Resident Program
Launch your Fire Service Career with the Frenchtown Rural Fire District Resident Program
The FRFD Resident Program is a three-year live-in training and education opportunity designed for individuals pursuing careers in fire, EMS, and emergency services. Residents receive housing, hands-on emergency response experience, professional certifications, tuition reimbursement, and mentorship while serving alongside career and volunteer firefighters in a progressive combination fire district.
Physical Fitness Entry Standard
The Frenchtown Rural Fire District Resident Firefighter Program requires all applicants to successfully complete a practical fitness assessment designed to evaluate the physical demands of emergency response work. The assessment consists of a continuous 10-minute circuit that simulates common firefighting tasks including stair climbing, equipment carries, tire flips, hose drags, and bodyweight exercises.
Applicants must complete all seven events in sequence without rest periods and within the established time limit. The standard is designed to measure functional strength, cardiovascular endurance, work capacity, and the ability to safely perform essential firefighting duties in a fast-paced environment.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the complete fitness standard and begin preparing prior to testing. Successful completion of the Physical Fitness Entry Standard is required for acceptance into the FRFD Resident Firefighter Program.
Assessment Stations
Stair Laps: 3 minutes
Applicant wears a 45lb weighted vest and completes 3 full laps on the stairs. One lap is up and back down. Each lap should take about 30 seconds up and 30 seconds down. All 3 laps must be done within 3 minutes but the applicant can not finish faster than 3 minutes. Once time is called, the applicant can take the vest off before moving to the next event.
Tire Flips x10
Applicant flip a tractor tire 10 times in a row. The tire needs to land flat before the next flip starts. No bouncing it off the ground to get momentum between reps.
Tool Carry
Applicant picks up both the K12 and chainsaw at the same time out of the engine bay and carries them to the end of the jersey barrier and back. Both tools have to leave the ground together. No making two trips. Speed walking only during the carry. No running. Tools need to be set down in a controlled manner at the finish. No dropping them.
Burpees x15
Applicants chest has to touch the ground at the bottom. Full lockout at the top of the push-up. Both feet leave the ground and arms go overhead on the jump. Half reps will not be counted.
Sit-ups x30
Feet flat on the ground, knees at a 90 degree angle, hands crossed over the chest. Elbows touch the knees at the top, shoulder blades touch the ground at the bottom. No bouncing. A partner or assistor will hold feet.
Push-ups x 25
Hands shoulder width apart, body stays in a straight line from head to heel the entire time. Chest gets within 3” of the floor at the bottom. Full lockout at the top. No sagging hips, piking, or going on your knees. Goes straight from sit-ups to push-ups with no break in between.
Hose Drag
Applicant will pick up the nozzle of a charged hoseline and drag it 100 feet to the cone. The nozzle and the applicant need to fully cross the marker. The clock stops when the applicant successfully crosses the 100-foot cone marker. End of Test.
“The hands-on experience gained through the FRFD Resident Program is unlike anything else. From EMS and structure fires to wildland incidents and technical rescues, residents train and respond alongside career firefighters while building the foundation for a successful fire service career.”
Program Pathways
The Resident Program offers several pathways depending on your career goals.
Associate of science (A.S.) Fire and Emergency Services
This pathway is for individuals who want to become professional firefighters while earning a college degree.
Residents complete coursework through Helena College’s Fire & Emergency Services program while gaining real-world emergency response experience with the district.
Over the course of the program, participants receive training in firefighting, EMS, wildland fire, and technical rescue while earning a college degree that prepares them for careers in the fire service.
Background
Frenchtown Rural Fire District Resident Program offers highly motivated individuals an exciting opportunity to begin and develop a career in emergency services while gaining real world experience serving alongside professional Career and Volunteer Firefighters.
In cooperation with Helena College, located in Helena Montana, program participants will earn an Associate of Science Degree in Fire and Emergency Services.
The entire program is provided free of charge with 100% of the college tuition reimbursed upon successful program and degree completion in exchange for a three-year commitment to Frenchtown Rural Fire District that runs concurrently with program participation.
