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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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  • Do you have to have experience to apply for firefighter/EMT? No experience required, we provide all the training you need in recruit academy.

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  • Are there any classes I can take that will help prepare me for a job with Roanoke Fire-EMS?  Taking a Basic EMT class is highly recommended, this will provide you a good foundation to work from while in academy. 

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  • How old do you have to be to apply? You must be 18 years old before the start of the academy, however, there is NO AGE CAP on our hiring.  You will just need to be able to pass the CPAT and physical.

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  • What about my driving record.....will that keep me from being considered? You must have a valid Virginia Drivers License upon being hired and you must have a good driving record.  You can not have more than -4 on your driving record and you must be 4+ years out from a DUI.

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  • Do you do a background check?  Yes....we do background checks on every candidate.  You cannot have a felony on your record. 

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  • How long is the academy?  Do I get paid while in the academy? The full academy for applicants with no previous experience lasts approximately 20 weeks and is held Monday-Friday from approximately 7am-5pm at the Roanoke Valley Regional Fire-EMS Training Center.   You will be paid while in the academy and provided all of the gear needed will be provided. 

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  • I already have my EMT....do I need to complete the EMT portion during the academy?   If you are an EMT or Paramedic, you will need to attend a few orientation classes and do ride alongs during the EMT portion of the academy.

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  • Can I do a ride along before being hired? Yes, you are allowed to do 1 ride along before you are hired.  Please contact the Fire-EMS Administration at 540-853-2327 to register for an opportunity. 

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  • What is the starting salary for a firefighter/EMT or firefighter/EMT-I/PM? See current job posting for latest salary information.

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  • What is the work schedule like? Roanoke Fire-EMS works 24 hour shifts, with 3 shifts (A,B,C).  For an example of the schedule, click here.

If there is a question you have that you don't see covered here, contact us!

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