Firefighter/Fire Medic Career FAQ’s
Requirements and Minimum Qualifications for Position:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Possess a high school diploma, General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or higher.
- Possess the ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language at an adequate level.
- Obtain a valid FireTEAM score (https://www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/index.cfm) or testing through Public Safety Answers. (https://www.publicsafetyanswers.com)
- Possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver’s License (out of state employees must obtain one within six months) as well as a satisfactory driving record.
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check, criminal history review, physical fitness/wellness assessment, medical evaluation, drug screen and psychological exam.
Paramedics:
- Must be 18 years old by hire date
- Current Colorado State Paramedic certification (out of state must obtain at hire)
- National Registry Paramedic certification
- Current America Heart Association ACLS Provider.
- Current American Heart Association CPR provider
No, it is not required. Part of the North Area Fire Academy is attending an EMT basic course that will result in a National Registry and state certification.
The North Area Fire Academy timelines vary from year to year. Specific timelines will be outlined in open job postings. The Academy typically runs from January until August. Click here to receive notifications of our job announcements.
All communication during the hiring cycle will be sent to the e-mail address that you used for the application testing with National Testing Network or Public Safety Network.
No, ACFR does not require a CPAT.
If using FireTEAM, the scores are valid for one year. If using Public Safety Answers, the test will be available when positions are open.
The following minimum Fitness Standards shall be implemented for any employee wanting to start their career with Adams County Fire Rescue. This will help reduce the number of injuries and interruptions in the new employee’s academy by ensuring their fitness level is compatible with the demand of the fire academy.
- 20 push-ups to a metronome set to 80 BPM.
- 15 inverted rows.
- 20 weighted step ups with a 20-pound dumb bell in each hand and stepping up onto to a 16” box in less than 1 minute.
- 12 mets on treadmill with Modified Bruce Protocol.
| Stage | Minutes | Speed (MPH) | Incline % | Approx. METs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 1.7 | 7 | 3 |
| 2 | 3 | 2.5 | 9 | 5 |
| 3 | 3 | 3.4 | 11 | 7 |
| 4 | 3 | 4.2 | 13 | 10 |
| 5 | 3 | 5.0 | 15 | 14 |
With the above Modified Bruce Protocol the following timeframes would need to be reached to accomplish the corresponding METs:
- Completing 13:30 minutes will achieve 12 METs
The EMS Academy is roughly 18 weeks, while the Fire Academy is 16 weeks. The Academy is held four days a week, ten hours a day. The day begins with a physical fitness segment and is then followed by education based blocks that focus on firefighters skills needed to perform the daily tasks of a firefighter.
Yes, we offer tuition reimbursement for college courses. In addition, we cover the full cost of paramedic school and provide a salary for selected firefighters while they attend.