Lateral Firefighter Hiring Process

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For consideration via the Lateral Firefighter Process the applicant must have 24 months of career firefighting experience and hold valid certifications for the following:

• Indiana or IFSAC Firefighter II
• Indiana or IFSAC Hazardous Materials Operations
• NREMT-B or Indiana EMT-B, A-EMT or Paramedic
• Be a member of or eligible for membership in the INPRS Retirement Program
• Valid Driver's License
• No Felony Convictions

Being a Member of INPRS and having advanced-level certifications may increase hire-ability. 

Be sure to document your work experience and current certifications.

To Apply Click Here: https://joinsbfd.com/submit-application-1  

When we are ready to process a group of Lateral Firefighters we will contact all qualified applicants to take an online exam. This exam measures cognitive ability and fitness for the firefighter role. Applicants will be presented reasoning and critical thinking questions along with personality based questions. The exam is typically completed in less than 30 minutes.

The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is a new minimum requirement for the position of Firefighter. The job of a Firefighter is one of the most physically demanding jobs in North America. It requires high levels of cardiopulmonary endurance, muscular strength, and muscular endurance. The CPAT consists of eight critical physical tasks that simulate actual job duties on the fire ground. Candidates must provide proof of a current passing time on the CPAT from a certified CPAT testing center. A CPAT score is valid for one year. 

The City of South Bend will only accept the Candidate Physical Ability Test.  

To Learn More About the CPAT Click: https://joinsbfd.com/cpat

This step is by invitation and has multiple phases. At this point, you are well on your way to joining the ranks of the SBFD. During the first phase, you will sit for a less formal, but more personal, style of interview. We will specifically look at who you are as a person, your criminal history, and your character. After this phase and assuming you meet the criteria, you will sit for either a Polygraph or a Voice Stress Analysis interview. This phase is to check to see if you are showing any signs of deception during the previous interview. If you pass this portion, and your criminal history does not have any red flags, then you may be extended a conditional offer of employment. The conditional offer is dependent upon passing the subsequent steps in the hiring process.   

Factors That May Decrease Employment Consideration

* Involvement in criminal activity.
* Misdemeanor convictions.
* Documented evidence of domestic violence.
* Military rejection or early discharge for reason/concern.
* Marijuana usage in the last year.
* Illegal acts.
* Past job problems or firings 

Factors That May Result in Automatic Rejection

* Felony conviction.
* Domestic Violence conviction.
* Other than marijuana, illegal drug usage in the last 5 years.
* Drug selling.
* Dishonorable discharge from the military.
* DUI or OWI conviction in the past 5 years. 

All firefighters in the City of South Bend must become members of the Indiana Police and Firefighters Retirement System (INPRS). If you are coming from an agency where you were already a member of INPRS, there is no additional steps on your part. If you need to gain membership you will complete a medical and psychological evaluation. Passing this step will take you to the final step of the process. 

Accept the Job and then complete the Lateral Firefighter Academy. This academy is 10 hours a day, 4 days a week, for a period of 4-6 weeks. Upon completion, you will be assigned to a company working a 24-hour shift.