Why should you become a firefighter?

• Well respected career with high job satisfaction in assisting community members during times of need
• Exciting and dynamic job responsibilities
• Physically and mentally engaging work
• Stable career path with anticipated future demand
• Career positions often accompanied by reliable income and a pathway to retirement

How to become a firefighter?

The term “firefighter” encompasses a multitude of different types of careers within the fire service. This spreadsheet is designed specifically for those seeking a paid career with a City/County/District as a firefighter/Paramedic.

Multi-Step Process

As with many desirable career paths, becoming a professional career firefighter requires multiple years of training, education and experience. This is a guide, and is therefore not the only path to success. This guide outlines the common steps for those seeking a firefighting career. Each step is progressive, increasingly rewarding, expanding skills and responsibility. Visit any Bend fire station with additional questions. Basic Common Position Requirements (may vary) 

• 18 years of age or older
• High School Diploma or GED
• CPR certification (AHA Healthcare or BLS Provider Level)
• Physical Agility Requirements
• Background Check
• Vaccination Requirements
• Drug Screening Test Completion
• Oregon Driver License
• Great Attitude, Strong Work Ethic, Team Player
• Paramedic or EMT B
• Firefighter 1 Certification

Pathway to Success

1. Complete a National Registry EMT Basic Course
   • Oregon EMS Provider School
     • Central Oregon Community College EMT Program
       • Entrance Requirements
2. Basic Life Support (BLS) EMT Job Experience
   (required by many paramedic schools prior to entry)
   • Paid BLS EMT Positions
     • Bend Fire & Rescue Ambulance Operator
     • Redmond Fire Department
     • Jefferson County EMS District
     • Cascade Medical Transport (private)
     • Adventure Medics (private)
   • Volunteer Firefighter Experience (Unpaid)
     • Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District
     • Crook County Fire and Rescue Volunteer Program
     • Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue
   •  Reserve Firefighter (Paid)
     • Sunriver Fire Department Reserve Firefighter/EMT 
     • Crook County Paid On-Call Firefighter/EMT 
     • Crooked River Ranch Firefighter/EMT (seasonal)
3. Associate’s Degree or above (completed at anytime)
   Oregon requires an associate’s degree to become a paramedic. Can occur in conjunction with paramedic school (step 5) or a fire science program (listed below).
   • Fire Science Degree Coursework
     • Central Oregon Community College Fire Science Program
     • Columbia Southern University – Fire Science (online)
     • Fire Department Student Sponsorship Programs
       
       • Redmond Fire & Rescue Student Program
       • Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District Resident Volunteer Program
       • Black Butte Ranch Fire Protection District Student Program
       • Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue Student Program
4. Complete an Accredited Paramedic School
   • Oregon EMS Provider Schools
     • Central Oregon Community College Paramedic Program
5. Become a Licensed Paramedic in the State of Oregon
6. Obtain Paramedic Job Experience - highly encouraged Competitive positions increase the demand for this step.
7. CPAT (Candidate Physical Abilities Test) Good for 6 months – 1 year
8. Fire Interview, Written Exam, Practical Skills Practice

Additional Desirable Training and Experience

• NIMS ICS 100, 200, 700
• NWCG S-130 Firefighter Training
• NWCG S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
• Hazmat First Responder Awareness and Operations
• Seasonal Wildland Firefighter Experience
  •  Oregon Department of Forestry – Wildland Fire Suppression Specialist
  • US Forest Service – Engine / Handcrew / Helitack / Hotshot

Bend Fire & Rescue – Firefighter Paramedic Job Application Requirements
(subject to change)