COD-Public Safety Academy Fire Academy Application Information

Part-Time Academy

Important Dates to Remember

The College of the Desert-Public Safety Academy FIRE 063A (Basic Firefighter Academy-Part 1) is the

first required course of a sequential two semester accredited SFM Basic Firefighter Academy designed to

provide cadets with a basic knowledge of fire service operations and the entry level skills required by most

fire departments. Successful completion of both FIRE 063A and FIRE 063B (Basic Firefighter Academy-

Part 2) are required to be eligible to apply for the State Firefighter I Certificate. The part-

time academy amounts to a total of 18.5 units and a student completing the academy will receive 17 

certificates of achievement through the California State Fire Marshal’s Office, California State Training 

Institute, the National Wildland Coordinating Group, and FEMA.

Please review the application and make sure it is completely filled out, with the appropriate paperworkattached, before submission.

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Application Due for Part-Time Academy Must be postmarked no later than July 6, 2012

Orientation Date August 8, 2012 at 6pm RWTCPre-Academy Fitness Class (Mandatory) TBA

Fire Academy Begins August 28, 2012 (Tuesday) at 5:30 pm

Prerequisites for the Fire Academy Fire Protection Organization (FIT 1) or equivalent Current Emergency Medical Technician Certification (California State or local EMS 

Agency EMT certification). Certification must be current at time of academy start date. Physical Abilities Test Certificate (CPAT or BIDDLE must be completed within one

(1) year prior to the start of the fire academy.)

Proof of successfully completing “Fire Protection Organization” (FIT 1) or an equivalent course can be 

done by submitting unofficial transcripts.  Most community colleges in California that have a 

Fire Technology program offer this class.  Classes taken out-of-state or with an ROP will need to

be reviewed by our Department Chair to determine if it meets equivalency. If this is the case, a copy of 

the course syllabus will need to be submitted. You should do this as soon as you decide to apply to the Fire Academy and not wait until applications are due.

An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification must be obtained. A current copy of a CaliforniaState or Local EMS Agency EMT certification card must be attached to the application packet. A school’sCourse Completion certificate does not replace this requirement.

A CPAT or BIDDLE physical abilities test can be found at the following links:CPAT -  http://www.cffjac.org/go/jac/ BIDDLE -  http://www.riohondofire.com/biddle.html  orhttp://www.sac.edu/faculty_staff/academic_progs/departments/fire/phys_ability_test.htm A copy of a current CPAT card or BIDDLE letter must be attached to the application packet.

Sponsorship: Department sponsoring cadet will provide safety gear/equipment and accepts responsibility

for replacement or repair of such gear/equipment as necessary.

Any financial support given to a cadet is at the agency’s discretion.

The fire department’s TRAINING CHIEF or TRAINING CAPTAIN must submit a letter of sponsorship or nomination on Department letterhead to the Office of Fire Technology. A copy should be included in the application packet.

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Selection ProcessThe fire academy is open to all students who meet the pre-requisites.  Extra points are awarded to applicants for the following:

1.   Military Experience2.   Associate’s Degree3.   Bachelor’s Degree4.   Master’s Degree5.   Public Safety experience6.   Paramedic license7.   Fire Technology classes above the minimum required to apply to 

the fire academy

If additional spots are available, applicants who are currently taking the prerequisites may be  invited to the academy provided all required documentation is submitted prior to the beginning of the pre-fire academy class.

Once candidates are selected to the academy, an alternate list may be developed.  These applicants will be allowed to participate in the Pre-Academy Fitness class.  If a spot in the academy is available, applicants will be chosen from the alternate list.

Financial Aid:Some costs for the fire academy may be waived, such as unit fees, by applying for financial aid  now atwww.fafsa.ed.gov.  When applying, use the College of the Desert code: 001182.  For further information,contact Student Financial Services at (760) 773-2532.

Physical/Medical Exams  

In order to participate in the fire academy all cadets must complete a physical/medical exam prior tostarting the Fire Academy (FIT S3). Once you are accepted into the academy, you will receive a packet to complete and take to your physician. You must return your paperwork by the end of the Pre-Academy to

continue to the Fire Academy. 

Academy Schedule Classes are scheduled for every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30pm-9:50pm and every Saturday 8:00am-4:30pm.

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College of the Desert

Program   Requirements:

 Minimum age of 18 to apply Possession of a current California EMT certification Successful completion of FIT 1 (Introduction to Fire Protection Organization) or college level equivalent.

