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We are often asked simply, "How do you guys work?" Below are several topics regarding the job of being a career firefighter, and information on different parts of our job. Do you have any questions? We are happy to answer! Email.
Schedule
Fairview's Career Firefighters work a rotating schedule. In essence, there are no fixed days for employees. Four groups, each made up of one Officer and three Firefighters are on duty at any given time. Groups work the following rotation: Three (3) 10-Hour Day shifts (7AM-5PM), Three (3) 14-Hour Night shifts (5PM-7AM), Six (6) Days off duty. The resulting schedule results in a 42-Hour workweek, and firefighters are compensated as such on a weekly basis. Any time worked in addition to this schedule is payed to firefighters in overtime.
Firefighters are on duty at the Fire Station 7 days per week, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. In addition, we are issued pagers, and can be called back to duty at any time. Firefighters are called back to duty in the event of a fire, natural disaster, or other large-scale incident. In addition to regularly scheduled duty, firefighters are on call 24/7/365. Plans, family events, and other special activities are often disrupted when firefighters are called back to duty.
Overtime
Any additional hours worked by firefighters on top of their rotation is paid out in overtime. Firefighters DO NOT receive time and one half for overtime worked. This is in accordance with the 7(K) exemption in the Fair Labor and Standards Act. (Federal Labor Law) Firefighters are not paid for their excess hours at an overtime rate until they have worked more than 212 hours in a pre-determined 28 day period, or unless they receive less than 14 hours of notice to report to duty. Many police and fire departments in the local area make time and one half for all time worked over 40 hours. If this same provision was made for Fairview Firefighters, the Fire District would be liable for an additional 250% in overtime compensation. Firefighters have purposely not asked for time and one half overtime specifically to help stabilize the district and its taxpayers' financial issues.
Nights/ Weekends/ Holidays
There are no night/ weekend/ or holiday differentials for firefighters on duty. Firefighters report to duty, regardless of the day, time, or any particular holiday. This results in missed time with our families for special events and holidays. Each firefighter understands that this is part of their profession, and we thank our families for their understanding and support in what can often be trying times.
Training
Career firefighters are responsible for a great deal of training on a continuous basis. for more information, click on Training on the Menu to your left.
Physical Standards/Requirements
Firefighting is physically demanding work. As such, firefighters must be in good physical shape to handle dangerous, stressful, and exhausting work conditions at any time. Click on CPAT to the left to see the physical test that all career firefighters must complete before hiring.
Response Times
Career firefighters guarantee a prompt, timely, response from your fire department, well under the national average. We are currently working to gather information and local statistics to properly present this information.
Page Last Updated: Feb 09, 2008 (19:07:31)
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