It’s one of the most rewarding jobs on earth and the proudest tradition of Community Service. Fire Recruit is an entry level position leading toward a professional firefighting career. Upon successful completion of the Fire Academy, recruits are assigned to the Operations Division where they will, as part of a team, deliver quality customer service to the community.
Firefighters are involved in fire suppression operations. However, this is only one aspect of the job. The Olympia Fire Department also provides Emergency Medical Service (EMS). Eighty percent (80%) of the calls firefighters respond to are for emergency medical care. The calls include motor vehicle accidents, heart attacks, strokes, home accidents, and other medical and trauma related incidents.
When not responding to emergency medical calls, firefighters are involved in a variety of other activities. Below is a list of some of the many programs and activities firefighters perform on a daily basis.
- Emergency Preparedness
- Community Education
- Public Service Work
- Building Inspections
- Personal Development
- Station and Apparatus Maintenance
Olympia Firefighters work a 24 hour shift with 48 hours off. Work begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 7:30 a.m. the next morning. Firefighters normally work 8 shifts every 27 days, with one 24 hour Kelly Day off.