Date of Award
5-2007
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Human Resource Mgt
Department
Human Resource Management
First Advisor
Dr. Marcia Gibson
Second Advisor
Dr. Patricia Strait
Third Advisor
Dr. James L. Narduzzi
Abstract
The Chesapeake Fire Department will experience an unprecedented rate of retirements that will include a large number of senior firefighters and officers. The exodus of personnel will result in the loss of valuable experience. As a result Chesapeake Fire Department started a mentor program in 1999 between senior firefighters, and recruit firefighters. Recruit firefighters have been assigned a senior firefighter mentor for the duration of their 18-month probation period that occurs after graduation from the recruit academy. There has been no evaluation to determine optimum number of years experience required for a highly effective recruit mentor. The question was operationalized in a survey of recruits. They were asked how satisfied they were with their mentors and whether their mentors demonstrated perceived knowledge? Survey respondents reported the recruits surveyed were highly satisfied with their mentors and their perceived knowledge, however, no clear optimum age was revealed.
Recommended Citation
Best, George Michael, "Assessing what are the optimum years of experience for highly effective recruit mentors in the Chesapeake Fire Department" (2007). Master's Theses. 677.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/masters-theses/677