One thing that makes the Portage fire department unique is our career advancement program. As a new employee the investment in our staff begins with sending recruits to a career academy. After showing competences as a firefighter and EMT, the department sends recruits to a local paramedic program. The department pays for the paramedic class, arranges for coverage for shift time and pays for clinicals. Once the firefighter has worked for three years and completes paramedic class they achieve ]the rank of master firefighter
After Master Firefighter rank
Once the employee is a Master Firefighter they can request to enter the Acting Engineer program. The program teaches the firefighter how to safely drive and operate all of the apparatus enroute and on scene of all emergencies. This program starts with a week long training. After which they have a mentorship with Engineer. During the training the firefighter must demonstrate safe driving and operating abilities. Once the training is completed they can be put on the list to become an Acting Engineer as well as test for promotion as an Engineer.
Acting Officer Training
Once an employee has obtained Indiana Fire officer 1 and held an Acting Engineer position the firefighter can request to enter the acting officer program. Like the Acting Engineer program the firefighter completes a weeklong classroom training. After the classroom training they enter a mentorship filling the roll of the officer. Once the training is completed they can be put on the list to become an Acting Officer as well as test for promotion as a Lieutenant.
Merited Promotional Process
The Portage Fire Department Merit Board is committed to ensuring that the promotional process for its fire personnel is conducted in an unbiased and fair manner. This includes a comprehensive written test and interviews with qualified candidates, The merit board ensures that all candidates are given equal opportunity to demonstrate their qualifications for the position they are applying for. The merit board also takes into account the individual’s years of experience, education, training, and other relevant factors when making decisions about promotions. By following these procedures, the Portage Fire Department Merit Board ensures that only the most qualified individuals are promoted to higher positions within the department.
The merit board follows strict adherence to state statutes as well as local merit ordnances. The process has been approved by the not only the board but with fire administration and the IAFF local 3151 The Merited positions at Portage Fire are Engineer, Lieutenant and Captain. Our Merit board also oversees the hiring process.