Proper Mindset – Do You Have It?

The Westport Fire Department provides a culture that promotes unwavering customer service to the community along with an opportunity for constant learning and career growth. Our members take pride in maintaining traditions while upholding the Department’s values and vision today and into the future.

Formal Education

One method to prepare for a career in the fire service is to first pursue a fire service-related college degree. The following colleges and universities in our area have fire service-related degree programs:

• University of New Haven
• Naugatuck Valley Community College
• Gateway Community College
• Capital Community College

Volunteer Fire Department Experience

While volunteer fire department experience is helpful, it is definitely not a requirement. Each new Firefighter attends the Connecticut Fire Academy (CFA) Recruit Firefighter Training Program, where they will achieve Firefighter certifications and learn the practical skills needed to serve as a Probationary Firefighter in a Connecticut career fire department.

EMS Experience

Because Emergency Medical Technician is a requirement to receive a conditional job offer and is not offered as part of the CFA Recruit Program, emergency medical services (EMS) training and experience are a critical requirement for firefighters. Various colleges that offer EMT. In addition, most volunteer ambulance organizations offer EMT courses on a regular basis. Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service is one such organization.

Physical Capabilities

While firefighting has always been a physically demanding job, the focus on members’ physical and mental well-being has increased in the recent past. The demands of service require us to be in top physical condition at all times. To meet these demands, physical fitness has become an essential component of every firefighter’s life.

The Westport Fire Department employs a part-time trainer and allots time everyday for members to work  out.

 

To better understand how to prepare for the physical demands of being a Firefighter, check out the CT Firefighters Physical Fitness Assessment and Preparation Guide

Community Involvement

Given the high level of customer service that is expected by our stakeholders and delivered by our Firefighters, we seek Firefighter candidates who have a willingness for and/or history of volunteering their time giving back to the community.

Firefighter’s ABCs

If you access Firefighter's ABCs you’ll find the resources and information you need to become a great candidate for the fire service. 
Also consider joining the National Recruit Database – it’s free, and membership provides valuable tools and information on how to become a better candidate.

You’ll also find a selection of videos there that are focused on people from underserved population segments that are considering the pursuit of a career in the fire service. 

  

Characteristics of the Best Recruit Firefighters

The following is a list of the characteristics and attributes that the best new
Firefighters possess. You should be sure to become familiar with and display
them at all times.
Integrity – A person’s ethical and moral values. Are you trustworthy?
Reliability – Can others rely on you in matters large and small?
Accountability – Do you hold yourself responsible for your own actions? Are you able to handle criticism?
Loyalty – Do you feel a sense of attachment or allegiance to the Department? Are you truly a team player?
Dedication – Do you take pride in your work, have passion for the job and a strong work ethic?
Communication Skills – Are you able to clearly and effectively communicate with others? Are you a good listener? Do you advocate for yourself without being overbearing?
Diversity – Are you tolerant of the differences of others?
Attitude – Can you maintain a professional attitude, even when you’re under stress? Can you be creative when thinking of ways to overcome obstacles? Can you take a joke?
Service – Are you concerned about the well being of others in the department and the community? Are you willing to put the needs of others before your needs when necessary?
Mechanical Aptitude – Are you good working with hand tools and power equipment, solving technical problems, etc.?
Physical Fitness – Not only do you need to be in decent physical shape when you enter the Recruit Program, you may be in the best shape of your life when you graduate. You need to maintain that level of physical fitness so that you can adequately perform the firefighting or rescue tasks that may be required of you.
Common Sense – Are you able to make decisions on your own with limited
information? Can you be depended on to act rationally when presented with a
situation for which you have not received training?

Ask Yourself These Questions

If you remain interested in a position with the Westport Fire Department after
reading this section, that’s great! As the final step in the process of understand
the responsibilities and job of a Firefighter, rate yourself Low, Medium or High
on the following questions:

• Am I humble and typically don’t place me needs above those of others?
• Do I have a sense of humor?
• Can I take a joke?
• Am I well organized? Do I always arrive on time for work?
• Am I able to laugh at myself?
• Do I become annoyed when someone tells me what to do?
• Am I willing to work a 24 hour shift that may fall on the weekend, a holiday or a day that I would like to do something with my family or friends?
• Do I have a high tolerance for stress? Can I work for extended periods of time in a dangerous situation?
• Can I remain objective and detached when those around me are suffering extreme emotional stress?
• Can I work comfortably in confined spaces or where there is little or no visibility?
• Do heights make me uncomfortable?
• Can I work in dangerous and physically demanding situations during extreme temperatures?
• Am I okay accepting grooming, appearance and dress codes?
• Am I able to work effectively in close quarters with others?
• Do I like to solve problems?
• Am I prepared for a career that requires lifelong learning?
• Do I learn quickly?
• Do I function well during a crisis?
• Will I be comfortable working in a para-military organization?
• Am I sensitive to diversity, equity and inclusion issues?
• Am I empathetic toward others?

If you answered some of the foregoing questions “Low”, go back and look at them again. To be a good Firefighter you need to be comfortable with the items included in those questions.
The Westport Fire Department is not looking for or expecting to find the perfect candidate. Let’s face it, no one is perfect. By the same token, the fire service has been around for a long time. In it’s nearly 300 year existence, the American fire service has learned what kind of person will most likely be a good firefighter. If you rated yourself “Medium” to “High” on almost all of the questions, you should be a good match for us.