Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 205 - RULES OF FIREFIGHTER STANDARDS AND TRAINING COUNCIL, GEORGIA › Chapter 205-1 - ORGANIZATION › Subject 205-1-3 - MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR FIREFIGHTERS OPERATING IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA › Rule 205-1-3-.04 - Classifications of Fire Service Personnel

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(1) These Rules & Regulations are further established to provide for the Policy & Procedures for various classifications of fire service personnel.
(2) All fire service personnel shall be members of a compliant fire department operating in the State of Georgia.
(3) All fire service personnel shall successfully complete basic training relative to the job description for the position they are appointed or hired to perform.
(4) Upon employment, candidates for State Certification shall have one year from the initial hire or appointment date to complete the required training and test with the GFSTC. Candidates seeking qualification as a Volunteer Suppression Firefighter shall have 18 months from the initial appointment date to complete the required training and pass state qualification tests as approved by the Council.
(5) Regardless of out of state certifications held by candidates, the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council requires firefighters be tested for Volunteer Support Firefighter, Volunteer Suppression Firefighter, or any State Certifications.
(6) GFSTC shall certify individuals who have successfully completed requirements outlined in the Rules & Regulations of the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council for State Certification.
(7) State Certified Fire Service Personnel:
(a) Gain and Continue Certification Classifications:
1. All fire service personnel hired as full-time employees by any fire department in a position that requires State Certification shall obtain and maintain at least one State Certification through GFSTC.
2. For all other fire service positions, state certification is optional unless mandated by the local fire department.
3. For any certifications issued by GFSTC an individual must complete basic training for the level of appointment and pass the State of Georgia certification tests. The individual shall have
:
a. Successfully completed the basic training program as approved by the Council relative to the job description for the position they are hired to perform and pass the required certification tests.
b. Received training in another state determined by GFSTC to be equivalent to the basic training program described above and passed the required certification tests.
c. Received training as a federal firefighter by the United States government determined by GFSTC to be equivalent to the basic training program described above and passed the required certification tests.
4. To complete requirements for State Certification, the fire department must complete and properly store the Certification Package and complete and submit the Certification Application to GFSTC. These documents verify that the candidate:
a. Is at least 18 years of age.
b. Has not been convicted of a felony in the past ten (10) years (except as provided in O.C.G.A. §
												25-4-8). Criminal history documents used to determine eligibility for fire service personnel must be current.
c. Has an affidavit of good moral character as determined by investigation approved by the Council and signed by the fire chief.
d. Has successfully completed the minimum physical agility requirements as established by the Council.
e. Has a signed medical affidavit indicating that he/she is in good physical condition as determined by a medical examination from a licensed physician, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner.
f. Has a high school diploma from an accredited high school, a state issued general education development equivalency (GED) or the Home School Affidavit (as approved by the Council).
g. Has successfully completed the Council-approved minimum training course curriculum or equivalent
h. Has successfully completed the certification examination as approved by the Council within one (1) year.
5. To continue their Qualification and State Certification status fire service personnel who are certified by GFSTC must meet minimum requirements each calendar year following the year of certification:
a. Successful completion of a total of 24 hours of professional development training each year as approved by the Fire Chief and verified by GFSTC is required for continuation of any or all State Certifications. "Professional Development" means training that meets a national or state standard, or addresses a specific area of local service delivery (this does not include daily duties such as maintenance, territory study, equipment checks, etc. unless it is for a recruit or probationary personnel) and performed in a classroom, at a conference, a drill field setting, etc. with instruction by an individual deemed to be qualified by the fire chief. Such hours may be credited toward the maintenance of any and all certifications as approved by the Council.
b. Records shall be developed, maintained, and available for review by GFSTC Staff at the local department.
c. Documentation of this training shall include certificates, transcripts, or sign-in sheets. All training documentation shall include the training subject, date, beginning and ending times, description of the training, objectives of the training, and signatures of students and instructors.
d. Fire Chiefs and Training personnel are urged to continue using the criterion that GFSTC has traditionally used to determine whether or not something is actually training. That criterion is training that meets a national or state standard and is performed in a classroom, at a conference, a drill field setting, etc. with instruction by an individual deemed to be qualified by the fire chief. This does not include daily duties such as maintenance, territory study, equipment checks, etc. unless it is for a recruit or probationary personnel.
e. Fire departments and other agencies that are looking for outside validation of classes, courses and schools can submit a Course Credit Request form to GFSTC and the documentation will be reviewed for course credit acceptance as a courtesy.
f. A fire service member shall notify GFSTC in writing of any arrest and/or conviction set out below involving himself/herself within fifteen (15) calendar days of becoming aware of such arrest and/or conviction. This is regardless of any action or lack thereof by the employing agency as a result of such information. Records concerning the disciplinary action shall be made available to the Executive Director of the Council or his/her representative upon request. These records shall include, but are not limited to:
1. Arrest and/or conviction by local, state, or federal authorities;
2. Arrest and/or conviction or bond forfeiture in any local, state, or federal court; the term "arrest and/or conviction" includes a finding or verdict of guilt, plea of guilty, or a plea of nolo contendere, regardless of whether the adjudication of guilt or sentence is withheld or not entered thereon (this specifically includes pleas under
Alford v. North Carolina
, first-offender pleas, and pre-trial diversion agreements); Minor traffic violations like speeding, traffic control devices and improper passing need not be reported to the Council. DUI, reckless driving, fleeing and eluding a police officer, and homicide by vehicle are hereby listed as specific, but not exclusive, examples of traffic violations that are not minor and are to be reported.