Columbus Fire Department is adding new requirements for firefighter positions for the department.
The Columbus Board of Public Works has approved changing the job title of firefighter to Firefighter-EMT.
Columbus Fire Chief Andy Lay said that is intended to reflect that every firefighter hired by the city is required to complete training as an emergency medical technician. That’s been a prerequisite for being hired by the Columbus Fire Department since 1985, he said.
In the new job description, changes were also made that set specific standards for both physical and mental fitness, the chief said.
Every firefighter-EMT will have to maintain a specific physical fitness level, as well as complete an annual “fit for duty” evaluation, Lay said.
In addition to that requirement, firefighter-EMTs in Columbus must give their consent to alcohol testing that includes “reasonable suspicion testing,” “return to work testing” and follow-up testing.”
Working unusual shifts, as well as experiencing on-the job anxiety and trauma, is often cited as significant reasons why some firefighters are known to consume more alcohol than the general population, according to studies of job performance of firefighters.
“That is something new in the job description that will go into effect in January,” said Lay, who added his administrators have also added an updated list of preferred qualifications.
Although CFD is now moving ahead with creating a new application process, administrators are in no big hurry. Lay says his department is expected to remain at full staff through next year, with only two firefighters currently scheduled to retire in 2022.
