Hiring Process:
To qualify as an on-call firefighter, applicants must be at least 18 years of age and reside within a five minute drive of a City of Portage fire station. The process to become an On-Call Firefighter begins in May of each year with an informational meeting. The presentation includes information about the Portage Fire Department as well as requirements for training and certification. Interested persons submit an employment application and register for a written test.
Applicants who pass the written test must also pass a Physical Agilitiy Test. This consists of a series of stations where On-Call Firefighter candidates simulate actual firefighting skills. A practice session proceeds the actual testing. The next step of the process is the interview. Applicants who are successful at each of these steps will be given a conditional offer of employment pending a background investigation and pre-employment physical.
Questions about the Portage On-Call Firefighter hiring processshould be directed to the Department of Employee Development at (269) 329-4533.
FirefighterRecruit Academy:
The Recruit Academy begins in September and provides the training and certification necessary to serve as a Portage firefighter. Training is held two evenings a week and many Saturdays. The first segment, leading to licensure as a Medical First Responder, begins after Labor Day and ends in December. After the first of the year, classes resume with sessions leading to Fire Fighter II certification by the Michigan Office of Fire Fighter Training. Students also receive training in Hazardous Materials Operations, Incident Command, Vehicle Extrication and Emergency Driving. Graduation is held in June for students who successfully pass the state certification exams.
Compensation and Benefits:
All On-Call Firefighters are paid for all time worked, including time spent inthe RecruitAcademy. The starting wage for recruits is $7.25 per hour. Upon receiving basic certifications and licenses, the rate increases to $10.75. Additionally, On-Call Firefighters are eligible to receive longevity bonuses based on successful service above two years.
Potential Full-Time Employment:
When the Portage Fire Department hires full-time, career firefighters, current On-Call members are encouraged to apply. Having already completed the written exam and physical agility test, On-Call Firefighters move directly to the oral board interviews for career employment. Approximately half of Portage’s career firefighters began their service to the department in the on-call ranks.
How Does Being An On-Call Firefighter Fit In With My Existing Life?
Being an on-call firefighter is not for everyone. While you will gain both tangible and intangible benefits, they will not come without changes in the lifestyle of both you and your family. Firefighters do not pick when emergencies occur. Members of the Portage Fire Department must be both able and willing to drop what they are doing at a moment’s notice to switch into the helper or responder mode. The initial training is intense and may conflict with what are now your normal activities. For those willing to make the changes and sacrifices necessary, the benefits are substantial.
Firefighter Station/Shift Assignment:
After graduation from the RecruitAcademy, the new On-Call Firefighter will be assigned to a shift and station. After an introduction to the Captain, each On-Call Firefighter will meet other firefighters, receive an orientation to the apparatus and station, as well as learn the district and response expectations. The new On-Call Firefighter is on probationary status for a period of approximately one year until they have demonstrated competence in procedures and standards, the apparatus, and all equipment.
On-Call duty days mirror those of career firefighters. Each shift is on duty for nine days in each four-week period. On-Call Firefighters respond to all incidents with their assigned shift and station on these duty days. Allowances are made for unavailability due to school or other employment. Each month, all On-Call Firefighters must complete at least eight hours of “ride time,” where they are in the station with their assigned shift, ready to respond with the apparatus. Additionally, On-Call Firefighters are encouraged to respond to other incidents where their presence will have a positive impact such as structure fires or serious medical situations in their neighborhoods.
Continuing Education:
All firefighters, both career and On-Call, are required to complete required continuing education and maintain their various licenses and certifications. Weekly training sessions are offered at various times, including evening sessions. Firefighters who allow certifications to expire may be subject to suspension or other disciplinary action.
Becoming an On-Call takes a level of commitment and dedication not all are able to achieve. For those who make the grade, the results can be rewarding and the friendships lasting. Many of today’s career firefighters began their service in an on-call capacity with Portage or another fire department.
Department of Employee Development for more information at 269-329-4533.
Interested persons are encouraged to contact the City of Portage
