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Dear Firefighter Internship Candidate, Thank you for your interest in the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department Internship Program. We have developed this booklet to provide you with information to become more acquainted with what this program is and how it works. The Firefighter Internship Program is a collaborative effort between an accredited Fire Science College Program and the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department. The program is about a four month long commitment (May- August) and is designed for fire technology students who desire a real- world opportunity to apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to an internship site. This course provides an opportunity for students to learn more about their chosen career, develop confidence, and obtain valuable information on professional development. The Loveland-Symmes Fire Department takes pride in this partnership and program and have set high standards that students must meet in order to be a part of this great team. As a result, our student interns have excelled and have been highly successful in achieving their career goals. It is important to realize that fire departments are different in what they require of their firefighters. Some require a FF- I certificate while others require a successful completion of an accredited academy and some may even require both. So do your research and make sure your education will line up with the agency that you desire to work for. As you read this booklet, consider all aspects of the internship seriously and how they would fit into your lifestyle. Give serious consideration to the time commitment, the cost involved for participating, qualities required to be successful and most importantly, why you are selecting this field for your future. We encourage you to read the enclosed information carefully. You can obtain more information regarding the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department Internship Program by calling Captain Todd Holt at 513-683-3940 or via email at tholt@lsfd.org. Thank you for your interest in our program!
Table of Contents Benefits of the Firefighter Internshipship Program page 1 The Job of Firefighter page 2 The Loveland Symmes Fire Department/Mission Statement page 3 Minimum Qualifications for the Program page 4 Application/Interview Process page 5 Orientation/Preparation to start page 6 Uniforms page 7 Important phone numbers page 7
You will have the opportunity: Benefits of the Firefighter Internship Program Reasons to Acquire a Firefighter Internship and Why the Required Fire Technology Work Experience Class Will Benefit You To check out or decide if this is a career that aligns with your interests, values, skills, and personality. Most importantly, will this career be a good fit for you, and will it make you happy? To gain hands- on experience in the field. To be mentored under experienced professionals. To develop new technical and soft skills. To improve your job- related skills in oral and written communications. To work in a profession that supports and gives back to the community. Possibility to Earn transferable units of academic credit in your major. Acquire team building skills. Discover effective ways to market yourself for future employment opportunities. Learn to establish successful work habits. Develop effective listening and communication skills. Better understand and honor diversity in the workplace. Realize the benefits of maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Learn to utilize effective time management tools. Explore career opportunities, assessment and management skills. $500 per week stipend On shift daily Physical Fitness provided 1
The Job of Firefighting Every year, fires and other emergencies take thousands of lives and destroy property worth billions of dollars. Firefighters help protect the public against these dangers by rapidly responding to a variety of emergency situations. They are the first emergency personnel at the scene of an accident or medical emergency and may be called upon to put out a fire, treat injuries and illnesses or perform other vital functions. Firefighters spend much of their time at fire stations, which usually have features common to a residential facility similar to a family that works together. When an alarm sounds, firefighters respond rapidly, regardless of weather or time of day. Because fighting fire is dangerous and complex, it requires organization and teamwork. At every emergency scene, firefighters perform specific duties assigned by a Fire Officer. At fires, they connect hose lines to hydrants, operate hoses, use power tools, and position ladders for fire ground operations. Firefighters may also rescue victims, ventilate smoke- filled areas, and provide emergency medical services to the sick and injured. In fact, most calls to which firefighters respond involve medical emergencies. About half of all fire departments provide ambulance service for victims. Most departments require firefighters to be certified as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) as a minimum. A great deal of Fire Departments desire their employees to be Licensed Paramedics. Between alarms, firefighters clean and maintain equipment, participate in training and drills, conduct fire inspections, and participate in physical fitness activities. They also prepare written reports on fire incidents