AboutCaptain Mike Grove Expertise Questions relating to but not limited to:
**Firefighter Entry Exams **Education Requirements **Physical Agility Testing **Interview Process **Scenario Testing
**Todays Emergency Medical Services **Incident Response
**Apparatus Function
**Station Life
**Scene Management
**National Incident Management System.
I possess the ability and willingness to assist those who may be or have family members seeking a future in the fire service or anyone seeking general information relating to promotional opportunities, general fire safety or any other similiar topics.
I have 30 years of full time experience with the city of Overland Park, KS fire department.
Experience 30 year veteran with the City of Overland Park Kansas Fire Department.
Overland Park,a large suburb of Kansas City, Missouri, is the second most populous city in Kansas with a population of 166,000
Overland Park ranks as one of the most progressive departments, as well as cities, in the United States. In 2006 CNN/Money Magazine ranked it 6th on it's "100 Best Cities to live in the United States". A recent 2007 article by National Geographic Magazine lists Overland Park as one of the top 50 US destinations.
Our department seems to grow daily and currently staffs approximately 160 paid fire and EMS personnel covering 69 square miles of territory with five stations. Our training facility is nothing less than state of the art with live computer controlled burn props on several floors of it's five story tower. A recently added Command and Control Center has added a new dimension to our regional wide response to large incidents.
I currently carry the rank of Captain/EMT. To this day I totally love my job and department as well as those individuals I work with. My family members include three brothers in the fire service as well as three in law enforcement. My father was a fire chief with a midwest fire department before he retired after 32 years of service. I am willing and able to answer questions on any fire/EMS related subject you may have. I can help with questions related to entry level testing as well as the physical agility and the interview process. I will do my best to answer any and all questions to your satisfaction in a timely manner.
Education/Credentials Associates of Applied Science in Fire Science Firefighter I/II/III Certification / Kansas University Fire Instructor I / Kansas University Emergency Medical Techician Certification Fire Officer I Certification / Kansas University HazardousMaterials Recognition and Identification Scene Safety Officer Certification / National Fire Academy Incident Command System / National Fire Academy Incident Management System / University of Missouri, Columbia National Incident Management System Certification / National Fire Academy Command and Control of Target Hazards / National Fire Academy
Expert: Captain Mike Grove Date: 6/3/2008 Subject: Do I have what it takes?
Question Hello sir, and in advance, thank you so much for your time! Please know that it is greatly appreciated...
I'll start at the beginning (which is always a great place to start)- I am a 24 year old female looking to be hired on with the Indianapolis Fire Department as a career firefighter. It will be another year or more before they open up for applicants again, according to speculation (just started recruits from last application sweep). I really really really really want and almost need to be a firefighter; it's one of those things where I just know "in my bones" that this is what I'm supposed to be doing with my life. What I need help with is- what can I do now to prepare?
I am a soldier (E-4) in the Army National Guard. My MOS is radiology technician (ie: shooting x-rays on patients), but I was thinking it would be helpful to reclass or double-MOS as a combat medic. I realize the military background is pretty helpful enough, and especially being in a medical unit, but I think going through the AIT and reclassing as a combat medic would be even MORE helpful. Worth it? (Actually, it was my first choice as my MOS, but my recruiter talked me out of it because of my "superb" ASVAB scores haha.) Would it be just as good as a civilian course in EMT-B? (I'd honestly rather go through the military training).
Currently, I am not shooting x-rays on the civilian side. I'm actually a Quality Technician at an industrial pump manufacturing plant. Good money, but there is no pride in my job. I do lots every day, but at the end of the day I've done nothing, you know? However, I don't want my current job getting wind of my looking to change careers, as they might be vindictive. They are already getting the most out of me since I'm working in a position that requires a Bachelor's in mechanical engineering and being paid way less since I don't have that degree.
Also, would it be helpful for me in the hiring process or shine a spotlight if I had the "APFT Excellence Patch"? This is a patch that not many soldiers earn, through scoring a score of 90 or better in each event in the PT test. Right now I'm barely passing, so I realize that endurance and strength is something I'll need to really work hard on and dedicate myself to.
Ok, sorry. I ramble with a keyboard! I think I got all of my questions in there. Thank you again for your time, sir.
-Lindsey
Answer Lindsey:
First of all after reading your question I can see that motivation need not be a factor. Being a combat medic would look good on the application. Does that include Emergency Medical Tech Certification? EMT and Firefighter I certification will get you in most departments. Beinds a medic/paramedic is also a need for the fire service. On our department we have personnel that are half and half, They are designated as firemedics (firefighter/paramedic) Several women on our department fill that role as well. The PT is probably 70% endurance and 30% strength. Work on both and raise a lot of ladders and pull allot of hose to give yourself the fell for what the firefighter testing is all about. Also let me know if you need nany assistance at all. I look forward to hearing from you again.
