new recruit orientation
The intent of this page is to guide all New Recruits through their initial 18-month probationary period with the Willowick Fire Department. All ACCEPTANCE & COMPETENCY FORMS located in the BLUE BOX below must be completed during the 2-month orientation training period (OTP). The remaining information on this page will guide recruits through their probationary period and beyond. This page was created in a sequential format, beginning with the first day of orientation and proceeding through the end of probation.
​
Acceptance forms are to be filled out and submitted by the recruit after completion of the associated task or training.
Competency forms shall be filled out and submitted by department-approved training officers/coordinators after recruits complete the associated task or training.
​
A list of the department-approved training officers/coordinators can be found in the introduction module below.
All tasks or training associated with Acceptance & Competency forms must be completed under the direct supervision and guidance of department-approved training officers/coordinators.
INTRODUCTION
Carefully review the introduction module on day 1 of orientation. Contained is important information related to your new recruit orientation and initial training with the department. The module also includes a brief overview of the department and the expectations and requirements associated with your employment. Recruits must complete and submit the acceptance form.
GETTING STARTED
Fundamental principles of our department operations are covered in this section and should be a key focus of all new recruits during their first few days of OTP. Print the Squad Driving Log and Orientation Check List documents and ensure both are completed accordingly.
Driving
Log
TO BE COMPLETED WITH LIEUTENANT HENRY
Orientation
Check List
VEHICLE FAMILIARITY
All vehicle acceptance forms must be completed during OTP. The vehicle inventory guides are intended to provide an accurate inventory of equipment and its intended location on each vehicle. Review these guides at your leisure and understand that they are simply a tool. Recruits must regularly review the vehicle compartments and perform hands-on training with all equipment.
Recruits must complete all acceptance forms with the department-approved training officers/coordinators listed in the introduction module.
BLUE CARD COMMAND AND COMMUNICATION INTRODUCTION
Review the Blue Card Incident Command and Communication presentation with either Lieutenant Rudersodorf, Heintz, Henry, or Bittner. The recruit must complete the acceptance form and the instructor must complete the competency form.
The presentation will provide an overview of the system from the task level point of view, a basic summary of terminology, and the principal aspects of the communication system.
Welcome to the Willowick fire department new recruit orientation page
LESSON PLANS & OUTLINES
Our department is comprised of members who are career firefighters with multiple other organizations. This unique makeup provides our department with a remarkable amount of knowledge and experience. Many of our members hold speciality certifications, serve on technical rescue teams, and have earned company officer or chief level rank within their career departments. New recruits are presented with a great opportunity to network with and learn from such a diverse and highly qualified group. A significant benefit of this environment is the insight provided regarding the optimal way to perform various fireground tasks and operations.
To ensure that new recruits have some level of consistency to their training, lesson plans and outlines have been developed by the Division of Training to guide their OTP. To be clear these are simply guidelines. Recruits are encouraged to ask questions and soak up as much information as possible. Likewise, members of the department are encouraged to share tips, advice, and stories that can enhance and evolve recruits careers in our industry.
MAPS AND TARGET HAZARDS
Even with the most up to date technology available, such as iPads in our vehicles and smartphones equipped with google maps, it is imperative that recruits learn their district and do not depend on technology for directions to emergency scenes. It is also important for recruits to familiarize themselves with target hazards in their response area. Recruits must complete all MAP AND TARGET HAZARD TESTS prior to being eligible to work shift. Several maps of the city have been provided on this page to assist recruits with learning this important information. It is encouraged to print copies of each map and to study regularly. Recruits should use the blank map to test their progress by filling in street names.
ORIENTATION TOURS
It is imperative that new recruits familiarize themselves with the local hospital emergency departments and understand the most optimal driving routes to each facility. Recruits must complete the attached acceptance forms for each location after completing an orientation walkthrough of the facility and adequately familiarizing themselves with the layout, features, and processes associated with each facilities as it relates to our organization. Also, recruits must familiarize themselves with pertinent facilities in our city, such as the City Hall, fuel depot, and police dispatch center. Recruits must complete the acceptance forms associated with these facilities upon the completion of an orientation walkthrough of each location.
TARGET HAZARD TOURS
Target hazards are defined as occupancies that pose a specific risk to occupants and responding firefighters. Recruits must be familiar with these occupancies and the risks/dangers associated with each. Target hazard acceptance forms must be completed before recruits complete their probationary period. Recruits must fill out and submit acceptance forms for each occupancy upon completion of a thorough walkthrough and only after understanding all relevant information as it relates to the fire department's operations.
