The position of firefighter in the Shreveport Fire Department is one of the most critical and important positions within the City of Shreveport. Firefighters extinguish fires of all types that threaten life and property, perform searches and rescues, provide the primary emergency medical services within the city limits, and assist in educating citizens regarding fire and other safety issues.  As explained in the Firefighter Job Description, the duties and essential functions of all firefighters within the Shreveport Fire Department are physically demanding. Thus, it is necessary to ensure that all applicants can perform the essential functions.   

The SFD Agility Test is designed to simulate essential function as a firefighter will be required to perform at the scene of fires.  The SFD Agility Test is a sequence of 6 events.   For the Job-Related Task Evolutions, applicants will wear firefighter protective clothing which will consist of a hard hat, firefighter jacket, and work gloves.   For the SFD Agility Test the applicant will can wear gym apparel that is not restrictive in nature.  

The SFD Agility Test consists of the following six events: 

The Fire Applicant Physical Fitness Assessment is comprised of three (3) assessment areas.  The applicant must score a minimum of 10%, in each area, based on the assessment requirements for their particular sex and age group. (Ages 19 – 29)

Female Applicant

Male Applicant

Muscular Endurance – Sit-up: 

This is a measure of the muscular endurance of the abdominal muscles.   It is an important area for performing14 essential job tasks for firefighter that is outlined in NFPA 1582 and is an important area for maintaining good posture and minimizing lower back problems.  The score is determined by the number of sit-ups completed within one minute.

 Upper Body Muscular Endurance – Push-up:

This is a measure of the muscular endurance of the upper body muscles.   It is an important area for performing 14 essential job tasks for firefighter that is outlined in NFPA 1582 requiring prolonged upper body strength.  The score is determined by the maximum number of correct push-ups performed.

 Cardiovascular Endurance – Running

This is to assess the heart and vascular systems’ capability to transport oxygen.  It is an important area for performing 14 essential job tasks for firefighter that is outlined in NFPA 1582 involving stamina and endurance, and to minimize the risk of cardiovascular problems. The score is determined by the length of time it takes to run 1.5 miles.

Job-Related Task Evolutions 

Advancing a Hose/Drag

Applicants must grasp a hose line nozzle attached to 200 feet of hose, place part of the hose line over a shoulder or chest, drag the hose line 75 feet to a drum, make a 90° turn around the drum, travel an additional 25 feet, drop to at least one knee, and pull the hose line until the 50-foot mark crosses the finish line. This event is designed to simulate the critical tasks of dragging an uncharged hose line from the fire apparatus to the fire occupancy and pulling an uncharged hose line around obstacles while remaining stationary.

Ladder Raise and Extension

Applicants must walk to the top rung of a 24 foot aluminum extension ladder on the ground, lift the unhinged end from the ground, and walk it up in a hand over hand fashion using each rung until the ladder is stationary against the wall.   Applicants proceed to a second 24 foot ladder secured against the wall, extend the fly section hand over hand until it hits stop, and then lower the fly section in a controlled fashion to the starting position. This event is designed to simulate the critical tasks of placing a ground ladder at a fire structure and extending the ladder to the roof or window.

Dummy Drag

Applicants must grasp a 165 pound mannequin by one or both handles on the shoulder harness, drag the mannequin 35 feet to a drum, make a 180° turn around the drum, and continue the 35 feet back to the finish line.  This event is designed to simulate the critical task of removing a victim or injured partner from a fire scene. 

All applicants must complete the SFD Agility Test within the time frame that is allotted in order to continue in the process.  Applicants will be removed from the hiring process for the current class if they fail to complete the entire test within this time frame or if they commit any action(s) determined to be a failure under the SFD Agility Test Requirements.   Applicants who fail the SFD Agility Test will not be removed from the eligibility list of the civil service board and will be eligible to participate in any screening process for future classes provided they have a valid civil service examination score.