III. RECRUIT RESPONSIBILITIES (GENERAL):

As a Recruit you have taken on a commitment that requires your constant attention. If you become lax in any area of the Academy training it may reflect on how you complete tasks. It is essential that you understand your responsibilities so that you can work to achieve the highest level of performance possible.

A. DISTRACTIONS:
As a Firefighter you are a problem solver. In our profession, much of our work is done in situations that are out of control. Therefore, firefighters must learn to control (both professionally and personally) the things that they can control. Make sure all your personal dilemmas and distractions have been handled. It is hard to be functional at work when you have a personal crisis hanging over your head.

Personal situations do arise. Although the Fire Department does have established lines of communication through the “Chain of Command”, you have the right to inform any member of the Training Staff if you have a personal issue that may compromise your success in the Academy. The Staff will consider these communications as confidential; however, be advised that the Staff may impart information on a need to know basis in an effort to gain assistance.

You should consider volunteering information on potential problems prior to them affecting your performance. The Staff cannot offer assistance if an issue is not known. If you provide an explanation about preexisting distractions or limitations after the task is completed, the Staff will not change the measurement of your performance.

B. ADAPTABILITY / FLEXABILITY:
Emergency operations are dynamic. Although the initial plan of action must be produced quickly, you will also be evaluated for your ongoing situational awareness and adaptability. Standard Operating Procedures or Guidelines (SOP’s / SOG’s) may be an operational foundation; however, you should alter them based on the desired outcome. Doing more of the wrong thing does not make it better. Observe the situation, orientate yourself within the environment, consider your decision as the best guess for a plan of action, and act. These actions are then evaluated by their impact. You may find the need to alter tactics or procedures. Continue this process until the problem is fixed. Each event, no matter how simple or mundane, is a learning experience. Afterwards, take the time to do an honest assessment of your actions.

Cutting a ventilation hole on a roof with a chainsaw is a simple example of this process. There are a number of variations in roofing materials and construction. Using one technique or cutting speed on all roofs will not work. A better way is to learn what an effective cut feels, sounds and looks like. Adjust your cutting methods to achieve those goals. You may be able to do a cut quickly in one situation, but are obligated to do it slower and more deliberately in another. The outcome is the same for both. The techniques are altered based on the situation.

C. RESPONSE TO REDIRECTION:
You are in the Academy to learn. Ask questions. There is a lot to learn and asking questions is one of the best tools for learning. Volunteer to try new things. Take initiative when you see things that need to be done.

As a Recruit you are expected to make mistakes while learning new skills. That is why you are in the Academy. If you make a mistake, admit it, correct it and move on to the next challenge. You are evaluated not only by your initial abilities, but also by your capacity to appropriately respond to correction and re-direction.

You will be trained on how to avoid errors and expected to “trap” potential errors before they are committed. You should also learn to plan for the mitigation of error consequences. Repeated or egregious mistakes may result in a recommendation for termination.

Skills are learned during two-week “blocks” of instruction and are followed by a block examination. It is during these two weeks that the Academy instructors act as coaches, and mistakes are considered part of the learning process. Consider the following example. During the third day of practice with a 20-foot straight ladder, a Recruit is under the eye of the instructor as the ladder is raised multiple times. During one of the raises the recruit makes a mistake and drops the ladder. The instructor will discuss what went wrong and techniques to correct the mistake. No improvement points are assessed. In fact, the same maneuver might be practiced multiple times to correct the mistake.

Improvement points for a skill are assessed for mistakes that occur during block examinations. To continue with the above example; the 20-foot straight ladder is tested during the Block I Skill Examination. If the Recruit mentioned above drops the ladder during the examination, improvement points are assessed according to the grade sheet.

Once a Recruit has demonstrated proficiency in a skill during a block examination, the improvement points associated with the skill, when performed incorrectly or unsafely, will continue throughout the Academy. Continuing with the above example, the recruit mentioned above has passed the skill examination for the 20-foot straight ladder. A simulated fire response is dispatched during the tenth week of the academy. While carrying out an assignment during the simulated fire the same Recruit drops the ladder. Improvement points will be assessed.

D. LEADERSHIP:
At times, during the Academy, you will be expected to take a leadership role. Recruits routinely act as Captains and Engineers and are evaluated relative to the skill level of a Recruit. Even as the lowest ranked Probationary Firefighter you should be able to demonstrate skills in coordinating resources and personnel. All Firefighters are expected to be able to use logical and sound judgment and to make decisions based on available information.

Unacceptable behaviors that may be cause for a recommendation of termination, are those that are divisive, arbitrary, overbearing or demeaning. Also included in this category is if one lets others take charge or places others at risk.

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