State of Connecticut Executive Branch

In the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services/Connecticut Valley Hospital, Department of Developmental Services/Southbury Training School, the University of Connecticut, Storrs and University of Connecticut Health Center this class is accountable for the performance of fire fighting and the provision of emergency medical services, fire prevention inspections and activities and hazardous materials responses.

Works under the general supervision of a Fire Lieutenant or other officer of higher rank.

Incumbents in this class serve as a member of a fire team on an assigned shift and function in the following areas:
1. FIRE FIGHTING AND RESCUE: Acts as first responder to fire, medical and hazardous materials incidents; evaluates nature and severity of incidents; selects appropriate tools and techniques and activates appropriate type of water, chemical and/or foam spray; drives apparatus to emergency scene in the event of alarm; receives on-the-job training in structural (including high rise) fire fighting and various technical rescue procedures.
2. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES: As a first responder to medical incidents evaluates medical condition of patient; provides temporary treatment and/or critical intervention for injuries; communicates with area hospitals for guidance; transports patient to hospital if necessary; provides mutual aid rescue services within designated area; may be required to serve as a Paramedic on scene.
3. FIRE PREVENTION: Conducts routine inspection tours of facilities to check and/or maintain alarm boxes, hydrants, smoke and heat detectors, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and foam systems; reports any dangerous or inadequate conditions; designs escape routes; may conduct special investigations or present fire prevention training seminars.
4. EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE: Performs daily maintenance and checking of personal equipment to ensure readiness for emergency situations; examines apparatus to ensure adequate levels of gasoline, oil, water, foam and chemicals; performs operational checks of apparatus and pumps; ensures ambulance and emergency rescue vehicles are stocked with necessary equipment and medical supplies; maintains all bio-hazard equipment.
5. COMMUNICATIONS: Checks and tests radios and alarms; maintains communication log; may serve as dispatcher.
Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of fire fighting, fire prevention and crash rescue techniques; knowledge of emergency medical services techniques; knowledge of fire inspection and prevention techniques; knowledge of hazardous materials and instrumentation; knowledge of fire codes; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to evaluate emergency situations and develop effective courses of action; ability to work under pressure; ability to prepare reports; ability to utilize computer software.

National certification by the National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications (NPQS) or the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFACC) or State Certification by the Connecticut Fire Academy that meet the provisions of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Firefighter 2.

Successful completion of prescribed training and probationary requirements set forth in the class of Protective Services Trainee.

1. Incumbents in this class must have reached their 18th birthday.
2. Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license with proper endorsements.
3. Incumbents in this class must possess and retain Hazardous Materials Operational level certification.
4. University of Connecticut, Storrs: Incumbents in this class may be required to obtain and retain Hazardous Materials Technician level certification.
5. Incumbents in this class may be required to obtain and retain Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification or a Paramedic license.

In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for appointment.

1. Incumbents must have general good health, be free from any disease or injury which would impair health or usefulness and possess and retain sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, endurance and visual and auditory acuity required to perform all the duties of the class.
2. Applicants may be required to pass a physical examination.

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to a moderate amount of lifting equipment, danger of injury or loss of life during fire fighting and crash rescue operations and handling of hazardous materials; significant mental stress in responding to life and death emergencies and to strongly disagreeable conditions including exposure to weather, loud noises and hazardous materials.

In accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreement's compensation guidelines.

Classified/Non-Examined

(28)-Police-Protective Services

(09)-PROTECT SERV (NP-5)

(4)-Protective Service

PS 13

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Firefighter in Salary Group PS 13 approved effective March 9, 2012. (Revised to implement step adjustment and modify content as a part of the 2022 NP-5 Contract Negotiations) Final No. 22-125

10/07/2022