PHOTO: Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District recently concluded a two-week orientation academy and welcomed 11 new firefighters to the District.
Nine of the 11 are an addition to the district because of a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant awarded through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants program. The other two are due to vacancies among the ranks.
Prior to the start of the academy each of the 11 new firefighters earned his spot by enduring a rigorous selection process. To start the process, an applicant must have the minimum qualifications required: Firefighter 1 and 2, Basic EMT or Paramedic, and Basic Wildland.
Step two required the applicant to pass an aptitude test through the National Testing Network system, which provides the opportunity for two oral interviews; first with line level firefighters followed by chief officers. Ultimately, the top applicants earned his or her spots in the academy.