App Process

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Application Process

All new hires enter into an 90 day applicant process. You must complete all the steps in the applicant process to become a Firefighter on the department. This process is designed to weed out the ones that don't really want to be here. We are not a T-shirt volunteer department, if that is what your looking for move on down the road. We are a team of highly dedicated and determined individuals who are here to make a real difference. Once you have completed the applicant process you will be voted onto the department by the officers. If voted on you are then allowed to purchase uniforms and begin your first year as rookie FF.

Following your applicant process you will be required to obtain a medical license and your FF 1 certification within two years (preferably one each year) however we will assist you in finding those classes and cover the costs.

Download our application here. You may email it back to us at info@oakgrovefire,org or print and turn it in in person any Tuesday evening between 5:30p and 8pm.

90 Day Applicant Process

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Applicant Process Explained

Welcome to the Oak Grove Fire Department. This document is meant to explain in detail the process you will go thru from the day you fill out an application to the day you become a firefighter. There are eight steps involved in the process and the entire process should be completed in a 90-day period. You must have completed all the steps and the 90-day period to be considered as a Firefighter at the Oak Grove Fire Department. Completion of these requirements does not automatically guarantee you a spot on the fire department and/or a blue shirt with the rank/title of firefighter. All eight of these steps will be taken into consideration when we are deciding to take you on the fire department as a firefighter.

Step one: You will fill out an application and a time of availability sheet and submit it to the FD. This is the first step in becoming a firefighter. You should take it seriously and fill it out in its entirety. Be accurate and leave nothing out. DO NOT try to hide anything. Be honest we are humans and we understand everyone makes mistakes in life.

Step two: You will take a general knowledge test. It is not open book, phones, electronic devices, and calculators should not be used. It will be scored and placed in your file. A failing score on this test does not automatically disqualify you from becoming a firefighter but it may contribute to the decision we make as a department at the completion of your 90-day period.

Step three: You will complete a physical ability test (PAT). You must have acceptable vitals declared by the FD before you will be allowed to begin this test. You have five minutes to complete this test. Failure to have vital signs in the acceptable range and/or failure to complete the course in the allowed time will prevent you from becoming a firefighter with the Oak Grove Fire Department.

Step four: You will be subjected to a panel interview. It will be comprised of a minimum of three current firefighter or officers that are established on the FD. They will ask you a series of questions. You will not be scored on a question by question basis. You will receive an overall all rating based off your responses, honesty, integrity, professionalism, competence and maturity levels. A poor rating does not automatically disqualify you from becoming a firefighter but it may contribute to the decision we make as a department at the completion of your 90-day period. If you have made it to this point in the process and have yet to be assigned a “sponsor” you should bring that to the attention of the FD personnel at the end of you interview and ask them to explain this to you.

Step five: You will attend a rookie class. This is approximately a four hour course and is usually held on a Saturday from 8am – 12pm. It is comprised of some hands-on learning, guided or observed learning, written learning, as well as a power point. It is required that you attend one of these classes before you will be allowed to become a firefighter with the Oak Grove Fire Department. There is no pass or fail for this class.

Step six: You will receive an applicant packet at some point early on in your 90-day period. This packet is YOUR responsibility to get completed. If you need signed off on items that are found in the packet and you are ready to be signed off, YOU must find a firefighter or officer to check you off on those items or skills. When you have this packet completed you should turn it in to an officer so it can be placed in your file and noted as completed.

Step seven: Once you have completed your applicant packet you will be assigned the applicant final exam. The exam is not open book and use of electronic devices will not be allowed. The exam will be assigned to you VIA target solutions. the tested material is from your applicant packet, applicant class, and our department SOGs (study them). This is a pass or fail exam. You must score an 80% or above on the exam to pass. You will not be allowed to become a firefighter with the Oak Grove Fire Department.

Step eight: You will attend an interview with the fire chief. Poor performance in this interview does not automatically disqualify you from becoming a firefighter but it may contribute to the decision we make as a department at the completion of your 90-day period.

At the completion of all eight steps and your 90-day period the fire chief, officers, and firefighters will meet and discuss. A decision will then be met as to whether you will be accepted onto the FD as a firefighter or dismissed. If dismissed, you are welcome to apply again one calendar year from the date on your previous application. If you are granted the position of firefighter you may then order your blue department shirt, however your training and learning should never end.