Colorado Springs Fire Department Accepting Applications

[ImAti0n]

Just a heads up for anybody wanting to apply.

Also a question for those who have applied/or are going to. Do you need to attach a CPAT on your application? I forgot to attach mine, but I never saw any supplemental questions asking about it.

If you have to attach it could somebody please let me know.

Thanks!

[RichFog1]

I think you're fine. If it's anything like last year they will just have a deadline that you need to have a CPAT cert submitted by. Probably not until late Jan/early Feb.

[skitahoe]

Anyone know if they still use the Fireteam test?

[proofyeq]

Yes, they still use it.

[smprfi0231]

Guys, quick process coming up. I emailed my DD214 in and asked what the timeline is going to look like. Test is Jan 10th, interviews, if selected, will be January 21 – 25. Screenings would be January 28- February 1. Offer letters February 8 and the academy will start February 19th.

[proofyeq]

Anyone know the how the financial situation is for the city? I noticed in the job posting it stated they were hiring using the SAFER grant which runs out in October 2014, which means a only possibly a year and a half of employment for the new hires if the city is broke.

[Hollycreek]

That's a good question, I'd like some more information on that situation as well.

[Chipless]

I can't attest to the financial outlook of the city, but based on what I know, the positions resulting from the SAFER grants are explicitly not guaranteed to last through the expiration of the grant. It's hard to say what the financial situation of Colorado Springs will be in 2014, but to assume that all those hired on in February will still have jobs heading into 2015 might be wishful thinking. That's not to say that the department won't do its best to keep everyone onboard, but it really falls upon the city in the end.

[smprfi0231]

assume that all those hired on in February will still have jobs heading into 2015 might be wishful thinking. That's not to say that the department won't do its best to keep everyone onboard, but it really falls upon the city in the end.

Keep in mind the city will also have people retiring as well during those 2 (?) years.

[arizonaguy85]

You never know with a SAFER grant what things are going to be like in the long run. I think the most recent post is some good insight that there will probably be some retirements in the next few years freeing up space to pay new hires, but again, it's not a guarantee. If you go to FEMA's website and view SAFER awards, you'll see that there are quite a few departments utilizing the funds to maintain staffing levels. I know a lot of departments out here in Arizona have used grant funding to hire and I haven't heard of any layoffs in the last 2-3 years (knock on wood). If it's something that would keep you from applying, that's your decision to make. But at least you're getting your FF 1/2 out of the deal and some good experience with a large department.

[DJ_Reverse]

Thinking about taking this exam, quick question, special units you guys know of? Typical full service FD with swift and a full time rescue squad?

[ColoradoDave]

Thinking about taking this exam, quick question, special units you guys know of? Typical full service FD with swift and a full time rescue squad?

http://www.springsgov.com/Page.aspx?NavID=155

[DJ_Reverse]

http://www.springsgov.com/Page.aspx?NavID=155

Yeah just applied, thanks Dave!

[bhovig]

Any word on how many they are looking to pick up?

[peterbound]

Last i heard they are looking to pick up 30. With only 15 being covered by the SAFER Grant. If another SAFER isn't picked up after this one runs out, and the retirement levels aren't where they want them to be, they will likely have to lay off half the hires. Kind of a crap shoot if you ask me.

Also, someone mentioned the FF I/II out of the deal as a positive. CSFD used the city system, not the state, so they will most likely /NOT/ be accepted for reciprocity anywhere else in the nation.

[Chipless]

Any word on how many they are looking to pick up?

The exact number is 32

[FireMuscleMan21]

The exact number is 32

And I'm going to assume close to half will be laterals?

[RichFog1]

And I'm going to assume close to half will be laterals?

I asked HR and was told that none of the 32 will be laterals. Apparently they will do a lateral academy later in the year if they need one.

[Chipless]

I asked HR and was told that none of the 32 will be laterals. Apparently they will do a lateral academy later in the year if they need one.

Just to clarify: Laterals who applied only to the "laterals only" job posting are not being considered for the next academy. However, any laterals who applied to the "open competitive" job posting will be considered alongside all other applicants.

I don't want laterals to think they aren't eligible for consideration if they happened to apply to the "open competitive" job posting. Best of luck to all those who are testing this week!

[FireMuscleMan21]

So do we got any idea how many people will be testing ??