Fire Department Hiring Process

Each of the following steps must be successfully completed prior to your appointment as a Firefighter/Paramedic.

1. Application Submittal
2. Invitation to Test
3. Physical Ability Test (PAT)
4. Invitation to submit a Personal History Statement:
5. Oral Board 
6. Background Investigation and Aptitude Test
7. Fire Chief or Designee Interview 
8. Physical Examination and Drug Screen

Invitation to Test

Eligible applicants will receive a letter inviting them to participate in the physical ability test. The Physical Ability Test is timed to 7 minutes. There are 6 events and the applicant will be required to wear a helmet, coat, gloves, SCBA.

Physical Ability Test

Anna Fire Rescue conducts a pre-employment Physical Ability Test (PAT) designed to ensure candidates are capable of meeting the rigorous physical demands of firefighting and rescue operations. Anna Fire Rescue utilizes a job-task-simulation approach to physical ability testing based on the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)/International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Joint Wellness-Fitness Initiative. All testing is conducted on a pass/fail basis and is designed to establish a fair and valid evaluation process wherein candidates may demonstrate that they possess the physical ability to complete critical tasks effectively and safely.

Event #1 400-Meter Dash

The applicant shall start at the line designated and run a 400-meter dash. Time will continuously run when the applicant finishes his/her run and start their next event.

Event #2 High-Rise Carry

The applicant will walk to the bleachers from the track. Grab the high-rise pack ascend and descend the bleachers three evolutions, ending at the ground and laying the high-rise pack in the area indicated. Time will continuously run with the start of the next event.

Event #3 Hose-Hoist

The applicant upon completion of the high-rise carry will ascend the bleachers.   With a hand over hand pull and lower one section of 3” hose two evolutions. Upon, completion of the hose-hoist the applicant will descend the bleachers and advance to the next event. 

Event #4 Hose-Drag

The applicant will grab one end of a non-charged 5” LDH hose and drag it a total length of 100’. Upon, completion of the hose-drag the applicant will continue to the next event.  

Event #5 Foam Carry

The applicant upon completion of the hose drag will walk to the foam carry station. Pick two pails of firefighting foam. The applicant will walk 50’ around a cone and return the pails to their original positions. 
 **Note: Any mishandling of the pails by dropping, rolling, etc... will be immediate disqualification of the physical agility test. Upon, completion of the foam carry, the applicant will proceed to the next event. 

Event #6 Dummy-Drag

The applicant shall pick up Rescue Randy, approximately 165lbs. Drag Rescue Randy 50’ across the designated finish line. Upon, Completion of Rescue Randy dummy-drag time will stop, and the physical agility test will end.

Invitation to submit a Personal History Statement

Once an applicant has successfully completed the Anna Fire physical ability test, you will be emailed directions on completing the Personal History Statement. You will have 14 days to submit the Personal History Statement from the date of the invitation to submit.

Oral Board

Applicants who successfully complete the physical ability test (PAT) will be scheduled for an oral interview. The interview is conducted by several members of the fire department. The applicant will be interviewed in the areas of their general background, current and past employment, and prior firefighter/paramedic experience. Applicants are scored according to their responses. Oral interview scores are used to rank candidates.

Background Investigation and Aptitude Test

An extensive check of criminal, driving, employment records, education, and credit references will be conducted as well as verification of character references. Applicants will complete an aptitude test that measures critical thinking, decision-making, and the ability to process information accurately and efficiently. 

Physical Examination and Drug Screen

A Firefighter/Paramedic is responsible for protecting life, property, and the environment through fire suppression, emergency medical response, rescue operations, and public safety education. Duties include responding to a variety of emergency situations and providing advanced medical care as needed. The work environment involves physically demanding tasks in high-stress and hazardous conditions. Therefore, applicants are evaluated on their ability to meet the physical requirements of the job, including lifting, climbing, bending, running and extended periods of standing or walking. Hearing and vision are also tested to ensure readiness for emergency response.