Couse Outline
YEAR 1
- NREMT EMT Basic
- IFSAC/PRO BOARD FSTS Firefighter 1
- NWCG Basic Wildland Firefighter S-130
- NFPA Low Angle Rescue Operations
YEAR 2
- IFSAC/ PRO BOARD FSTS Firefighter 2
- NFPA Ice Rescue Technician
- NWCG Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior S-290 NFPA Swift Water Rescue
- Helena College Semester 1 & 2
YEAR 3
- MONTANA STATE EMT Endorsements
- NWCG Engine/Crew Boss S-230/231
- IFSAC/PRO BOARD Driver Operator
- Helena College Semester 3 & 4
Learn More
Upon successful completion of the A.S. program, a student will be able to,
- Demonstrate professional conduct by displaying a positive work ethic, flexibility, teamwork, physical fitness, safety consciousness, and sensitivity to diversity.
- Demonstrate basic fire fighter skills in the areas of structural firefighting, wildland firefighting, hazardous materials, and emergency response.
- Effectively communicate and interact in the workplace as well as in the community.
- Be able to function at the NFPA 1001 Fire Fighter I Level
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of fire protection systems, fire prevention, and technical rescue techniques.
- Be able to function at the NFPA 1001 Fire Fighter II Level
The cooperation between Helena College and Frenchtown Rural Fire District offers students the opportunity to earn an Associate of Science in Fire and Emergency Services while living and working in a fire station as a resident volunteer.
Paramedicine
This pathway is designed for individuals pursuing a career in advanced emergency medical services.
Residents gain hands-on experience responding to medical emergencies while preparing for and attending paramedic school.
Participants may enter the program with an EMT certification or complete EMT training during their first year before continuing toward paramedic education.
Entering Program WITH EMT or prior experience
Entering FRFD Resident Program WITH EMT Certification or relevant prior education or experience.
Year 1:
- Successfully complete 2-month book.
- Successfully complete FRFD EMT precepting and begin practicing independently as an EMT.
- Complete other requirements of FRFD resident program as noted in FRFD Resident Contract, including:
- a. Fire 1
- b. Basic Wildland
- Driver/Operator Program up to 811-3937
- Technical Rescue Classes as available
- Complete the following prerequisite classes. Students must complete these prerequisite courses with at least a 3.0 GPA.
- a. Missoula College
- i. AHMS 144 (Medical Terminology)
- ii. BIOH 104 (Anatomy and Physiology)
- iii. BIOH 105 (Anatomy and Physiology Lab)
- a. Missoula College
- Upon successful completion of steps 1, 2, and 4, and continued satisfactory advancement through step 3, candidates, with written recommendation from the Resident and EMS Coordinator may apply for entry to paramedic programs. Candidates would apply to be enrolled in a program through Years 2 & 3 of the FRFD Resident program.
Years 2-3: Continue progressing through the resident program per resident contract and maintain satisfactory progress through paramedic school.
Entering Program with NO prior experience
Entering FRFD Resident Program with NO prior EMS education or experience.
Year 1: Starts in August
- Successfully complete 2-month book.
- Complete other requirements of FRFD resident program as noted in FRFD Resident Contract, including:
- a. Fire 1
- b. EMT
- c. EMT Precept
- d. Basic Wildland
- e. Driver/Operator Program up to 811-3937
- f. Technical Rescue Classes as available
- Upon successful completion of EMT class and FRFD EMT precepting program, candidates will begin practicing independently as an EMT.
Year 2:
- Complete the following prerequisite classes. Students must complete these prerequisite courses with at least a 3.0 GPA.
- a. Missoula College
- i. AHMS 144 (Medical Terminology)
- ii. BIOH 104 (Anatomy and Physiology)
- iii. BIOH 105 (Anatomy and Physiology Lab)
- a. Missoula College
- Upon successful completion of Year 1& 2, candidates, with written recommendation from the Resident and EMS Coordinator may apply for entry to paramedic programs as applicable starting in the late winter or spring of Year 2 to be able to enter paramedic school at the start of Year 3.
Wildland
This pathway focuses on preparing residents for careers in wildland firefighting and fire management.