SKILLS AND EQUIPMENT
All skill and equipment forms must be completed prior to recruits finishing their probationary periods. Any member of the department can practice skills and equipment training with recruits but only department-approved training officers/coordinators can complete Acceptance & Competency forms. Recruits should spend time each shift working hands-on with department equipment to gain comfortably and proficiency with their operation and application.
Successful completion of ACCEPTANCE & COMPETENCY FORMS signifies an intermediate skill level of capability, meaning the recruit is moderately skilled and meets minimum requirements to perform the associated skill or operate the associated piece of equipment. Further training is required to successfully achieve advanced-level knowledge of the skill or the ability to operate a piece of equipment. Recruits must continue to train and learn as their career progresses to accomplish this feat.
Recruits must display initiative by spending time getting their hands on the department's various apparatuses, tools, and equipment. Senior members and department officers should not have to ask or tell recruits to do this. There is a great deal to learn during the 18-month probationary period and recruits should have the attitude of always "finding work" during this time. This being said, the expectation is not that recruits spend 100% of their time in the bays going through vehicle compartments or outside performing hands-on training with equipment. Reviewing the department SOPs should be a priority task during periods of downtime. Acceptance forms must be completed for each SOP section and a minimum of 70% must be scored on each corresponding quiz.
DEPARTMENT SOPs & SOGs
MAYDAY & RIG
A Mayday situation is an event involving a firefighter who is unable to safely exit an IDLH environment. Most often this is due to being injured, trapped, or lost. These low frequency, high-risk events tend to be extremely stressful for all who are involved. The only way to guarantee a successful outcome of a Mayday event is to PREVENT IT FROM OCCURRING! For this to be achieved the entire department must consistently perform relevant and realistic training on all aspects of fireground operations. Pertinent Standard Operating Guidelines must be developed and understood by all members of the organization. Members must follow these SOGs when encountering standard conditions and consistently train to prepare for and recognize situations that require deviation from these guidelines to always achieve desired standard outcomes.
​
Rapid Intervention Groups (RIG), commonly referred to as "RIT", are a designated group of firefighters assigned the specific task of entering IDLH environments to perform the rescue of other firefighters involved in an emergency situation. The three primary components of a firefighter rescue are search, package, and extrication. On-deck company's primary function is always the responsibility of performing as the RIG crew.
​
Review the Mayday and RIG presentations with Lieutenant Heintz and complete the acceptance form for each topic. Recruits must also review the department "RIG Bag" and complete the acceptance form, then complete the RIG / FF rescue skills course. Upon successful completion of the skills course, the instructor must complete the competency form.
NEW RECRUIT ASSIGNMENTS
These assignments can be completed at any time during the probationary period. Recruits can use any and all tools at their disposal to assist with completing the assignments (the internet, asking senior membership, hands-on inspection, Etc.). The Recruit Training Officer will review the assignments with each recruit upon completion to ensure understanding and proficiency. Note: The information contained in these assignments will assist recruits when preparing for their First Class Written Test (18-months).
FINAL STEPS
The focus of the final few months of OTP should be on Engine and Quint Operations and the Blue Card Incident Command System. Recruits must demonstrate competency operating both Engine 1633 and Quint 1679 and exhibit an understanding and confidence of the Blue Card system prior to attaining First Class Status with the department. Information and material to assist with process as well as Acceptance and Competency forms for each topic are provided below. Also, do not hesitate to reach out to your recruit training officer for further guidance. Note: All ACCEPTANCE & COMPETENCY FORMS located in the RED BOX below must be completed in the final 2 months of OTP.
ENGINE AND QUINT OPERATOR
One of the final tasks to be completed during a recruits probationary period is the process of gaining the authorization to function as the engine & truck operator. This is a lengthy and comprehensive mission that begins early on in the recruit's orientation. There are multiple components that must be learned to become a competent engine & truck operator. The "Engine/Quint Operator Manual" will provide recruits with valuable information regarding the department's fire apparatus. Recruits should utilize this manual as a guide to facilitate their hands-on training with this process. Operator Acceptance & Competency forms, the Driving Course Competency form, and a log of driving hours must be completed for each apparatus. Note: The Driving Course must be completed with the recruit training officer (Lieutenant Heintz).
BLUE CARD INCIDENT COMMAND
To successfully complete the New Recruit Probation and achieve 1st class Firefighter status, recruits must display an understanding and competency in the Blue Card Incident Command system. Review the Blue Card Incident Command presentation with Lieutenant Heintz and complete the acceptance form. Recruits must also demonstrate their understanding of the system by successfully completing all simulations at the end of the presentation and the competency form must be filled out by the Officer.
