ANNOUNCING AN EXAMINATION CYCLE FOR PLACEMENT INTO THE CITY OF PEORIA 2018 FIREFIGHTER ELIGIBILITY POOL
APPLICATION DEADLINE: APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:00 P.M., MONDAY, AUGUST 13, 2018 OR POSTMARKED OR FAXED BY AUGUST 13, 2018.
IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WRITTEN EXAMINATION PROCESS, YOU WILL NEED TO OBTAIN A CANDIDATE PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST (CPAT) CARD. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED YOUR CPAT CARD WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE WRITTEN EXAMINATION DATES (September 14 or 15, 2018), YOU WILL NOT NEED TO GET ANOTHER CARD. BELOW IS THE INFORMATION ON OBTAINING YOUR CPAT CARD FROM THE CITY OF PEORIA.
Application must include the following:
1. Photocopy of Driver's License
2. Photocopy of Birth Certificate. NOTE: This should be a copy of the registered (or certified) birth certificate, which is on file at the courthouse in the county of birth. The hospital certificate (with the footprints of the newborn) is NOT an acceptable document.
3. Photocopy of High School Diploma or High School Transcript or GED Certificate. (You still need to submit a copy of the High School Diploma or High School Transcript or GED Certificate even if you have received a college degree.)
4. Photocopy of CPAT (Candidate Physical Abigility Test) Card (You will need to submit a copy of the CPAT card in order to participate in the testing process.)
CANDIDATE PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST (CPAT)
CPAT is the term used to describe a pass-fail, physical ability test developed by the International Association of Firefighters and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. The tasks include: Stair Climb, Hose Drag, Equipment Carry, Ladder Raise & Extension, Forcible Entry, Search, Rescue Drag, Ceiling Breach and Pull. It is advised that you attend the CPAT Orientation Session, Open Gym, and CPAT Practice Test Session. You will only attend the CPAT Final Test Session only if you didn't pass the CPAT in the Practice Test Session.
All CPAT Sessions will be held at: Champion Building, 5921 N. Galena Road, Peoria, IL 61615.
CPAT Orientation Sessions
Please contact the Fire Training Academy at 309-494-8721 to schedule an appointment.
Saturday, May 5, 2018 - 8:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Saturday, May 19, 2018 - 8:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Saturday, June 2, 2018 – 8:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
CPAT OPEN GYM – This is an opportunity to become familiar with the CPAT equipment, testing components, and work on any areas of the testing process. You can come at any time during the time period to take advantage of the extra help. You are not required to schedule an appointment for Open Gym. The days are listed below:
Tuesday, May 8, 2018 – 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Thursday, May 10, 2018 – 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Tuesday, May 22, 2018 - 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Thursday, May 24, 2018 - 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Tuesday, June 5, 2018 – 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Thursday, June 7, 2018 – 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Tuesday, July 3, 2018 – 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Thursday, July 5, 2018 – 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Tuesday, July 17, 2018 – 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Thursday, July 21, 2018 – 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
CPAT Timed Practice Test Sessions
Please contact the Fire Training Academy at 309-494-8721 to schedule an appointment.
Saturday, June 30, 2018 - 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Saturday, July 14, 2018 – 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
CPAT Final Test Examination
Please contact the Fire Training Academy at 309-494-8721 to schedule appointment.
Friday, July 27, 2018 - 2:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
Saturday, July 28, 2018 - 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Friday, August 10, 2018 – 2:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
Saturday, August 11, 2018 – 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
DRESS CODE FOR CPAT EXAMINATIONS
For safety reasons, you are REQUIRED to WEAR:
- Long pants (no shorts)
- T-shirt or Sweatshirt
- Athletic Shoes (Footwear without an exposed heel or toe)
- No loose or restrictive jewelry, including watches
CANDIDATES NOT ADHERING TO THIS DRESS CODE WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY CPAT ACTIVITIES!
CRITERIA FOR PASSING THE CANDIDATE PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST (CPAT)
1. Candidates must complete all events in or under the designated time. The cutoff time for passing the exam has been set at 10 minutes and 20 seconds. The stopwatches will be set to the pass/fail time of 10 minutes and 20 seconds and will count down to 0 seconds. If you run out of time prior to completing the test, the test will be concluded. You will not be told your time during the testing process.
2. Candidates must complete all events in the specified amount of time in the required sequence or they fail the examination.
3. Upon completion of the test, candidates will be informed of their pass/fail status.
You will be better prepared to pass the CPAT examination if you attend all sessions of the testing process. APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED TO OBTAIN THE CONSENT OF THEIR PHYSICIAN BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN THE CANDIDATE PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST (CPAT).
