Firefighter/EMT
For any questions, please contact our HR department by email [email protected] or by phone at (253) 946-7330.
How to Prepare for Success
- Schedule ride-alongs
- Be physically fit
- Reach out and network with other firefighters – know what you are signing up for
- Be mentally prepared
- Hold yourself accountable and have the right attitude
The role of a firefighter requires physical fitness, mental readiness, and emotional stability. There are several steps candidates can take to set themselves up for success throughout the hiring process, the recruit academy, probation, and their future career.
Be Physically Fit
Successfully passing the CPAT does not guarantee you will meet the physical demands of the recruit academy.
Peak physical conditioning is essential not only when entering the academy but throughout your entire fire service career.
Recruits receive fitness requirements ahead of time, and arriving physically prepared allows you to focus on learning skills rather than struggling with conditioning. Those who lack stamina or strength often learn more slowly, making physical fitness the strongest predictor of recruit success.
Be Mentally Prepared
The recruit academy is physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. Make the academy your top priority and prepare your personal life accordingly. Communicate with your family and significant others about the impact of both the academy and your future shift schedule.
Bring the Right Attitude
1. Strong Will and Accountability
Successful recruits show determination, accountability, and resilience. You must demonstrate grit, learn from mistakes, and maintain a strong work ethic. Firefighting is a hands-on, team driven profession that requires working effectively in challenging physical, emotional, and environmental conditions.
2. Work Ethic
A solid work ethic is essential for completing the academy. Show up ready to work hard and learn—effort is always noticeable.
3. Ability to Take Feedback and Adjust
You must be able to accept feedback and apply it immediately. Recruits will receive ongoing coaching, counseling, and instruction to support their development.
Recruit Training Academy
South King County Fire Training Consortium
The SKCFTC is made up of multiple partner agencies from the South King County area that have joined together to provide unified training and promote consistency in operations. The recruit academy prepares each agency’s newest hires with the essential skills and knowledge required to serve their communities as firefighters.
Training includes the use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), fire hose operations, search and rescue, ladder operations, technical rescue, vehicle extrication, and much more. Recruits also complete five weeks of rigorous Emergency Medical Technician training before graduating from the academy. Upon graduation, recruit firefighters report to their home agencies prepared to ride on a fire engine as probationary firefighters.
The SKCFTC administers the recruit academy for the WAFireCareers partner agencies.
Academy Schedule
The Recruit Academy is a 20 week program that runs Monday through Friday from 0800 to 1700, with a one hour lunch break. Training takes place across multiple locations, including:
- SCKFTC Main Drill Ground: Puget Sound Fire Training Center, 24523 116th Ave SE, Kent, WA 98030
- SCKFTC Classrooms: 20811 84th Ave South, Kent, WA 98032
- Washington State Fire Training Academy: 50810 Southeast Grouse Ridge Road, North Bend, WA 98045
During the academy, recruits will earn the following certifications:
- IFSAC Firefighter I
- IFSAC Firefighter II
- IFSAC Hazardous Materials Awareness
- IFSAC Hazardous Materials Operations
- Emergency Vehicle Incident Prevention (EVIP) Certification
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification – National Registry
Recruits will spend the first 15 weeks completing IFSAC and EVIP certifications along with additional training. The final 5 weeks are dedicated to EMT coursework, which includes morning lectures and afternoon practical sessions.
If a recruit already holds any of the listed certifications, they must still complete all academy coursework and testing. Prior certifications do not exempt participants from any portion of the program.
A detailed learning schedule will be provided to all recruits at the start of their academy.