Third Phase: Firefighter Cadets

Now its time for Training!!  This is the beginning of your career.  What you learn here could very well save your life, or the lives of others some day!!!  The friends and associations you make while in Cadet Training will stay with you for at least the next 30 years!!!    Firefighter Candidates who are appointed to the San Antonio Fire Academy by the City Manager undergo about six months of extensive academic and physical training, including: SAFD's 940-hour, 25 week fire fighting program, earning their certification as a Basic Structural Firefighter. SAFD’s 200-hour Emergency Medical Technician curriculum, earning their Basic Emergency Medical Technician certification. Upper body strength is essential in the fire department.  Imagine you’re on a ledge, with your gear on. You either going to have to hold on or pull yourself back up. The core is vital to every direction you move and is critical to protecting your back.  Unlike the physical exertion you would perform at the gym or before a morning jog, no one has time to stop and stretch prior to a fire or other emergency.   Continued Emphasis on Physical Fitness Cardiovascular fitness is foundational to the profession of firefighting, and if a Candidate is selected to attend the San Antonio Fire Academy, it is extremely important to show up in good shape. The Cadet Fitness Cover Letter and the Cadet Fitness Program outline the SAFD Cadet Physical Training Program. Keep in mind that these documents indicate the minimum fitness level a Candidate should be at upon entry to the academy. We also recommend that incoming Cadets be able to achieve the following: Run 1.5 miles in less than 13:00 minutes. Complete 30 push-ups in 1 minute. 5 Pull-ups Complete 40 sit-ups in 1 minute. Have a Body Fat Index of less than 20%. Sit & Reach of 19 inches After Graduation from the Fire Academy Graduating Firefighters also known as Probationary Fire Fighters, will immediately participate in standard fire service activities such as fire suppression, inspections, rescue operations, pre-fire planning, and station and equipment maintenance. Promotional Opportunities Promotional opportunities to the next higher rank begin four years from the date a Firefighter entered the Fire Academy, they are eligible to take a promotional examination for the next higher rank. Examinations are given yearly and an eligibility list is formed with the passing scores. Individuals on the list are eligible for promotion as vacancies occur within the department. As employees are promoted, additional assignment opportunities will open up in areas such as: Emergency Medical Service Fire Prevention Arson Bureau Fire Training Academy Aircraft Rescue Firefighting Team Hazardous Materials Response Team Technical Rescue Team Wildland/Urban Interface Team Non-Firefighting Positions - SAFD also employs administrative and other support personnel. For information on open positions and this employment process, visit the City of San Antonio’s Human Resources website. Wages & Benefits - The City of San Antonio works to provide a competitive compensation and benefits plan to attract, retain, and motivate its workforce. For general information, visit the City of San Antonio’s Human Resources website. Job Fairs & Career Days SAFD participates in numerous local and statewide career and job fairs each year. For information on our schedule or to request our participation, contact our Recruiting Office at (210) 207-8427. For recruiting questions, or how to get into the Fire Dept., please contact: Recruiting Office 215 S. San Saba, Suite 107 San Antonio, Texas 78207 (210)207-8427 E-mail:SAFDRecruit If you are on an active ELIGIBILITY LIST and have questions about your current status OR an upcoming CPAT, click here to send e-mail to: Applicant Processing