Academy Fundamental Values:

• Integrity – Do the right thing, keep your commitments, be someone others look up to.
• Safety – Protect yourself and your team through safe practices.
• Judgment – Stay calm, think clearly, and make smart, safe decisions.
• Accountability – Own your actions and uphold the public’s trust.
• Respect – Treat teammates, instructors, and the community with dignity.
• Excellence – Give 100%, maintain a positive attitude, and strive for the highest standards.

2025 Developing Firefighter Wage Schedule

West Metro Professional Firefighters Local 1309

West Metro Fire Rescue firefighters are represented by Local 1309 of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF).  Local 1309 negotiates for pay and benefits on behalf of its 400+ uniformed members.  Listed is the current firefighter contract which expires at the end of 2025.  The contract represents many years of effective and collaborative labor/management relationships.

Health & Wellness

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with multiple plan options
• Prescription coverage and flexible benefit plans
• Retirement health savings account for future medical expenses
• Access to district workout facilities and discounted memberships at select local gyms

Retirement & Insurance

• Pension through FPPA (Fire & Police Pension Association)
• Optional retirement plans: IRA, 457, and 401a
• Life insurance plus death & disability insurance coverage

Paid Time Off

• 10 paid holidays annually
• Generous vacation and personal leave packages

Education Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement available to encourage continued professional development
• Details available in the WMFR Employee Benefits Brochure

WMFR Employee Benefits Brochure.pdf

Family Demands

The academy will require your full commitment. Personal and family matters must be in order and managed diligently during this period. Recruits are strongly encouraged to discuss the demands of the academy with their families and ensure they have the necessary support at home to succeed.

Time Demands

• Length: Approximately 5 months
• Schedule: Based on a 40 hours per week, subject to daily changes
• Workload: Expect long days with early morning physical training, classroom instruction, drills, cleanup, and mandatory study time outside of scheduled hours.

Training Style

• Paramilitary structure with strict chain of command and high accountability
• Mock fire drills to simulate real-world scenarios
• Team-based training to build trust, communication, and coordination under pressure

Conduct & Expectations

• Professional at all times—in uniform, in class, online, and in public.
• Cell phones: Kept in vehicles unless granted special permission.
• Uniform Standards:
  • Class B (lecture)
  • Class C/D or PPE  (drill ground)
  • PT gear only during workouts
  • Uniformity required (if one wears sweatshirt, all must).
• Chain of Command: Recruit → Squad Leader → Platoon Leader → Cadre → Training Division
• Rules of Conduct:
  • No dishonesty, harassment, or profanity
  • Respect instructors, peers, and civilians
  • No fraternization during academy
  • No tobacco, alcohol, or drugs on academy grounds

Location

Training will take place at the:

West Metro Fire Training Center

📍 3535 S. Kipling St.

       Lakewood, CO 80235

The academy places very high physical demands on every recruit. Success requires building and maintaining strong cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and stamina throughout the program.

Key Fitness Standards

• Physical Agility Test (PAT): Must be passed both prior to and during the academy.
• Cardiovascular Capacity: Minimum 12 METs are required at the start of the academy, with progression to 16 METs by Week 6.
• 1.5 Mile Run: Must be completed in 12:30 minutes or less by Week 10.
• Search Maze: Must be successfully completed before beginning live fire training.
• Additional tasks include: ladder carries, standpipe hose pack carries, stair climbs in full gear, and 165 lb victim rescue.

Failure to meet physical standards may result in corrective action or termination.

Physical fitness plans and work out scripts

Helpful nutrition tips

Certifications Earned

Recruits will earn multiple nationally and state-recognized certifications, including:

• Firefighter I & II (CMCB)
• HazMat Awareness & Operations (CMCB)
• Driver/Operator – Ambulance & Utility (CMCB)
• Wildland Firefighter Red Card & Completion (NWCG)
• IV Certification (State)
• EMT-Basic & NREMT Certification
• WMFR Academy Certificate of Completion
• CPR Certification
• FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700, 800
• NWCG Wildland (S-130, S-190, L-180)

Academic & Skills Testing

Academy performance is evaluated through a point-based grading system:

• Quizzes: 20 pts each (scores below 70% = zero)
• Written Exams: 100 pts each (must score 80%+ to pass)
• Benchmark Practical Tests: Pass/fail; failure leads to remediation or dismissal
• Practical Skills Tests: 200 pts each, must demonstrate consistency, competence, and confidence
• Physical Ability Test (PAT): Scored based on hiring standards; failure may lead to termination

Grades impact WMFR seniority placement upon graduation.

