Washington D/C Fire exam 2006

[BigBruno]

Did I miss the application deadline ? because according to http://fems.dc.gov/fems/cwp/view,a,3,q,634833.asp I think I did ? im comfused

No sir! You did not miss anything! I think this info JUST came out today!! I just spoke with Recruitment and I have some more info that I will post in a new thread!! Man, this is exciting!

[mikeco5]

Any info on when the next class is to start?

Hopw this EMS unification doesn't hold things up......

[capcityffyter]

Hey all, just thought I would give you a some insider info on the DCFD...As of now the department is planning on giving another test...we have no idea where the spots as we are grossly overstaffed now. We have been absorbing the ambulances over the last several years...All of the classes we have hired off of the last test were to fill ambulance positions however due to politics these people have not been assigned to ambulances rather engine or truck companies..This has created a situation where most guys are assigned to a company but are either detailed or on the ambulance a major portion of the time...You will spend approx 60 percent of your time on a transport unit ...this has been told to us by the fire chief...You will rarely ride 24 hours on your assigned firetruck...especially if it is a medic engine....The trainiong academy is easy in fact as long as you make an effort you will pass..there is immense pressure on us to get you through and on the street...After that you will be preceptored to get you turned over to ride the ambo as soon as possible after that you are on your own. Unfortunately with so many details and such you wont get much fire experience from your officer other than your first two months...Also most of us that have been on have either promoted or moved out to slow companies with slow ambulances...In a nutshell things are very very bad morale wise...So my advice to you is dont believe the hype about the DCFD that is not the department you are coming to work for...I am not trying to discourage but I get saddened when I see brand new recruits show up and realize there are just a number to fill a problem...Please take heed and visit the city and talk to the men before you take the test...not officers but men stop by any firehouse and you will get a straight answer...

[clark918]

Do you still fight fires while riding the ambulance? I know some cities do, but I'm not sure how it would work in a bigger city like DC.

[capcityffyter]

no you are not allowed to participate in any fireground activities

[mikeco5]

capcityffyer,

From what I understand, thats what this new EMS plan is for right?

Guys go on the "4-12's" schedule on the ambo and then go back to 24/72 on the engine. You do your 3-6month rotation on the ambo and then you are back on the fire side full time.

[capcityffyter]

mike... that plan was voted down by the members....none of the young guys are willing to give up there 24 72 schedule.....so we will have more of the same..

[clark918]

What would the schedule be then?

Did the Chief happen to mention if/when we would be able to transfer to an engine/truck? How often? When could it be permanent?

Thanks, you've really been helpful. If I got the job and rode on the ambulance most of the time for a couple years, it would be worth it to eventually be only an engine/truck man with DCFD.

[capcityffyter]

the only current way to be permanently assigned is to promote to a technician or officer

[mikeco5]

capcityffter,

I thought that they voted the plan down at the union house and were presenting it to the city, and the city had the final say. Rumor what I heard was that they were going to the new schedule because it also saved money. Even if you don't promote, Im sure that guys with 15yrs on are not riding the ambo as much as someone with a year on. I really don't know, is this right or wrong?

Either way, riding the Fire side 40% of the time is alot more than some other metro area FD's firefighters get to......primarly south of DC

[BigBruno]

Could you please enable PM's or email on your profile?

Thank You.

[DEANWOOD27]

the only current way to be permanently assigned is to promote to a technician or officer

Paramedics also ride the fire engine all the time, until they decide to make a pt als and go the hospital.

And no, a guy with 15 years will ride just the same as a guy with 15 months.

[capcityffyter]

actually thats the problem the 15 yr guys ride as much as a one year guy no seniority

[DCFDCAR5]

Oh come on. At 15 years we currently get $68,846 to ride an ambulance at most 8 times a month. You make what you want of that. Some people just smile and take the money.

[powerhouseoflp]

BIG UPDATE FOR ANYONE IN THE PROCESS RIGHT NOW, NEW INFORMATION PHONE NUMBER FOR RECRUITING PURPOSES:

call this number they have all the classes all planned out, just have your list number ready and they will be able to tell you if you will be in the next couple classes or not or if you have not made the cut and have to retest, at the voice prompt press 4 for the District of Columbia and enter your number, you will hear a recording and tell you your place, good luck to everyone on the list:

212-660-2245