WHAT
IS THE JOB?
Firefighters protect communities against the loss of life, injury and
destruction of property by fire. They may work at accidents, hazardous
material spills, and in fire prevention. Firefighters work as a team
with each person assigned to a special job. They respond to fire alarms,
decide what action to take, locate the source of the fire, and connect
hose lines and nozzles. Duties include operating and maintaining fire
equipment and trucks. They may search for clues and conduct salvage
operations. Those who operate heavy fire equipment have specialized
skills.
WHAT
ARE THE PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS NECESSARY FOR A CAREER AS
A FIREFIGHTER?
Firefighters must be mentally and emotionally sound, in excellent physical
condition and of good moral character. They must be willing to learn
the many technical skills required and must be able to work closely
and cooperatively with others, since fire fighting is a team effort.
They must be able to pass physical tests and Civil Service tests. The
A.S. degree in Fire Service Technology includes subjects covered in
promotional examinations, manipulative training, general education,
first aid and emergency medical procedures. Many departments require
completion of the Firefighter I Program before accepting applications
for employment.
WHAT
IS THE EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK?
Slower than average growth is projected nationally. There continues
to be more qualified applicants than job openings; however, the outlook
for employment of firefighters in California is improving. Employment
opportunities over the next ten years are projected to grow due to the
retirement of a large number of current professional firefighters. In
addition, a healthy economy has resulted in the growth and development
of many communities. This growth will result in the need for additional
fire services and individuals to fill those positions. Employment opportunities
depend upon replacement of those who leave the occupation and upon availability
of funds. Many agencies are working with tight budgets that may adversely
affect growth in this field, especially in smaller communities. Applicants
will experience competition, especially in populated areas. Prospects
are fairly good for applicants who meet the health and physical qualifications
and for those with college education such as the Fire Service Technology
Program offered by Las Positas College.
WHAT
ARE THE WORK CONDITIONS AND EARNINGS?
Firefighters perform work in physically demanding situations and for
prolonged periods under dangerous conditions (this is one of the nation's
most dangerous occupations). They are required to eat, sleep, and work
at the firehouse while on duty. There are frequent periods of inactivity.
Hours vary but often include being on duty 24 hours and then being off
duty 24 or 48 hours. Firefighters may be exposed to toxic gases and
fumes, flames, hazardous chemicals, heat, stress, and high levels of
noise. Pay varies and depends on the type and size of employer and geographic
location. Larger cities usually pay more than mid-size and smaller cities.
State fire fighting personnel earn similar pay to the rest of the state
but may earn higher pay than federal workers. Entry salaries range from
$1,800 to $2,500 per month and top pay may exceed $5,200 per month.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR A.S. DEGREE
FRESHMAN
YEAR SEMESTER UNITS
Core Courses:
Fire Service Technology 50* (Fire Protection Organization) -- 3 units
Fire Service Technology 51* (Fire Service Operations) -- 3 units
Fire Service Technology 52* (Firefighter Safety/Public Education) --
3 units
Fire Service Technology 53* (Fire Behavior and Combustion) -- 3 units
Fire Service Technology 54 (Fire Prevention Technology) -- 3 units
Fire Service Technology 65* (First Responder Hazardous Materials/
Incident Command ICS 200) -- 3 units
Fire Service Technology 86 (Wildland Interface Fire Fighting) -- 2 units
Health 61* (Emergency Response) -- 2.5 units
General Education
Courses:
Physical Education
English Composition (Language and Rationality)
Mathematics
Social and Behavioral Studies
Natural Sciences
Electives
SOPHOMORE YEAR SEMESTER UNITS
Core Courses:
Fire Service Technology 55 (Fire Protection Systems/Equipment) -- 3
units
Fire Service Technology 56 (Fund. Bldg. Const. for Fire Protection)
-- 3 units
Health 81* (Emergency Medical Technician) -- 6.5 units
Fire Service Technology 90A (Firefighter I Cert. Prep. A) -- 2 units
Fire Service Technology 90B (Firefighter I Cert. Prep. B) -- 2 units
Fire Service Technology 90C (Firefighter I Cert. Prep. C) -- 2 units
General Education
Courses:
American Cultures
American Institution/Health Education
Humanities
Communications and Analytical Thinking
Electives
TOTAL
UNITS REQUIRED: 60
*Classes so marked
are required for entry into the Fire Service Technology 90A, 90B, and
90C courses (Fire Fighter I Certification Preparation)
(Note:
State Firefighter I Certification Requires: Fire Service Technology
50, 51, 52, 53, 65, 90A, 90B and 90C, Health 61, 81, plus completion
of a probationary period in an organized fire department or 1,000 hours
of Fire Service Technology 95 and 96 (Work Experience).
The Fire Service
Technology Program is based on the Uniform Fire Service Technology curriculum
as approved by the State Board of Fire Services and the California Fire
Chiefs Association. Successful completion of this program qualifies
the pre-service student for State Firefighter I Certification upon completion
of the probationary period in an organized fire department.
FOR
SPECIFIC GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES REFER TO THE
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THE COLLEGE CATALOG.
Program
Requirements for 2002-2003
Certificate
of Achievement
Fire Service Technology
50* (Fire Protection Organization) -- 3 units
Fire Service Technology 51* (Fire Service Operations) -- 3 units
Fire Service Technology 52* (Firefighter Safety/Public Education) --
3 units
Fire Service Technology 53* (Fire Behavior and Combustion) -- 3 units
Fire Service Technology 54 (Fire Prevention Technology) -- 3 units
Fire Service Technology 55 (Fire Protection Equipment/Systems) -- 3
units
Fire Service Technology 56 (Fund. Bldg. Const. for Fire Protection)
-- 3 units
Health 61* (Emergency Response) -- 2.5 units
Health 81* (EMT 1 Basic) -- 6.5 units
**Fire Service Technology Elective Option -- 2-3 units
TOTAL
UNITS REQUIRED: 32-33
**Option:
Select from the
following for a minimum of 2 units:
Fire Service Technology
65 (First Responder Hazardous Materials/
Incident Command ICS 200)
Fire Service Technology 74 (Fire Investigation)
Fire Service Technology 86 (Wildland Interface Fire Fighting)
*Classes so marked
fulfill the Fire Fighter I Certification requirements and are required
for entry into the Fire Service Technology 90A, 90B, and 90C courses
(Fire Fighter I Certification Preparation)
