Charlotte Fire Department 2012

[maverick80]

I realize we're still fairly early into the recruitment, but I'd like to get an idea of how long Charlotte's hiring process takes from exam to academy. Can successful candidates expect to be appointed some time this year, or does it typically take longer for Charlotte to process a list?

[kyhunter42]

I realize we're still fairly early into the recruitment, but I'd like to get an idea of how long Charlotte's hiring process takes from exam to academy. Can successful candidates expect to be appointed some time this year, or does it typically take longer for Charlotte to process a list?

I would say some time in the fall. I have't heard any start dates yet, but they typically start in the fall.

[zachryw2001]

I would say some time in the fall. I have't heard any start dates yet, but they typically start in the fall.

Just wondering if you know if the 2011 list has been full exhausted or if there is still a pool to select candidates from? If its not exhausted do you know roughly how many people they can still pull from before they start taking from 2012 process?

[kyhunter42]

Just wondering if you know if the 2011 list has been full exhausted or if they still a pool to select candidates from? If its not exhausted do you know roughly how many people they can still pull from before they start taking from 2012 process?

There is no list. Its a pool of eligible candidates. The next classes will come from the 2012 process.

[zachryw2001]

Its a pool of eligible candidates. The next classes will come from the 2012 process.

Thanks. I knew it was a pool but couldn't figure out how to word it.

[FIREJAWZ]

Ok, this question is for us folks who are from out of state. I read on CFD's website that new hires must obtain a valid NC drivers license within 60 days. I just visited the NC Division of Motor Vehicles website and it stated that people from out of state must take a written test and also take an "on the road" driving skills test in order to obtain a valid NC license. This seems a bit extreme. Most other states simply check the validity of your current license and maybe give a vision test as well. However, NC treats new residents like they are first time drivers.

Just wondering if there is anyone from out of state who can comment on their experience with NC DMV. I'd like to know how the license testing process is (easy, difficult, moderate). I've been driving for nearly 17 years and I honestly didn't anticipate having to do this all over again. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

[fire34fighter]

so you have to live in NC if employed by the city? If so that counts me out. On paper I have to live in VA for the next 2 1/2 years.

[zachryw2001]

so you have to live in NC if employed by the city? If so that counts me out. On paper I have to live in VA for the next 2 1/2 years.

why's that if you dont mind me asking

[FIREJAWZ]

I believe Durham is also taking applications through the end of this month. I'm considering taking DFD's exam, but I noticed that the starting pay is $33,000 - which is substantially less than the entry level firefighter pay scales here in my native Ohio. A big factor in whether its worth it for me financially is if Durham has decent pay increases over time. Does anyone know anything about DFD? (e.g., pay, call volume - fire/ems, morale)

Also, what is the skinny on Charlotte's job security and pay increases over time? Again, being from Ohio, I'm used to fire departments being unionized and able to negotiate pay and the like. So, NC is very different in that regard.

[fire34fighter]

why's that if you dont mind me asking

I have to keep the place I just bought as my primary address until Jan 2015 due to the conditions I bought it under. So if I have to get a NC D/L that puts me out of the process since I was planning on just renting a room down there.

[CFD02]

I believe Durham is also taking applications through the end of this month. I'm considering taking DFD's exam, but I noticed that the starting pay is $33,000 - which is substantially less than the entry level firefighter pay scales here in my native Ohio. A big factor in whether its worth it for me financially is if Durham has decent pay increases over time. Does anyone know anything about DFD? (e.g., pay, call volume - fire/ems, morale)

Also, what is the skinny on Charlotte's job security and pay increases over time? Again, being from Ohio, I'm used to fire departments being unionized and able to negotiate pay and the like. So, NC is very different in that regard.

I am not to sure on the pay scale but the fire is there in the DFD. They are well known for their aggressive interior fire attack and the fire is there depending on the station you are with. They are known in that area for their truck work, there are some good videos and info on www.durhamfire.net. This site will tell you everything you need to know about call volume and an idea of their tactics.

[firefightinirish217]

Ok, this question is for us folks who are from out of state. I read on CFD's website that new hires must obtain a valid NC drivers license within 60 days. I just visited the NC Division of Motor Vehicles website and it stated that people from out of state must take a written test and also take an "on the road" driving skills test in order to obtain a valid NC license. This seems a bit extreme. Most other states simply check the validity of your current license and maybe give a vision test as well. However, NC treats new residents like they are first time drivers.

Just wondering if there is anyone from out of state who can comment on their experience with NC DMV. I'd like to know how the license testing process is (easy, difficult, moderate). I've been driving for nearly 17 years and I honestly didn't anticipate having to do this all over again. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

I just did mine in January as I'm in the military and my Georgia license was expiring. All I had to do was take the written exam. Make sure you take cash to pay for your license and make sure it is the exact amount. I believe it was 36 dollars. It is an 8 year license.

[zarack808]

Lately there has been a nationwide trend of laying off firefighters and police officers. I realize that municipal budgets are tight these days, but it seems that safety services are always on the chopping block. With that said, what is job security like with Charlotte Fire? Has the department been subject to any staffing reductions or layoffs since the '08 recession?

Also, I understand that N.C. is "right to work" state; thus the local IAFF for CFD cannot bargain for wages, job security, benefits, or anything else. How has this arrangement worked for you guys so far?

[kyhunter42]

We have hired 10 or 11 classes since 2008. I sent you a PM.

[Pugsley67]

I am planning on taking the test in 2013 as i am currently a junior in college and would be graduating in spring of 2013. are the hiring trends expected to continue so that there will be some classes formed from the 2013 test?

[zachryw2001]

I just did mine in January as I'm in the military and my Georgia license was expiring. All I had to do was take the written exam. Make sure you take cash to pay for your license and make sure it is the exact amount. I believe it was 36 dollars. It is an 8 year license.

I'm military also and just had a question. Did you have to have anything stating that you were a NC resident (i.e., proof of residence) or literally all you had to do was take the written test?

[zachryw2001]

Anybody going to CPAT orientation on Monday?

[Wolfpack94]

Anybody going to CPAT orientation on Monday?

I will be attending

[zarack808]

Wanted to attend orientation, but could only afford to travel for practice run next month. Training like a mad man in the meantime.

Does anyone know if Charlotte firefighters are permitted to live in South Carolina...say, Fort Mill or Rock Hill area?

[kyhunter42]

Does anyone know if Charlotte firefighters are permitted to live in South Carolina...say, Fort Mill or Rock Hill area?

As of today you can, but it looks like we will have a residency requirement for new hires in the near future. Don't when it could happen or exactly what the reaquirement will be.