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Frequently Asked Questions -- Becoming an OHFD Firefighter

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 Learn more about becoming a Paid-On-Call Firefighter

 

Are paid-on-call and career firefighter positions the same?

No. Career firefighters work for the fire department full-time and have a set schedule. Paid-on-call firefighters work anywhere from 10 to over 200 hours per month, they set their own schedules and many maintain employment outside of fire service. Paid-on-call firefighters were once called volunteer firefighters. Career firefighter positions are filled using eligibility lists created by Public Safety Testing, Inc. You can test to be on the eligibility list by visiting their website: http://www.publicsafetytesting.com.

Does Oak Harbor Fire Department (OHFD) have volunteer firefighters?

All OHFD firefighters are paid for time spent training, responding to emergency incidents and filling 12-hour night or day shifts. Firefighters who are not full-time/career firefighters are called Paid-On-Call firefighters (POC FFs).

What do POC firefighters do?

OHFD is staffed 24 hours per day by a combination of full-time (career) firefighters and POC firefighters. POC firefighters in the D-Shift Program work at least one 10 or 12 hour shift per month and are eligible to work up to 53 hours per week. What a firefighter does during the shift varies from day to day and depends on what their commanding officers need to accomplish, tasks might include: apparatus checks, caring for the station, build training props, meet with the public to teach fire safety or give a station tour, help perform fire inspections, train, etc. The on-duty crew is the first to respond to an emergency incident (9-1-1 call), sometimes (depending on the nature of the emergency) additional POC firefighters (those not on-duty) are asked to report to the station to back-up the on-duty crew.

How much physical strength is required?

Firefighters must be able to climb ladders and stairs, lift and pull hose, and wear moderately heavy protective clothing when responding to an emergency. They are required to pass an annual physical agility test that includes climbing a 100-foot aerial ladder, lifting weights, completing sit-ups, squats and chin-ups, balance and flexibility tests and a 1-mile run.

What are the minimum qualifications to be a POC Firefighter?

Successful applicants to the POCFF program will possess the minimum qualifications listed below:

  • live or work within a 2.5 mile radius of Station 81, 855 E. Whidbey Ave., Oak Harbor, WA

  • 18 years of age (16.5 years for the High School program)

  • United States citizen

  • high school diploma or GED equivalent (or currently attending OHHS)

  • valid Washington State Drivers License

  • driving record acceptable to the City's insurance carrier

  • ability to read, write and speak the English Language

  • ability to meet training requirements (Monday nights or Tuesday mornings) upon appointment

  • pass physical ability test, written test, interviews, medical examination, and pre-employment drug screen

  • be of good moral character and temperament suitable for the fire service

Where do POC Firefighters serve?

When there is an emergency call, firefighters will respond to Station 81 on Whidbey Avenue. OHFD POC FFs serve the City of Oak Harbor.

When are Oak Harbor POC Firefighter applications taken?

Applications are taken during active recruiting sessions, usually between July and October; testing begins in November. Successful applicants will begin training and attend the Island County Recruit Firefighter Academy which runs from January through May (on weekends and evenings).

The process to become a POC Firefighter:

  • Application screening.

  • Physical agility examination.

  • Written examination.

  • Oral-board interviews.

  • Medical examination, drug screening and background check.

  • Recruit academy.

How do I get an application?

If you are interested in receiving an application during the next open recruiting session, place your name on our POCFF contact list. You can do this by sending us an email with your name, address & telephone number or by calling Station 81 at (360) 279-4700.

During an open recruiting session, applications are available in the lobby of Station 81, located at 855 E. Whidbey Avenue, Oak Harbor, WA 98277; Monday-Friday, 8am to 5pm. and at City Hall, 865 SE Barrington Ave, Oak Harbor, WA.

Will I receive payment for my time?

Yes. POC FFs are paid an hourly wage for time spent training, responding to emergency incidents, and filling D Shifts.

How much will my uniforms and equipment cost me?

All uniforms and protective gear is provided by OHFD. Personnel are issued uniforms and equipment on the quartermaster system and are required to return issued items when they leave the department. Exciting personnel are held responsible for the replacement cost of items not returned. 

Are there opportunities for advancement?

POC FFs serve in all positions up to Captain. How far you advance depends upon your initiative.

If I have prior fire service experience, will it count toward meeting OHFD requirements?

Even with prior training, new recruits will be required to attend ICRA to obtain their Firefighter I certification. If you have already earned your Firefighter I certificate you will not be required to attend the academy (in most cases), but will be required to work through OHFD certifications as a new recruit.

What happens if I fail the medical examination and who will pay for it?

The department will assume the cost of all testing examinations. Due to the rigorous nature of emergency services work, POC FFs responding in this capacity must be in excellent health and physical condition. The examination is intended to identify any health problems which may place the POC FF at a higher risk of injury.

Are women active in all service areas of the department?

Yes. Oak Harbor Fire Department strongly encourages women to become POC FFs. Our female firefighters have made significant contributions to the department and to the community.

Do men and women have to meet the same requirements?

Yes. The training and testing standards are developed to assure that personnel are well equipped to perform effectively in emergency situations. The standards do not vary for gender or for age.

Who provides insurance coverage for POC FFs?

The Washington State Board for Volunteer Firefighters provides insurance coverage for all POC FFs while they are responding, on the scene, or returning from an incident. They are also covered while on duty at the station and while attending department training and/or meetings. Coverage includes auto liability while operating fire apparatus, accidental death and disability, medical and comprehensive liability.

Island Recruit Academy

New Paid-On-Call Firefighters without Firefighter I certification will be sponsored through the Island County Recruit Firefighter Academy (ICRA) to obtain training hours required for the certification. ICRA currently runs once each year from January through May and is held on alternating weeknights and weekends, to allow participants to continue their full-time jobs while becoming POC Firefighters. It operates on Whidbey Island, training recruits from both Island County Fire Districts and Oak Harbor Fire Department. Each ICRA session prepares recruits for the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Firefighter 1 certification exam. The Firefighter 1 Certificate is recognized across the nation and requires 130 credit hours of training and successfully completing the exam to obtain.

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This page was updated on July 07, 2008. OHFD copyright 2005-2007.