HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Putting out fires, conducting rescue operations, and keeping the public safe in numerous ways are just a few of the jobs of Huntsville Fire & Rescue workers.
The department is looking for motivated and community-driven individuals to join its team.
Their goal is to hire approximately 20 new people
“The job of keeping our residents safe is sacred,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “The women and men of Huntsville Fire & Rescue are elite, caring and brave individuals with a heart for service. As pillars of our public safety infrastructure, these professionals are the backbone of our community and I look forward to welcoming those who are selected.”
Huntsville Fire & Rescue Chief Howard McFarlen explained the importance of making sure this hiring class is representative of the broader Huntsville community.
“When our citizens look at their Fire & Rescue department, it’s important they see people that look like them,” McFarlen said. “We’re stronger when we have representation in our department from every background, every race and every socioeconomic status.”
A recruiter is helping them with this effort. Driver/Engineer Cory Green, a Huntsville native, has been with the department for nine years.
“We’re a family here,” Green said. “We do what we do for the citizens of Huntsville. There is nothing more meaningful than knowing every day when we come in to work, we have the ability to change the entire course of someone’s life for the better.”
The department says a new website, JoinHuntsvilleFireandRescue.com, is dedicated to explaining the hiring process and helping candidates succeed. It's also working to better communicate that the job is more than just putting out fires.
Deputy Fire & Rescue Chief Wesley Ogle says, "A lot of folks still think that fighting fires is all we do,” Ogle said. “While fire suppression is a critical part of the job, we’re hoping to get the word out about the other important functions of our department.”
Ogle explains that throughout their career, Huntsville firefighters may choose to participate on special teams including Hazmat, Heavy Rescue, Fire Prevention and Code Enforcement, Honor Guard/Pipes & Drums, or becoming an instructor.
“A big part of the job is providing emergency medical care to those in need, Ogle said. “Many days a firefighter finds themselves doing any combination of these functions with a strong sense of pride and dedication.”
Fire & Rescue Chief McFarlen sums up the message to potential Fire & Rescue staff: “If you want a rewarding career as part of a well-trained team that accepts the challenge showing up for citizens when they need it the most – Huntsville Fire & Rescue is for you.”