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 or no farther than 5 miles from the Main St/Rodoret St intersection
Must have working telephone
Must pass criminal/driving background investigation
Must pass a pre-employment medical exam, drug test, and Fit For Duty exam
Complete a physical agility test
PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST
Pull a charged 1 ¾” hose 100’
Lift and carry a 50’ section of 2 ½” hose with nozzle up and down two flights of stairs three times
Hoist one 50’ section of 1 ¾” hose with nozzle up a height equal to two flights of stairs two times
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
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 Blood borne 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 after becoming credentialed as an Emergency Medical Responder or higher through NCOEMS.
JUNIOR FIREFIGHTER PROGRAM
- Ages 14-17
- Must maintain grades of C or higher
- Must complete 36 hours of training annually (training within the high school fire academy is accepted)
