Established 1867

How to become a Battalion Firefighter

Applications for the Grand Traverse Rural Fire Department Battalion Five are obtained in the central fire office at 897 Parsons Road (at Three Mile) in Traverse City. Upon receipt of application, criminal and driving records are reviewed and interviews conducted. You will be required within eighteen (18) months of hire to obtain Michigan FFI & FFII certification. Michigan FFI & FFII School is scheduled annually beginning in October with final testing in April. The training is held locally at the Regional Fire Training Center on Nimrod Rd. Reference the Battalion Firelighter's job descriptions for specific qualifications and responsibilities.

 Fire Department Battalion Five application (89 KB pdf)


PROBATIONARY MEMBER

DEFINED: Any member accepted by Grand Traverse Rural Fire and the Officers of the Station who has no previous fire training.   Remains Probationary Member until fire training is obtained up to 2 years.  If no training obtained in 2-year period, membership is revoked.
 
A probationary member will remain on probation until six (6) months after attaining a fire fighters certificate and will not vote or collect points pay.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1.Must be minimum of 18 years of age.
2.Must have a valid Michigan driver license with limited points.
3.Must not have any felony convictions.
4.Must pass pre-employment physical and drug screen.
5.Must successfully complete FFI as soon as course is available or be in a class within 2 years of hire date. 
6.Must also have Hazard Materials Awareness and Operations certifications, Driving certification, and Vehicle Extrication certification within 2 years of hire date. 


RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.Will not participate in fire suppression activities including hose handling and S.C.B.A. use during a fire call during Probationary Member status.
2.Will be expected to clean and re-pack all equipment after fire calls.
3.Will be expected to perform miscellaneous duties as assigned by the Officers.
4.Must follow all Department policies and procedures and guidelines.
5.Must attend all monthly meetings and trainings unless excused prior to by an Officer.
6.Will not be subject to run quotas.

FIRE FIGHTER

DEFINED:   Any member who has completed at least FFI, FFII, or both qualifications as per MFFTC course guidelines.  Fire Fighter Certification obtained from any other source will be reviewed and accepted/declined by Rural Fire Chief.  A Probationary period will be in effect for 6 months in which member will not vote or collect points pay. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

1.Must have FFI, FFII, or both certifications.
2.Must obtain M.F.R. license. 
3.Will remain probationary status for a period of 6 months.  

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.Must learn to operate and care for all fire department equipment in a safe and proper way.  Will not drive apparatus or operate any equipment unless proficiency demonstrated to an Officer. 
2.Must respond to fire calls and be proficient in operating all equipment and apparatus.  Must be able to lay and connect hoses, operate nozzles, raise and climb ladders, don S.C.B.A., and operate all hand tools in a safe and proper manner.
3.Must obey all orders as directed by an Officer or Senior Fire Fighter on a fire scene. 
4.Must follow the Chain of Command at all times. 
5.Must obey all Michigan driving laws and Department rules and regulations concerning driving while responding to all calls whether in Fire apparatus or private vehicle. 
6.Must follow all privacy rules and regulations of the Department and hold confidentiality with the utmost concern. 
7.Must direct all public information requests to the Officer in charge of the scene. 
8.Must attend all monthly meetings and trainings unless excused prior to event by an Officer. 
9.Must maintain a run quota of 10% or more. 
10. Member will turn to full status and be allowed to vote during meetings and collect points pay when all of the above responsibilities are met.
11.  Zero activity (unexcused) in any three-month period will result in termination.