FIREFIGHTER PRE-REQUISITES

• Must be 18 years old
• Must have high school diploma or GED or obtain GED within one year of recruitment
• Must have valid N.C. driver’s license
• Must live in or within 1½ miles of Valdese Town limits
• Must have working telephone
• Must pass criminal/driving background investigation
• Must pass a pre-employment medical exam and drug test
• Complete a physical agility test

PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST

• Pull a charged 2½” hose 100’
• Lift and carry a 50’ section of 2 ½” hose with nozzle up and down two flights of stairs three times
• Lift and carry a 14” roof ladder and set it up
• Climb the department’s ladder truck two times
• Put on a piece of breathing apparatus with face-piece blacked out and negotiate a pre-determined obstacle course
• Roll a 50’ section of 2½” hose

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

All members will be placed on a probation period for 12 months.

REQUIREMENTS TO STAY AN ACTIVE MEMBER

• Must obtain minimum 36 hours fire training per year
• Take and pass a one-time 40-hour Hazardous Materials class and take refresher training annually. These hours count toward the above 36 required training hours.
• Obtain Bloodborne Pathogens/Infection Control training annually
• Take self-contained breathing apparatus training annually
• Pass annual medical exam
• Abide by all fire department rules, regulations, and guidelines
• Members are expected to actively participate in fire department functions such as meetings, training/drills, and emergency responses

FIRST RESPONDER PROGRAM

Upon completion of one year active duty, members have an opportunity to participate in the Valdese Fire Department Medical Responder Program.