According to the Oklahoma City Fire Department, applicants for firefighter training must be aged 18 to 44. They must be in possession of an Oklahoma driver's license and have a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma. Felony convictions within the last 10 years rule out an applicant, but older convictions can be accepted under review. Before the 1-year probationary period as a recruit is ended, recruits must achieve an emergency medical technician license. Requirements may vary by area of the state.
Applicants must pass a written test, a personality test, a background interview, a medical evaluation, a physical ability test and a personal interview for entry as a recruit into the Oklahoma City Fire Department. Tests may vary depending on area of the state.
Basic training is administered by a training officer. These basics cover firefighting skills and fire examination. After completing the basic training, recruits are assigned to duty stations. Training is then supervised by a fire company officer. As part of the firefighting team and individually, recruits learn rescue, first aid, forcible entry, salvage, site inspections and how to perform such tasks as dispatching and public fire education. The Oklahoma City Fire Department training lasts 19 weeks.