What It's Like to be a Fire Recruit

August 23, 2019 9:00 AM
by Patrick Nulty

The Santa Monica Fire Department conducts a State-Accredited Fire Academy that delivers certifications in Firefighter Survival, Live Fire, Hazardous Materials, Wildland Fire behavior, and Driving Fire Apparatus.

The 17-week program consists of both manipulative and practical instruction in the general areas of firefighting, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, and urban search and rescue. Recruits typically begin their day at 6:00 a.m. doing physical fitness with training instructors. After their physical fitness routine is complete, they line up for uniform inspections and attend classroom lectures. Most days are rigorous, with recruits training in full firefighting gear while performing various firefighting exercises until the end of the day, which can last as long as 10 hours.

The Santa Monica Fire Department team is constantly evolving to better serve the dynamic Santa Monica community. The department believes in helping people by preserving and improving the safety, health and wellbeing of its citizens, and looks for a diverse set of candidates to join its ranks. The department encourages people who are at the beginning of exploring a career change or transitioning careers to consider the fire service.

To become a firefighter recruit, candidates must:

• Be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment.
• Be a U.S. Citizen, eligible to become a naturalized citizen, or have a legal right to work in the United States.
• Possess a High School Diploma or GED equivalent. • Possess a valid CA driver’s license at time of appointment.
• Have a valid CPAT or Biddle test from within the last 12 months.
• A current CPAT or Biddle test must be completed. Candidates who have the following are strongly desired:
• EMT certification
• California Paramedic license
• Bilingual skills

To learn more, visit: santamonica.gov/join-smfd.

Authored By

Patrick Nulty
Fire Captain