Firefighter academy tips for success

• Be in EXCELLENT physical condition before your first day in the fire academy. The Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) is the minimum requirement for physical fitness. Many recruits realize during the academy that their routine for achieving fitness needs more functional movements, mobility exercises, and muscle endurance and strength.
• Recognize that firefighting is a high-level risk career.  People's lives are at stake, including your own.  Be committed to your learning and training.
• Learn about the history of PF&R. We have over 100 years of rich tradition.
• Understand that the year you invest in the Training Academy is an investment in your future career.  Firefighting is not a job; it is a career.
• Be a team player.  Do not try to be the star.  Help others around you, and be genuine about it.
• Take care of yourself physically and emotionally.  Rest, eat well, and take time to spend with your family and friends. Develop healthy habits to thwart the unpreventable stressors of a career in the fire service.
• Keep an open mind about new experiences. You are going to learn the techniques of PF&R; they may be different from your previous experience.
• Be prepared to train in all climate conditions, from hot summers to cold, wet winters.
• Use effective time management for your studying and physical training.
• Come to work every day prepared physically and mentally to accomplish any challenges given to you.
• Attitude is everything. Develop and maintain an attitude of constant learning and humbleness.

Take pride in your profession and in the opportunity to become a Portland Firefighter. We'll get you started, but it is up to you to keep improving. The degree of success that you experience is dependent on the amount of effort you put into your career.