and review fire science literature to keep abreast of technological development and changing administrative practices and policies. Among the personal qualities firefighters need are mental alertness, self- discipline, courage, mechanical aptitude, endurance, strength, and a strong desire to perform public service. Initiative and good judgments are also important because firefighters make quick decisions in emergencies. Members of a crew live and work closely together under conditions of stress and danger for extended periods; therefore they must be dependable and able to get along well with others. Firefighters are also community advocates. They assist citizens from all walks of life whose lives are in their hands. Firefighters must be caring and sensitive to people who are caught in very vulnerable life situations. Therefore, firefighters must have soft skills as well as technical skills. Their ability to listen and communicate with individuals and co- workers, follow directions, and respect team members, are required characteristics of a quality firefighter. 2
The Loveland Symmes Fire Department The Loveland Symmes Fire Department provides fire and emergency services to 28,000 residents under contract with the City of Loveland and Symmes Township. Located throughout the city and township are four firehouses, shift personnel and equipment that respond to emergencies when needed. The department is composed of nearly 60 firefighters who are assigned to ambulances and fire trucks and work on one of three rotating shifts. With the cadre of professionals we are able to provide not only Advanced Life Support and firefighting services, but also rescue and firefighting services that are unparalleled in the region. Our firefighters are on call seven days a week, 24 hours a day. A shift lasts for 24 hours and then the firefighter is released from duty. Our firefighters are on call seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Because the department operates as private fire company, it is able to provide the communities of Loveland and Symmes Township the highest quality, most cost- effective fire and paramedic services. The private company affords the residents of Loveland and Symmes Township the benefit of full- time, around- the- clock EMS and fire protection while eliminating duplication of fire and EMS equipment and personnel. Furthermore, this allows the department to operate as a streamlined business leading to a reduction in overall costs and an increase in organizational efficiency. The end result is great service and response times that are significantly lower than the industry norm. The department s Operations Division is responsible for the day- to- day fire and EMS operations of the department. The Operations Division is responsible for the responding to and addressing the everyday emergency needs of the community. Line firefighters/paramedics provide these services, making the Operations Division the largest component of the fire department. Each one of the three rotating shifts is led by District Fire Chief, who commands and oversees the daily operation of his shift. Company officers (Captains) work in conjunction with the District Fire Chief to ensure effective daily operations of the entire fire district. City of Loveland and Symmes Township residents are protected by one of the best firefighting agencies in the State of Ohio. On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the best, the LSFD boasts an Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification Rating of 2. This rating is shared with fewer than 10 other communities in Ohio. There are no fire departments in Ohio that have the distinction of being rated as a 1. Residents in our fire district experience lower home insurance premiums because of this excellent ISO rating. Mission Statement: "To provide the most technologically advanced fire and rescue service with the highest trained professionals and to deliver that service to our customers with loyalty and compassion." 3
Minimum Qualifications for Acceptance 1. Current state firefighter card (120 hr min) of IFSAC certified 2. Preferable NREMT- B or above certification. 3. Possess a current CPR for the Healthcare Provider Card (or the equivalent) from the American Heart Association and maintain it during Internship. 4. Possess a GED or a High School Diploma. 5. Have a valid state driver s license. 6. Be 18 years of age or older. 7. Have an overall GPA of 2.5 or better. 8. Possess the strength and stamina to pass a Physical Abilities Test and Health 9. Consent to a qualifying Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background check. 10. Consent to and pass a comprehensive drug screening. 11. Be able to validate prior work or leisure teamwork experience. 4