How can I be selected for the academy?

Firefighter Recruit Job Description

Firefighter Recruit Job Posting Page

Applications:

• Each academy will be a new hiring cycle, in which a new application will need to be submitted.

• Be sure to check our Job Posting page regularly for updates on new hiring cycles and application details [Click here to view open positions and apply].

Physical Agility Test (PAT): 

• PATs are allowed to be taken up to three times per hiring cycle (second and third attempts are not guaranteed).
• The highest score achieved  will be accepted.

• A signed copy of our Physicians Release Form is required to participate in our PAT.

• Your PAT score is valid for two academies. 
• We do not accept CPAT Scores.

Written Test:

• The written test is a fully validated general knowledge exam tailored to the firefighter profession and designed to assess your ability to process information and think critically.
• The written test will be administered remotely.
• A passing score is 70%.
• Your written test score is valid for two academies. 

Oral Board:

• The number of candidates who advance to the oral board interview will be determined based on their written and physical agility test scores, as well as the requirements set by West Metro Fire Rescue.
• The oral board is an important opportunity to demonstrate your qualifications, personality, and commitment. 

Background:

• A thorough background investigation will be conducted on all final applicants. This will include a polygraph examination, a psychological evaluation, a physical examination, and chemical testing for the presence of alcohol and drugs.

Please be aware that all West Metro Fire applicants are required to complete both the Physical Agility Test (PAT) and the written examination to be eligible for hire. It is your responsibility to review our Job Postings page for detailed information about our hiring process, tests, and to schedule your PAT time slot. Applicants will receive detailed instructions on how to sign up for the written test via email after the Firefighter Recruit application period has closed. We encourage you to take proactive steps to ensure you meet all requirements of the hiring process.

What types of materials should I bring?

While most required gear will be issued, recruits often find the following items helpful:

• Backpack
• Pen & notebook
• Laptop or tablet
• Knee pads
• Shower shoes
• Towel
• Lunch
• Snacks

If I am not EMT certified, when do I complete EMT school?

EMT school begins shortly after academy graduation. It is a 5-week course.

Once recruits pass the fire academy, those who are already EMT or Paramedic certified will attend a 2-week EMS academy. During this time, they will:

• Obtain their IV certification (if not already held).
• Gain experience with ambulance operations and EMS equipment.
• Spend the final two days running simulated calls to apply their training in real-world scenarios.

Am I allowed to use the Training Center facilities on my own time?

Yes. Recruits are encouraged to study and may use the training facilities outside of scheduled class hours. You will be issued a badge that provides 24-hour access to the Training Center.

Do recruits live at the Training Center during academy?

No. The academy schedule is based on a 40-hour workweek. Most days begin around 5:30 am and run for about 10 hours, with additional study required outside of class.

Are all West Metro firefighters required to be paramedics? 

Yes. Currently, all developing Firefighters are required to attend Paramedic school. This usually takes place during the Firefighter Development Process or prior to completing three years of service with the West Metro Fire Protection District.

The timeline for attending paramedic school may be adjusted based on District needs, at the discretion of the Firefighter Development Captain and Fire Chief.

• Costs & Pay: The District covers paramedic education costs. All West Metro Firefighter/Paramedics receive an additional 8% of base firefighter wages in paramedic pay.
• Certified Paramedics: Candidates who are already certified paramedics in the state of Colorado will begin receiving paramedic pay (8% of base wages) immediately after academy graduation.
• Experienced Paramedics: Employees with at least 12 months of independent lead paramedic experience in a 911 system may qualify for an abbreviated “experienced provider” field internship program.