200 East Side Drive
Geneva, Illinios 60134
P: 630-232-2530 | F: 630-208-9353

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Geneva Fire Department Recruit Paid-On-Call Firefighter Training Program

FAQ's and Applicant Requirements

What Do Firefighters Do?

Firefighters today do much more than fight fires. They provide rescue services, handle hazardous chemical emergencies and conduct fire prevention investigation and inspection activities. Firefighters also do most of the cleaning and maintenance work required to keep their tools, equipment, building and apparatus ready for immediate response. Many Illinois communities depend on their fire departments to provide emergency medical services, sometimes including ambulances. If you become a Firefighter, you will be assigned to a team, called a company that provides some or all of these services.

Does Illinois establish requirements for Firefighters?

Illinois law requires most cities and fire protection districts, with full-time paid Firefighters, to have either a fire and police, or civil service commission. These commissions handle the hiring, disciplining and promoting of Firefighters.

What are the Minimum requirements?

You must be a United States citizen, 18-35 years of age (36-40 years of age is accepted for applicants that are already certified FFII or higher through the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshall), a high school graduate (or equivalent) and successfully complete a background check by the Geneva Police Department. In addition, you must live within a five mile radius of Geneva.

How do I begin the process?

Stop by Station #1, located at 200 East Side Drive and request an application for a Paid-on-Call Firefighter or Download an Application Here. Complete the application and return it at your convenience. Include with your application the following:

1. a copy of your birth certificate
2. a copy of your high school diploma or equivalent (GED or College Diploma acceptable)
3. a copy of your driver's license

If you have additional questions about the position that are not answered on this web site, please be sure to ask to speak with someone from the department at that time. If no one is available, leave your name and phone number and you will be contacted as soon as possible.

What happens next?

The Geneva Fire Department hires new Paid-on-Call Firefighters in January of each year. After determining if you meet the minimum requirements set by this department, you will be notified of a mandatory orientation session, which is scheduled for all Paid-on-Call applicants. During this presentation, you will learn what expectations this department has for recruit firefighters. At that time, you will have an opportunity to ask any questions you like and meet some of the instructors you will be dealing with in your first year with the department. After the orientation session, you will be asked if you are still interested in applying for the position. If you are, the Geneva Police Department will then conduct a background check of your character and criminal record. Upon successful completion of the background check, the department will determine which applicants will be sent to the department doctor for the pre-employment medical exam. If you pass the medical examination, you will be contacted with the schedule for the upcoming recruit class.

So you've been hired, what's next ?

You will begin a one year recruit period. During this time, you will be a member of the Recruit Class and concentrate on obtaining your certification from the Illinois State Fire Marshal as a Firefighter II. There will be a series of three state administered examinations covering the topics taught in the course. You will also be taught and asked to demonstrate certain "practical" skills such as carrying and climbing a ladder, using breathing apparatus and the like. Upon completion of the Recruit Class, you will concentrate on the two remaining requirements of your recruit period. These are: obtaining your license to drive the fire apparatus and completing the "recruit checklist" which is designed to orient you to the procedures used by this department and are not covered in the Recruit Class/Firefighter II course. These two goals plus passing the Recruit Class examinations must be completed successfully before the end of your 12 month probationary period.

What can I do to improve my chances of becoming a Career Firefighter ?

Look for colleges and universities that have programs in Fire Science and/or Emergency Medical Technician. Many departments prefer candidates who have already met state certification requirements for Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians, etc. If you are a recent high school graduate, and not yet 21, this is a good way to spend the time while waiting to meet the age requirements Fire Departments have for full-time firefighters.

Good Luck!

Firefighting and emergency service is a rewarding career. 
However, it requires a certain amount of sacrifice and willingness to endure some unusual and difficult circumstances. You'll need to be a real team player. But more importantly, it will offer you a sense of having made a difference in your community. You will meet people in a time of need who are looking for help.This program is designed to assist the recruit firefighter in earning a State of Illinois Firefighter II Certification.

All recruits must complete a 12-month orientation period before acceptance as a member of the department.

During this time, recruits will be evaluated by the Training Division based on information and observations provided by the instructional staff of the Southern Kane County Training Association and the officers of this department.

The classes for Firefighter II certification are generally scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Upon completion of the course, students take the certification examination administered by the Illinois State Fire Marshal.Recruits must successfully complete all goals and objectives in the Recruit Checklist that is issued upon completion of the Firefighter II curriculum and covers operations specific to this department and the equipment we use.

All practicals and cognitive skills must be demonstrated to the satisfaction of a department evaluator.Attendance for all scheduled recruit training and department drills / meetings is mandatory.

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