1. Visit Lsfd.org and submit application. Application Process 2. Submit a resume, cover letter, copy of unofficial college transcript(s), firefighter internship application form. 3. Submit firefighter/emt certifications Check for application dates and deadlines. Acceptance into the program: All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be scheduled for a face- to- face interview via Skype with representatives from the Loveland Symmes Fire Department. Selection for entrance into the internship program will be based on the applicant s qualifications and the interview process. The Interview The interview is an opportunity to sell yourself. The interview is designed to measure your interpersonal skills, ability to solve problems, and assess how motivated you are to obtain a career in the fire service. You will need to prepare for the interview in the same manner you would prepare for a written or physical agility test. Anticipate the questions that will be asked and practice. Usually at the end of the interview you will be asked if there is anything you would like to add; this will be your chance to sum up your skills, abilities, and why you would be the right person for the Firefighter Internship Program. Once interviews are completed the results will be forwarded to the Office of the Chief and he will determine which candidate best fits the Loveland Symmes Fire Department Internship Program. For the year 2017 we will be accepting 4 interns. Upon acceptance of internship you must provide the date that this internship will start, usually the summer internship will start one week of college release for summer break. Your orientation at the Loveland Symmes Fire Department will take place upon your arrival at the department. Important Projected 2015 Dates: January 25th 2017 February 27 th 2017 March 8 th 2017 March 11 th 2017 March 14 th 2017 Information Packet and flyers released Application deadline must be submitted on lsfd.org Skype Interview option #1 Skype Interview option #2 Internship Offers Given 5
Orientation Day 1: Meet and greet, Interns will meet with the Fire Chief for a welcome. Short briefing will take place and station assignments will be issued. Intern will be provided with daily uniform, Structural Firefighter Gear. Interns will be shown around the four fire stations and be issued a private bedroom for the duration of their stay. Department orientation Day 2: Personal Protective Equipment training, Air Management Power point and maze, Self Contained Breathing Apparatus training, Accountability Training, Radio familiarization training, map books, response policy, Truck equipment and power tools. Day 3: Hose loads, FDC s, Master streams, Ladders, Ventilation, Search, and forcible entry. Day 4: Rapid intervention, Hamilton county procedures, calling a Mayday, self rescue, handling a down firefighter, spins and drags. Day 5: Project assignment issued to intern. This is usually a project that will be worked on during your stay here at the Loveland Symmes Fire Department. Previous assignment examples are; Fire Hydrant database, equipment inventory, Pre Incident analysis and hydrant banding. Preparation for start of internship: To prepare yourself for a future Firefighter Intern position, you are strongly encouraged to begin a physical training program as soon as possible. Physical training should be concentrated on cardiovascular, strength, and endurance. (You should always consult a physician before starting a physical fitness- training program). If you do decide to participate in the wellness program you will need the required physical training uniform. The appropriate physical training uniform includes the following: 1. Shorts or sweatpants 2. Appropriate athletic footwear. 3. LSFD T- shirt or sweatshirt (provided). 6
Uniform Requirements All Firefighter interns are responsible for maintaining the personal and protective gear and equipment required for their assignments. All uniform items shall be maintained in presentable and functional condition. Faded, worn or damaged articles shall be repaired or replaced. As an intern you will be required to wear a Class B (daily) uniform while on duty. Typically, Class B uniform shirts shall be worn at all times. The shirt is to be worn over a navy blue 100% cotton department regulated T- shirt. When directed by your supervisor, you may wear the Department regulated T- shirt without the uniform shirt for activities such as emergency response, training, and maintenance.. Telephone Numbers Station 60: 513-792- 7330 Station 61: 513-683- 6118 Station 62 (Headquarters): 513-583- 3001 Station 63: 513-683- 3940 District Chief Direct Line: 513-707- 6110 7
THE PROGRAM IS ABOUT A FOUR MONTH LONG COMMITMENT (MAY-AUGUST) AND IS DESIGNED FOR FIRE TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS WHO DESIRE A REAL-WORLD OPPORTUNITY TO APPLY l(nowledge AND Sl<ILLS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM TO AN INTERNSHIP SITE. THIS COURSE PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR CHOSEN CAREER, DEVELOP CONFIDENCE, AND OBTAIN VALUABLE INFORMATION ON PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. MISSION STATEMENT 11TO PROVIDE THE MOST TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE WITH THE HIGHEST TRAINED PROFESSIONALS AND TO DELIVER THAT SERVICE TO OUR CUSTOMERS WITH LOYALTY AND COMPASSION. 11 0PPORTUN ITV - To GAIN HANDS-ON E)(PERIENCE IN THE FIELD - To BE MENTORED UNDER E><PERIENCED PROFESSIONALS - To DEVELOP NEW TECHNICAL AND SOFT Sl<ILLS - To IMPROVE YOUR JOB-RELATED Sl<ILLS IN ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - LEARN TO ESTABLISH SUCCESSFUL WORI< HABITS - PRIVATE BEDROOMS BENEFITS - DAILY PHYSICAL FITNESS TRAINING PROGRAM - DAILY FIRE/EMS TRAINING - $500 PER WEEI< STIPEND - UNIFORMS AND STRUCTURAL FIREFIGHTER GEAR PROVIDED f OR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE l:l@wrn @ \'.?[¼l[¼lrn [Fomrn @rn &ffi'd'(¼lrn v D 'D'rnm [X]D m@@ffi&[¼l GO TO OUR WEB PAGE WWW.LSFD.ORG AND DOWNLOAD AN EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION IF YOU WOULD RATHER TALI< TO CAPTAIN TODD HOLT HE CAN BE REACHED AT 513-683-3940 OR VIA EMAIL AT THOLT@LSFD.ORG.