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The Prince Albert Fire Department will be putting applicants to the test as part of its 2020 recruiting process. (file photo/paNOW Staff)
Applications Open

Fire Department ready for 2020 recruitment class

Aug 24, 2020 | 12:00 PM

It’s a little later than usual, but the Prince Albert Fire Department (PAFD) has launched its application process for 2020 recruitment.

Interested candidates have until Sept. 18 to get their applications in to make the short list this year.

“We have one opening right now, and we’ll create a shortlist that will be valid for one year until we do a recruitment process next year,” PAFD Deputy Chief Alex Paul said. “We’ll try to put somewhere in the neighborhood of five to eight people on the shortlist,” Paul said.

Typically, the recruitment would take place earlier in the summer, but the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a delay.

“We did wait a little longer in the year than we normally would have just because of the restrictions on gatherings earlier in the year. Now we’re able to gather in groups of 30 outdoors, so we will still be able to do this in two days of physical testing to accommodate everybody that’s applying,” Paul said.

In order to be considered, applicants must have a NFPA 1001 level two certificate from a recognized fire college, which is the minimum standard as a firefighter. In addition, requirements include a Class 3 driver’s licence with air endorsement and a G endorsement at minimum, EMR certificate or higher, and the ability to pass a physical fitness test.

Based on previous years, Paul expects applications to be in the 60 to 80 range. Of those, approximately 40 will be put through to physical testing, which easily fits under the 30-person gathering limit when split over two days.

Paul also noted local applicants are always strongly considered.

“We do have a lot of local people [currently on staff]. We certainly encourage local people to get the training and be qualified for when we have these openings. We like to hire local whenever possible,” he said.

trevor.redden@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Trevor_Redden