ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – Local Fire Departments have responded to multiple fires throughout the Capital Region this winter. Making the job even more of a challenge, staffing issues. Schenectady is looking to fill 15 positions and that’s why Fire Chief Don Mareno is always in recruitment mode.
“We work hard getting the word out, letting people know that there will be an entrance exam coming up soon for this area, and encouraging people to consider getting into public service, but it’s difficult,” said Mareno.
Becoming a firefighter starts with the civil service exam. Test guides and resource booklets are available online.
The deadline to apply can vary based on each city. You'll have to visit the Civil Service website in the city you wish to apply for.
In Schenectady, the last day to apply is January 13. The exam takes place March 1. If you pass, then there is a physical fitness test. And then….
“If we’re a good fit for you, and we think you’re a good fit for us, then we’ll continue the process. We’ll do a physical. We’ll do a background check. We’ll do a mental health evaluation,” said Mareno.
Once you've gone through that process, and have been admitted to a department, you’ll go through onboarding in a training center, where you’ll also continue your ongoing education throughout your career.
Even if it’s not your full-time career, staffing can still be a challenge for volunteer departments, according to John D'Alessandro with the Firefighters’ Association of the State of New York.
“We try to get the message out there that it doesn’t matter who you are male, female, young, older, tall, short it doesn’t matter, especially in a volunteer department. We have a job for everyone, even if you don’t want to be pulling a hose line into a burning building,” said D’Alessandro.
There are property tax exemptions for volunteer firefighters, but most importantly, D’Alessandro said it’s rewarding work.
“You know many hands make light work. The more people of all stripes, of all skills, all ages, all sizes that we can get into a fire department the more efficiently we can do our jobs in protecting the community,” said D’Alessandro.
