Decided to throw my hat into the ring and applied to be a volunteer firefighter. Had my interview, 115 question exam and then the kicker, the agility test. This comprises of the following; Stair climb- climb and descend 5 flights of stairs with a 50 ft. Length of 1 1/2 hose on my shoulder. Hose hoist- with a hand over hand method, pull to the top of the hose tower one 50 pound donut roll of hose. Once at the top, lower back down with the under hand method. Must be kept in control at all times. Ladder climb- in a smooth and consistent manner climb to the top of a 30 ft vertical ladder. While at the top and still on the ladder progress up through a confined space to the platform. Once on top disconnect from the tie off and use a pike pole to get the hose for the hoist. Once complete, tie off, descend thru the confined space and down the ladder to the ground. Manual dexterity- assemble a 2 1/2 hose to a hydrant, one side, gated wye to the other. Once complete, remove and install hydrant caps back on. Forcible entry- while on the chopping simulator use a 9 pound mallet to move the solid steal beam completely across the line. (This one you feel the burn) Search and rescue- wearing SCBA and a covered mask enter a room and perform a left hand search for a victim. Once found remove from the room following the same search pattern. Charged hose line- advance 3 sections of a charged hose line 75 feet in one direction and then another 75 feet around a corner. ( they had 1 1/2 but I said give me the 2 1/2) And then to finish this all off perform a victim rescue- drag a 154 pound victim a distance of 50 feet make a 180 and drag the victim back the same dam 50 foot line. This of course in full bunker gear, harness on and full breathing apparatus. Some of the evolutions are completed while under air. Needless to say this old dog still has it. Albeit had to work my ass off, sweat a bucket or 2 and have found a few muscles that I some how of forgot about. The kept asking me how I was doing, my response, bring it on. Felt good after it was all done, gave it my best and have all the encouragement from the best woman in the world, my love Laura. The girls are behind me 100 percent too. Hope for best. 80 applicants, 38 picked for todays trials, down sized another 18 to fill 20 positions. Will know in 2 weeks.
Posted on: Sun, 09 Nov 2014 03:08:48 +0000
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