Orange Beach Creates Resident Firefighter Program

1452391_434657416634597_1389338889_nOrange Beach, Alabama’s Fire Department has gotten creative with a bunk-in program that leads to real career opportunities.

While other FDLiveIn.com-like programs may prepare you to take a paid firefighting position in a neighboring fire department, county or state, the Orange Beach approach a step further (or closer to home) to create a farm system for the future of their fire department. And, it offers a ton of great tangible benefits in return for running calls.

Here’s the announcement from their Facebook page. Check it out. Live the dream!

The City of Orange Beach Fire Rescue Department is excited to introduce you to our new Resident Firefighter Program. The primary intent of the program is to increase resources to meet the growing needs of the City of Orange Beach and to provide positive experiences, opportunities, and training to young men and women interested in pursuing a career in the fire service.

January 2014, Resident Firefighters will be selected to become members of the Orange Beach Fire Rescue Department and take residency within one of the Orange Beach Fire Stations February 2014. The resident firefighter is provided living accommodations and basic utilities at no cost and is expected to fill shifts in return (seven/eight 24-hour shifts per month). Resident firefighters who successfully pass the USLA (United States Lifesaving Association) Open Water Lifesaving program will have an opportunity for employment through a Surf Rescue during the spring and summer seasons.

BENEFITS

  • Being a member of our outstanding Fire Department
  • Obtaining necessary hands-on experience and training
  • Alarm response and firefighter duty assignment experience
  • Uniforms and full protective structural firefighting equipment
  • Private individual bedroom and study area at no charge
  • Use of weight room facilities at no charge
  • Preparation for career in emergency services
  • Medical stand-by at The Wharf Amphitheater and other large events
  • Opportunity to live on Alabama’s Gulf Coast

EDUCATION / TRAINING PROVIDED AT NO COST

  • NFPA Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2
  • NFPA Apparatus Operator
  • Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operation
  • Emergency Medical Technician
  • USLA Open Water Lifeguard
  • Discount tuition at Columbia Southern University

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Must be 18 years of age
  • High School diploma or GED
  • Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record
  • A post-offer physical examination and/or drug screen
  • Pass a physical agility exam and swim test
  • Provide a minimum of TWO YEAR commitment to the program, unless otherwise approved by the Fire Chief
  • Obtain Alabama Firefighter I and First Responder designation within one year

STATISTICS

  • Approximately 2,500 calls annually
  • Alabama Fire College Regional Training Center
  • Five Fire Stations
  • Five Engine Companies
  • Two Aerial Ladders (100′ Tiller and 75′ Quint)
  • Two Brush Units
  • Two Wildland Skid ATVs
  • One Quick Attack Rescue Unit
  • One Beach Rescue Unit
  • One Ambulance
  • One Fire Boat
  • Five Surf Rescue Jet Skis
  • Public Safety Dive Team
  • High Angle Rope Rescue
  • Hazardous Materials Response

For more information, please email Chief Shane Phillips at chief@obfd.org. Visit their website at: www.obfd.org

To learn more about the benefits of a bunk-in program for your fire department, visit www.FDLiveIn.com