SO YOU WANT TO BE A FIREFIGHTER?

If the answer for you, without any hesitation, is unequivocally "yes" then we have some good news. If, perhaps, you are on the fence and not quite sure...well, then read on.

The good news is, as a result of recent retirees (a note to all retirees: "thank you" for your years of service and dedication!!), City Council has granted the Los Angeles Fire Department approval to get the hiring process rolling. That means, as we head into the Fall, our recruiting efforts will soon be in full-swing.

The last time your LAFD saw a new class of recruits sworn-in, was back in February of 2009. What that means for you, if you are interested, is that it will be competitive. Very competitive. But that element never seems to change. Again, back in 2009, nearly 17,000 potential candidates expressed interest. This go-around, we are expecting at least that number. Why? Because it's been quite a while since we last hired, the fire service has always been very competitive and a very sought-after career and it's no secret, that many have endured a very tough job market and economy for several years now. That often translates into people looking for a "change."

This is not meant to discourage anyone. In fact all are welcome! We do want you to be prepared and we want you to know what to expect. And make no mistake, you will need to be prepared. Mentally and physically.

In addition, there are a few other characteristics that a good, solid candidate should possess. Battalion Chief Steve Hissong, who heads-up the LAFD's Recruit Services Unit, summed it up best: "A good candidate for the fire service would be an individual of high character, morals and values; one that has a sense of wanting to serve others. That doesn't necessarily always have to be the individual that's pursued their fire service degree."

With perhaps only 350 firefighter slots available over the next couple of years, however, anything to give you a competitive advantage, will help.

So, how do you start this process? What are the minimum requirements (age, education, etc.)? All of these questions and more can be answered at a newly launched website, dedicated solely to our recruiting and hiring efforts:

www.joinlafd.org
To all potential candidates, we wish you the very best of luck! 

Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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