2024 ANNUAL REPORT - Final

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EMERGENCY SERVICES

Training Office (continued)

Recruit Academy

On February 12, 2024, Frederick County’s 36th and 37th Recruit Classes began their Academy with 55 total Recruits and graduated 40 Probationary Firefighters on August 23, 2024. The job application process required each candidate to pass a written test, successfully complete a physical agility test and undergo a complete physical and psychological evaluation, as well as a comprehensive background investigation. The 28-week academy is structured to ensure each recruit is trained in the various facets of fire and rescue, to include a structured and rigorous physical training program. The Academy consists of CPR, Firefighter I, Hazardous Materials Operations, Rescue Technician Site Operations and Vehicle, Machinery and Equipment, Firefighter Survival and Rescue, Arson Detection for the First Responder, National Registry Emergency Medical Technician, Emergency Vehicle Operator, Truck Company Fireground Operations, and Firefighter II. Each recruit completes nearly 1,000 hours of training prior to graduation from the academy. In the summer of 2024, a month-long application process was started to develop an eligibility list for future hiring. This yielded approximately 600 applicants and was used to establish the rosters for RC38 and RC39 that will begin on January 13, 2025.

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