Jackson Fire Department hosts open house for potential recruits
JACKSON, Tenn. — With the shortage of firefighters in the Jackson Fire Department, leaders say they are looking for the next potential candidates to join the fire department and rescue squad.
The Jackson Fire Department held an open house this evening. There, firefighters shared information and demonstrations hoping to raise interest for those considering a career as a firefighter.
If you’re looking for a new career it’s waiting to find you, and saving lives just may suit you best.
Once a month the Jackson Fire Department is inviting local candidates from across the region an opportunity to participate in a training recruitment meet and greet. There are no requirements for being a part of the open house training.
Whether you have completed an application or are simply interested, the Jackson Fire Department provides one-on-one assistance for the next steps into the fire and rescue industry.
“We go over the benefits from day one. Through retirement of what our training and hiring process will be like, all the way up to station life; living 24 hours with the men and women at the department, and away from families to try to prepare them for those things,” said Davis Dorris, training division chief for the Jackson Fire Department.
During the open house, participants climb for a physical agility test and practice saving scenarios using a test dummy that weighs 165lbs along with added gear.
This gives candidates a chance to show off techniques and better prepare them for the hiring process and recruit program.
“We try to follow up and contact with them as much as possible, and let them reach out to us to answer questions. We try to get them interested in other programs we have like the ride along program we have where you can go ride eight hours with the trucks to see what the day in the life is like. You’ll ride on call and participate like that and see how interesting it is,” said Dorris.
Throughout the training course, the Jackson Fire Department bring in a couple of fire fighting apparatuses.
By providing an overview of complex machinery, participants familiarize themselves with the fire truck along with additional education tools.
“We have a rigorous standard on physical fitness. You have to be able to pass the test. We have a physical agility test that they have to pass before we hire and a written test. Once we start a class, we have 14 weeks based on firefighting with physical therapy every day, a lot of physical fitness training working in turnout gear, carrying tools, search and rescue–the whole nine yards,” said Dorris.
An extra perk that makes the Jackson Fire Department unique is their retirement that is paid in full by the city. You could be our next firefighter!
To learn more about the recruitment process, click here.
For more news in the Jackson area, click here.
