Fire cadets must be able to climb ladders and stairs and work at considerable heights, lift, carry, drag, pull and push very heavy weights. Fire cadets shall perform in physically demanding and adverse conditions including heat, smoke, fire, high temperature, humidity and cramped spaces.
REQUIREMENTS
 18 years of age or older, must be 19 prior to appointment of duties.
 High school diploma or equivalent GED
 Valid Texas State driver’s license or Texas ID (preferred Texas license)