Phoenix FD: Aircraft Rescue Firefighting Guidelines

Study Notes

The document outlines the guidelines for members of the Phoenix Fire Department's Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) Program.
ARFF certification requires passing an 80-hour classroom component and a live burn component.

Members commit to the ARFF Program for three years, starting on the certification date.
A minimum two-year commitment to the assigned ARFF position/shift is required, beginning when the member is offered and accepts the spot.

Members in a Rover position must stay on the assigned shift for two years.
During this period, members can take permanent positions inside or outside the ARFF program if they stay on the same shift.
An ARFF Rover can temporarily change shifts to fill an ARFF position, but must return to their assigned shift when the temporary assignment ends.

After six months, ARFF members can leave their permanent spot to "rove" or take a spot on another unit on the same shift.
Taking a position on a different shift is not allowed until the two-year timeframe is met.
After six months, members with a permanent ARFF position can take a "like for like" assignment on another ARFF unit and/or shift.
After completing the two-year commitment, members can take any position in the fire department after the six-month rule is met.
Once an ARFF member fulfills their initial two-year commitment (as a rover or in a permanent spot) and three-year program commitment, the rule no longer applies, and the standard PFD six-month rule applies.
Members leaving the program before completing their three-year commitment and returning later must start with initial training and a new "Letter of Commitment."

After training, members awarded an ARFF unit position cannot return to Alternative Assignment, Special Assignment, FIT, or any 40-hour position until they complete their two-year commitment to the assigned ARFF company/shift.

ARFF members not permanently assigned to an ARFF unit/position are considered ARFF Rovers.
ARFF Rovers must "rove" into an ARFF Station for at least six (24-hour) shifts (144 hours) per calendar year via "Constant Staffing" or "Move Over" shifts, excluding check rides and training.
ARFF Rovers may be called to fill vacant ARFF unit positions as technicians, regardless of rank.
Refusal to comply with the rove request may lead to discipline and/or removal from the ARFF program.

Non-compliance with mandatory live-fire FAA Part 139 drill requirements makes members ineligible for ARFF-certified positions.
Missing the live-fire FAA Part 139 training for over 12 months results in removal from the program.
All ARFF personnel must achieve a minimum test score of 100% on training assessments.
Training may involve travel for Part 139 live burns or other training.
FAA Part 139 continuing education requirements are ongoing and subject to review.
Being non-compliant with all CE can cause immediate removal, ARFF personnel may review their AREF continuing education file by scheduling an appointment with the ARFF Training Officer.
Failing to meet the minimum six-shift (144 hours) requirement per calendar year results in review of ARFF member status and potential removal of Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter certification.
Members removed from the program for non-compliance or leaving before the three-year commitment are suspended for two years.
They cannot obtain a vacant ARFF position during this period, but can re-apply through the normal process after the suspension per M.P. 104.02.

Egregious disciplinary action by Sky Harbor Airport and/or HR results in lifetime removal from the ARFF program.
A second removal from the program also leads to lifetime removal, with no opportunity to obtain any advertised ARFF position.
ARFF personnel are required to maintain their Airport Security Badge.
Failure to comply results in loss of assignment pay and/or loss of badge privileges.
Aviation Security Badges are only available at the discretion of the City of Phoenix Aviation Department.
Aviation Badges must be returned to District 19 upon leaving the ARFF program or at retirement.
ARFF personnel must demonstrate minimum skills for various ARFF-related tasks required of their rank during training or scheduled drills.
Review of the described guidelines was conducted by PFD Operations and Local 493.