HomeMy WebLinkAbout500.010 - Academy OrientationEffective Date: April 2015 Manuel Graves, Civilian Training Officer
Current Revision Date: 11/29/2023 Section 500.010
Next Revision (1) Date: 11/29/2025 Page 1 of 2
Fresno City Fire Department
500 Firefighter Trainee Manual
SECTION 500.010 ACADEMY ORIENTATION
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish a procedure for delivery of the Firefighter
Trainee Academy orientation.
APPLICATION
A minimum of thirty days prior to the start of an academy, the training staff is to arrange
a pre-academy orientation for the prospective firefighter trainees. This meeting is
usually open to the candidates and one friend or family member.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
Traditionally, a Local No. 202 representative and other support organizations have
been allowed a few minutes to address the firefighter trainees during this meeting to
provide a brief orientation of their services or role, along with contact information. This
informal event may include food and drinks, but more importantly provides the
opportunity for the academy staff and firefighter trainees, along with their family or
friends, to get to know each other and begin networking prior to the first day of class.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Fresno Fire Department (FFD or Department) support services personnel should also
be at the orientation to obtain measurements for protective equipment and provide
information on uniform requirements. If sizing has already been accomplished, this
may be a good time to check the actual fit of equipment and adjust if needed.
During this meeting, the firefighter trainees are to be provided curriculum to begin their
studies. Reading is not mandatory but has proven to enhance the firefighter trainee’s
ability to stay on top of the fast pace of instruction during the academy.
Firefighter trainees should be provided advanced copies of their key textbooks and
given access to Department information. A four to six-hour block is appropriate for a
traditional length academy, and up to eight hours may be needed for a shortened
academy or one with many firefighter trainees.
Effective Date: April 2015 Manuel Graves, Civilian Training Officer
Current Revision Date: 11/29//2023 Section 500.010
Next Revision (1) Date: 11/29/2025 Page 2 of 2
PROCESS
Firefighter trainees are provided information on the following topics.
• Expectations
• Physical Fitness
• Standards
• Daily Schedule
• Rules and Regulations
• Grading and Evaluation
• Uniforms
• Discipline
• Curriculum
• Special Needs/Accommodations
• Technology Platform
INFORMATION
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DEFINITIONS
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CROSS REFERENCES
Firefighter Trainee Manual
Section 501.002, Trainee Academy Rules and Regulations
Firefighter Trainee Manual
Section 501.003, Trainee Grading and Evaluation
Firefighter Trainee Manual
Section 501.005, Department Computer Program Access