Volunteer victim Devun Nadeau lays on a blanket while he is checked out by Westfield Fire department paramedics. For some procedures that would have been done on a victim like Nadeau, a medical dummy was necessary. (Photo by Peter Currier)
WESTFIELD- The Fire Department will host a fire service career information night Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. at the Little River Fire Station for people who are interested in starting a career as a firefighter.
The event will include information on what the Westfield Fire Department looks for when they are hiring new firefighters. This year happens to be a test year for the Massachusetts Civil Service. The test is only given every two years.
“We did this same thing last year with a good turnout. Some of the people who came got hired,” said Fire Capt. Christopher King. “It’s a good way for us to reach out and advertise ourselves and sell ourselves.”
King said that these information nights are often helpful because many people who would be interested in the fire service do not know where to start. Attendees will be given information on what it takes to become a firefighter and paramedic.
“This is a test year for eligibility as an entry level firefighter, the test is only given every two years and we are trying to reach as many potential candidates as possible,” said King.
Last year, Fire Chief Patrick Egloff implemented a new policy that new firefighters must also be or become paramedics. Should a new hire not be a paramedic at the time of their hiring, they must complete paramedic training within a certain period of time. King noted that people will be shown what local Emergency Medical Technician and paramedic training is available locally.
The information session will be followed by a question and answer period.