Fees for CPAT Examination:
NON-RESIDENTS
$150.00 for non- residents of the City of Peoria (No Fee for Open Gym)
- There is no fee to participate in the Orientation Sessions.
- There is no fee to participate in the Practice Test Sessions. If you pass the CPAT Test in the Practice Test Sessions, you can pay the $150 fee to obtain your CPAT card.
- You will be able to satisfy the State requirement to perform a ladder card at the time of your CPAT card certification.
CITY OF PEORIA RESIDENTS
There is No Charge for City of Peoria residents (Must have a proof of residency such as a valid State of Illinois driver's license or Illinois I.D. card, to be provided at the time of the test.)
- There is no fee to participate in the Orientation Sessions.
- There is no fee to participate in the Practice Test Sessions. If you pass the CPAT Test in the Practice Test Sessions, you will obtain your CPAT card at no cost.
- You will be able to satisfy the State requirement to perform a ladder card at the time of your CPAT card certification.
Examples of Duties
WRITTEN EXAMINATION ORIENTATION
(Voluntary)
Attendance at the Written Examination Orientation is not mandatory, however it is suggested that you attend to learn more about the Fire Department's goals and structure, hiring outlook, qualifications of a Firefighter and career opportunities with the department. In addition to the general orientation, there will be discussions on interview preparation and techniques on how to interview with the Fire Department and Fire and Police Commission. The Fire and Human Resources Departments will be on hand to answer all your questions.
The written exam orientations will be held on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 – 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 25, 2018 – 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the Peoria Public Library, 107 NE Monroe, Auditorium (Basement), Peoria, IL 61602.
WRITTEN EXAMINATION
(Mandatory)
This testing period there will be two (2) days offered to take the written examination. You can choose which examination you would like to attend. (There is no sign up needed)
You will only attend one examination date. NO ONE ADMITTED AFTER 9:00 a.m.! (No exceptions)
Friday, September 14, 2018 OR Saturday, September 15, 2018, at 9:00 a.m.
(Report prior to 8:45 a.m., test begins promptly at 9:00 a.m.)
Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson, Classrooms 220-222, Peoria, IL 61602
You will be notified immediately following the examination of your written examination score. Please notify the Human Resources Department in advance of the testing process if accommodations are required.
Minimum Qualifications
AGE: Minimum age at the time of hire is 21 years old. Maximum age at the time of application is 34 years old except: Applicants having previous full-time employment on an Illinois Fire Department or with an Illinois Fire Protection District; or applicants who have served the hiring department (as a volunteer, paid-on-call, or part-time) for the 5 years preceding the time the Department begins to use full-time firefighters.
EDUCATION: Minimum: Graduation from High School or GED equivalency accepted. Prefer candidates with Fire Science college courses or degree in Fire Science or related field, and emergency medical technician (EMT) certification.
OTHER: U.S. Citizenship; valid driver's license; physical condition to perform the essential functions of the position and pass physical agility exam; no felony conviction.
VISION-HEARING: Must meet minimum standards for vision and hearing.
RESIDENCY: Applicants need not be residents of the City to apply. If hired, shall establish and maintain in the City of Peoria by the end of your probationary period (one year). At the conclusion of five (5) full years of service and of Peoria city limits residence, may establish and maintain residency within the City of Peoria or outside the City within a 20 mile radius of the Peoria Fire Central headquarters, 505 NE Monroe St., Peoria, IL.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position and pass the physical agility exam.
Examinations: Must pass CPAT and written examinations for placement into the Eligibility Pool; must pass background investigation, oral interviews, polygraph, medical examination, including a drug screen and psychological examinations prior to hire.
2018 SALARY - $52,933.79 annually
Supplemental Information
DRUG USE POLICY
FOR ASSESSMENT OF
POLICE RECRUITS AND FIREFIGHTERS
It is a primary function of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners to pass upon the qualifications and fitness of candidates for entry-level positions in the City of Peoria Fire Department and Police Department.
In the interest of consistency, it is the desire of the Board to establish a policy to assist Commissioners in making those judgments.
1. Illegal Drugs: While the Commission continues to believe that issues of illegal drug usage or involvement must be decided on a case-by-case basis, it is the consensus of the Commissioners that in the absence of exceptional circumstances, certain conduct clearly demonstrates a lack of commitment to a career as a public safety officer with the City of Peoria. This would include, but not be limited to:
- Unlawful delivery or manufacture of a controlled substance or cannabis for profit;
- Unlawful use of a controlled substance or cannabis after a candidate has submitted their application for the next Police or Fire Eligibility Pool.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY THE Board of Fire & Police Commission on July 5, 2017. Effective with the next Police and Fire Eligibility Pools established.