NO EXCEPTIONS. Unofficial transcript required. Current Physical Abilities Test Certificate (Biddle or CPAT completed within 9 months prior to the first day

of the academy)How   to   apply:  Applications are available at http://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/students/ap/psa/Pages/firemarshal.aspx  Applications must be complete to be considered. Applications must be submitted via mail to 43-500 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert, CA 92260

Attention: I. Otero PSA Fire Academy CoordinatorIf accepted, cadets will receive additional information to complete a physician’s physical and

respiratory fitness physical exam, which is required prior to attending the Fire Academy.Once you complete this 2 Semester / 18.5 unit course you will be issued the followingcertificates:

   Fire Control 1   Fire Control 3   Fire Control 4a / 4b   Fire Control 6   Fire Control 7   NWCG IS – 200   NWCG S – 190   FEMA IS – 700   Firefighter Survival   Low Angle Rope Rescue

   Auto Extrication   Rapid Intervention Crew Tactics   Confined Space Awareness   NFA Response to Terrorism   CSTI Hazardous Materials First Responder

Operations   CSTI Hazardous Materials First Responder

Decontamination   CAL FIRE Basic (formerly 67 hour academy)

Academy   Schedule   for   Fall   2012 :Orientation Aug. 8, 2012 at 6pm Roy Wilson Training CenterAcademy: Aug. 28, 2012 – December 15, 2012

Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30pm-9:50pm and every Saturday 8am-4:30pm

COD-PSA Basic Fire Academy is accredited through the California   State   Fire   Marshal’s   Office . For further information please contact the Fire Technology Office at (760) 346-8041 ext. 5691 or viaemail, iotero@collegeofthedesert.edu

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Applicant’s Name:

Application Packet

APPLICATION   REQUIREMENTS:

   Signed Acceptance Policy   Completed Application   Current copy of California State EMT Certification   Proof of FIT 1 of equivalent “Fire Protection Organization.” (UNOFFICIAL transcript required

for courses – DO NOT send official transcripts)   Physical Abilities test certificate (Biddle or C-PAT) within one (1) year prior to the first day of 

the academy.   Resume   Nomination / Sponsorship Letter (To   be   completed   by   the   Training   Chief   )

APPLICATION   PROCEDURE:

Application must be mailed to: 43-500 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert, CA 92260 Attention: I. Otero PSA Fire Academy Coordinator

Postmarked no later than July 6, 2012

Coordinator’s Signature:   Date:

Basic   Firefighter   Academy   Acceptance   Policy

Due to the overwhelming demand for the COD-PSA Fire Firefighter Academy, acceptance into the programis based on the following:

Industry sponsorship and open enrollment

 Only complete applications will be accepted. Sponsoring agencies have the first right of refusal for their allotted positions. The Fire Academy Coordinator may reassign positions to other agencies as needed. Positions not filled by agencies will convert to open enrollment.

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 Applications for enrollment that exceed the class maximum will be placed into a lottery for selection.

Participating Coachella Valley Fire Agencies: Cathedral City F.D. (allotted 4 spots) Palm Springs F.D.   (allotted 4 spots) Riverside County / CAL Fire   (allotted 8 spots)

Sponsorships & Nominations: Sponsorship

Use of department safety equipment (Sponsoring department will be responsible forreplacing or repairing equipment that may be damaged under normal circumstances during the courseof the academy.)

 Any financial support given to a cadet is at the agency’s discretion.

 Sponsored applicants: Please have the department submit a Sponsorship letter on Departmentletterhead to the Fire Academy Coordinator.   A copy should be attached to your completed application.

Please contact the Fire Technology Office at (760) 346-8041 ext. 5691 if you have questions.

I   have   read   and   understand   the   above   policy   and   I   meet   the   minimum   requirements   for   enrollment into   this   program.

Signature: Date:

Basic   Fire   Fighter   Academy   Admission   Application

Name:Last First MI(REQUIRED)

Address:Street City State Zip

Date of Birth: (Must be at least 18 years of age) AgePhone Number(s): Home: Cell:Email address:Medical Insurance Provider: Policy#:CA Driver’s License Number:Social Security Number:

Educational   Background Name of High School: Year of Graduation:

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Name of College:Course Major or Area of Study:Units Completed:     Degree: Year of Graduation:

ExperiencePlease list any experience related to the fire service. Include department andsupervisor’s name and corresponding dates:

Current Department Station Phone #

Military   Experience No Yes

Please list Branch, dates, rank and duties:

Please check box if successfully completed:California EMT Certified Fire Protection Organization (FIT-1) or equivalent

Physical Abilities Test (Biddle or CPAT) within 9 months prior to the first day of the academy.

Signature Date

Request for Nomination

THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE TRAINING CHIEF.

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The _____________________________ Fire Department/Agency would like to nominate

_________________________________ for a position in the upcoming College of the Desert Basic Fire Academy.

We will not provide the above mentioned applicant with safety equipment.

We further understand that we are not responsible for covering this individual under Worker’s Compensation Insurance.

_________________________________ _____________________

Print Name Title

(_____)_______________________ _____________________

Contact Number Date

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Request for Sponsorship

THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE TRAINING CHIEF.

The _____________________________ Fire Department/Agency would like to sponsor

_________________________________ for a position in the upcoming College of the Desert Basic Fire Academy.

We will provide the above mentioned applicant with safety equipment.

We further understand that we will replace or repair equipment that may be damaged under normal circumstances during the course of the Academy.

_________________________________ _____________________

Print Name Title

(_____)_______________________ _____________________

Contact Number Date

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Desert Community College Districton behalf of College of the Desert

Basic Firefighter Academy Hold Harmless AgreementI _________________________________________ wish to attend the College of the Desert’s Public Safety Academy Basic Firefighter Training held at the Roy Wilson Training Center. I understand that thetraining consists of physical conditioning activities and hands on “skills testing”, as it relatesto the fire service. The physical conditioning program consists of rigorous physicalexercise on a weekly basis.

