Plainview approves FireFit agility test for firefighter hiring; city to contract for proctored exams

The Plainview City Council authorized the city manager to sign a contract to use FireFit as the city's new entry-level firefighter physical agility testing method, following a presentation from Fire Chief Bobby Gibson on Feb. 11.

"The simulator was used to evaluate the physical demands of firefighting type events and set the maximum time of 9 minutes, to be able to complete this exam," Gibson said, describing the course and its stations. Gibson said the system was developed by a firefighter in Amarillo and an academic partner and that FireFit would proctor the exam so the department would not need to dedicate staff to administer it.

Gibson told council the previous, customized test required extensive department resources, equipment and practice days and caused wear on apparatus and protective gear. Under the FireFit model, entry-level candidates will wear shorts and T-shirts (or sweats for cooler weather) rather than full protective equipment; the company proctors the test. Pricing presented to council was $125 per candidate for cohorts under 10 and $100 per candidate for cohorts of 10 or more.

Councilmember House moved to authorize the city manager to sign the contract; Councilmember McDonough seconded. The motion passed, announced by the mayor as a vote of six in favor.

Chief Gibson said the department intends to administer a written test first and bring forward only candidates who pass the written exam for the physical test. He said prior practice sessions drew up to 22 candidates with 15 passing in a prior cycle. Gibson said the department plans to use the FireFit course to reduce the labor intensity of testing and to preserve department equipment.

The council did not record additional conditions on the contract in the public transcript; staff will proceed with contract execution and scheduling of proctored exams.