7 new I.F. firefighters completing academy, including first women in 3 decades
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IDAHO FALLS — Seven recruits in the firefighter training academy are testing their mettle for 11 weeks as they work to become certified firefighters for the Idaho Falls Fire Department.
The recruits train on real-life scenarios, ranging from getting a water supply and stretching a water hose to rescuing someone in various types of situations. Each day begins with a workout and drills. Classroom instruction is included in the training as well.
But Training Officer Jeremy Potter says the real test began before any of the recruits got here.
“It’s a long process that starts with an application period,” Potter tells EastIdahoNews.com.
Applicants are weeded out through a series of exams. It starts with a written exam.
“If you get a high enough score, you get an interview with our interview panel. You get a high enough score on that, you do the physical exam,” says Potter.
During the physical exam, each applicant goes through a combat challenge that involves climbing up a four story building in full fire gear while carrying a fire hose. The goal is to put out the fire and drag a dummy out of harm’s way in seven minutes or less.
The applicants who make it through this process are ranked and interviewed by the fire chief.
“The chief will hire people based on their ranking and how many people we need,” Potter says.
Two of the seven recruits this year are women. The last time a female firefighter was hired by the fire department was in 1988. Potter says they’re thrilled to have them as part of the team.
“We don’t do anything different for any of the employees. They all perform to the same standard and they’ve done a great job.”
One of the female recruits is Angela Corry. She says being a member of the team is wonderful and she is thankful for the opportunity.
“It has been a lot of fun. I’ve learned a ton. We’ve been working really hard,” Corry says. “I love it. It makes me so much more grateful to be a part of this department.”
The recruits are halfway through their training. Once it is complete, they will start going on calls with the fire department. Potter says the first year is a probationary period for recruits.
“We love our job and we love being out here in training. We do our best to be prepared for whatever the public needs us for. So, it’s important to us.”