The skills related to fire fighting activities will include heavy lifting, climbing and otherarduous activities while on the ground, on ladders, in stairways, on roofs and otherelevated locations. I understand that I will also have to perform in confined spaces andin areas of limited or zero visibility. I understand that I will be required to wear firefighting protective clothing including coat, pants, boots, helmet and a 35-pound selfcontained breathing apparatus. I understand that I will also engage in actual fire fighting,in extreme IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) environments.

The physical conditioning involves exercise focusing on cardiovascular endurance as wellas muscular strength. The intensity of the various exercises is individualized to the ability ofthe academy class and is generally increased throughout the course of the program.

Each exercise session lasts approximately 60 minutes and consists of an 8-10 minutewarm-up, 30-45 minute conditioning session focusing on a primary training objective, and 3-5 minute cool-down. Physical exercises may include, but are not limited to, sit-ups, legraises, push-ups, and ¼ to 5-mile runs, wind sprints and pull-ups.

I understand the inherent dangers of fire service activities and the training involved in theBasic Fire Academy. I have shown proof of medical insurance to cover any injuries that mayoccur as a result of my participation in the Basic Fire Academy and agree not to holdCollege of the Desert or its Staff liable for any injuries that may occur during the course ofinstruction.

I HEREBY RELEASE, DISCHARGE, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE THE DESERT COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT,   ITS   TRUSTEES,   OFFICERS,   EMPLOYEES,AGENTS  OR  VOLUNTEERS,  AND  IF  APPLICABLE,  OWNERS  AND  LESSORS  OFPREMISES ON WHICH THE ACTIVITY TAKES PLACE FROM ALL LIABILITY, CLAIMS,DEMANDS, LOSSES, OR DAMAGES ON MY ACCOUNT CAUSED BY OR ALLEGED TOBE CAUSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE “RELEASEES.” I

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FURTHER AGREE, THAT IF, DESPITE THIS RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY,ASSUMPTION  OF  RISK,  AND  INDEMNITY  AGREEMENT  I,  OR  ANYONE  ON  MYBEHALF, MAKES A CLAIM AGAINST ANY OF THE RELEASEES, I WILL INDEMNIFY,SAVE, AND HOLD HARMLESS EACH OF THE RELEASEES FROM ANY LITIGATION

EXPENSES,  ARBITRATION  EXPENSES,  MEDICAL  EXPENSES,  ATTORNEY  FEES,LOSS, LIABILITY, DAMAGE OR COST WHICH MAY BE INCURRED AS THE RESULTOF SUCH CLAIM.

I HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTANDTHAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT AND HAVE SIGNEDIT FREELY AND WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT OR ASSURANCE OF ANY NATUREAND INTEND IT TO BE A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALLLIABILITY TO THE GREATEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW AND AGREE THAT IFANY PORTION OF THIS AGREEMENT IS HELD TO BE INVALID, THE BALANCE,NOTWITHSTANDING, SHALL CONTINUE IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.

Print Name

Signature Date

Insurance Company Policy Number Name of Policy Holder

   Please check box if you do not have medical insurance at this time.

Uninsured applicants are still eligible for appointment to the Academy.I understand that the COD Student Health fee is intended for  minor  injuries and does notcover major medical expenses.

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Print Name

Signature Date

Estimated Fire Academy Costs*

Basic Firefighter Academy Fees**:$ 851.00 18.5 units at $ 46.00 per unit$ 280.00 Certificates$ 5.50 Student Transportation Fee$  18.00 Health Fees$  10.00 Student Activities Fee$ 760.00Safety Gear Rental (Students must bring in NFPA Approved Safety Gear If

Not Renting) Refer to Turnout Rental attachment

$ 60.00 IFSTA, 5th Edition (Enhanced) Essentials of Firefighting and Fire Department

Operations

$ 173.50 Total for Physical Fitness Uniforms & Equipment. Includes the following:$ 53.00 - 4 T-shirts ($12.50 each)$ 45.00 2 pairs of gym shorts$ 40.00 - 1 Physical Fitness Pack 

( Jump Rope, Foam Roller, Lacrosse Ball, and P.T. Reflector)

Total for Uniforms. Includes the following:$44.00 - 2 pairs of pants ($22.00  each) (larger sizes extra)$42.00 - 2 short sleeve shirts ($21.00 each) (long sleeve extra if needed to cover tattoos)$  8.00 - 4 Patches ($2.00 each)$ 5.00 - 1 Name tag (embroidered)$ 4.00 - 1 Black clip-on tie$ 3.00 - 1 Silver tie bar$  15.00 - 1 Black basket weave  1 ½” with square silver buckle uniform belt$ 80.00 - 1 Black lug sole boots with steel toe (must be able to hold shine)Structure Helmet liner and Class Shield

*** Academy will provide vendors for all uniforms / accessories***Authorized vendors include P&P uniforms (See Attachment)

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Running Shoes: $ 50.00 - $ 150.00

* All costs are estimated and subject to change** Financial Aid available

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