Residents gain experience working on wildland incidents, assisting with fuel reduction projects, and training with partner agencies such as state and federal wildland fire organizations.
This pathway provides valuable experience for those interested in careers with wildland fire agencies or natural resource management.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this track within the resident program, candidates must meet all requirements of the FRFD resident program, including achievement and progression of certifications and qualifications, and all other requirements listed in the Resident Contract.
In addition to those requirements, these candidates must progress through the listed NWCG courses, attend offered wildland related classes including CAT Camp, DNRC Engine Academy, prescribed burning opportunities and/or other USFS or DNRC affiliated internships. It is highly recommended that these students attend an accredited Natural Resources related degree at UM or other accredited college or university.
Course Outline
Year 1:
- Successfully complete 2-month book.
- Complete other requirements of FRFD resident program as noted in FRFD Resident Contract, including:
- Fire 1
- EMT
- EMT Precept
- Basic Wildland
- Driver/Operator Program up to 811-3937
- Technical Rescue Classes as available
- Upon completion of Basic Wildland, candidates can begin completing other wildland related classes online.
- i. S-211
- ii. S-212
- iii. L-280
- iv. S-290
Year 2:
- Continue satisfactory progression through FRFD resident program per Resident Contract.
- Complete Driver/Operator book up to 817.
- Complete S-131 class and open FFT1/IC5 task book.
- Attend prescribed burns with Ninemile RD and DNRC.
- Participate in mitigation program, severity and other contract assignments
- Enroll in Natural Resources related degree program if desired
Year 3:
- Continue satisfactory progression through FRFD resident program per Resident Contract.
- Complete FFT1/IC5 Task Book
- Complete S-230/231 class and potentially open Engine Boss task book
- Complete L-380, S-215, etc.
Reimbursement: Will be equal to current Helena College reimbursement stipulations.
Extension: Extensions available on request per Resident Contract.
General College Studies
This pathway allows individuals to pursue a college degree in another field while participating in the resident firefighter program.
Residents attend college while living at the station, responding to emergency calls, and completing fire and EMS training.
This option allows students to gain valuable emergency service experience while completing their education
Eligibility
To be eligible for this track within the resident program, candidates must meet all requirements of the FRFD resident program, including achievement and progression of certifications and qualifications, and all other requirements listed in the Resident Contract. In addition to those requirements, these candidates must be enrolled in an accredited college or university and be successfully pursuing a field of study at that institution. Candidates must obtain at least a 3.0 or higher GPA throughout their course of study while in the FRFD resident program.
Residents
Where our Graduates work
- Missoula Fire Department
- Butte Silver Bow Fire Department
- Homer Fire Department
- Magic Valley Paramedics
- USFS Wildland Fire
- Missoula Rural Fire District
- Anaconda Fire Department
- Idaho Falls Fire Department
- Unified Fire Authority (UT)
- DNRC Wildland Fire
- Frenchtown Rural Fire District
- Bozeman Fire Department
- Denver Fire Department
- Port Angeles Fire Department
- Helena Fire Department
Ride alongs are observational only and can be scheduled at any time before or after submitting your applications. If you have questions or would like to schedule your ride along, please contact LT/EMT-P Joe W at [email protected] or 406-626-5791. Repeated ride alongs do not need to be 24 hours but should be at least 12 hours. If you’re scheduled for a ride along please arrive at Station 1 and check in with the Lieutenant between 0745 and 0800.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Residents get Paid?
Residents receive housing and training opportunities in exchange for participation in the program. There are part time seasonal employment opportunities during the summer.
Do I need experience to apply?
No prior Fire or EMS experience is required, though it may be beneficial.
How long is the program?
The program lasts up 3 years depending on the pathway and individual progress.
Can I have a job during the program?
Yes, several pathways are designed specifically for residents to be able to obtain consistent income.
What are the benefits of being a resident?
- Housing at the fire station
- Hands-on emergency response experience
- Training and Certifications
- Professional Mentorship from Firefighters and Officers
- Opportunities to build connections in the fire service
- Experience that helps prepare participants for careers in Fire, EMS, and Wildland Fire.