Once offered a position, all candidates must successfully complete our in-house, paid recruit training program. Upon successful completion of recruit school, firefighter recruits are assigned to an Operations Division company to complete their probationary term. Upon satisfactory completion of a probationary firefighter's first six months, they receive a permanent appointment as a Firefighter.

In addition to comprehensive classroom instruction, the program includes training in firefighting techniques and equipment use. The Rochester Fire Recruit Academy is known as a hands-on, drill-intensive training program. Recruits are evaluated daily and must successfully complete all training elements in order to graduate.

• During the  8-10 week Academy recruits will be prepared to respond to the wide array of emergency services the fire department responds to.

• Recruits will complete daily physical fitness training

• Real-time exercises will be utilized to assure recruit skill retention and preparedness prior to academy graduation

• Specialized training components

  • Rope Rescue

  • Confined Space

  • Hazardous Materials Technician