Laurel Fire Chief Leo Brown said he is looking for at least six entry-level firefighters. Individuals interested in a career as a firefighter should pick up an application packet from the City of Laurel Human Resource Department office, located on the third floor of City Hall. The application should be returned to the HR office by Wednesday, August 26, at 4 p.m. to qualify for the Civil Service Exam, which will be administered on Saturday, August 29. If you are eligible for the exam, the HR office will give you the time and place of the exam.
Taking the Civil Service Exam is the first step in the hiring process. After passing the exam, the candidate will take the CPAT, which is a physical and agility test. If the candidate passes the CPAT, he or she will go before the review board. If asked to join the department, a background check will be performed, and the candidate will take a physical. If the candidate passes those two tests, he or she will be hired and train locally with LFD Training Officer Kerry Holifield before attending the seven-week State Fire Academy training in Jackson to become a certified firefighter.
“I encourage both men and women to apply,” said Brown. “If you like helping other people in their time of need and putting your personal needs aside, then you are a great candidate to become a firefighter. We learn to run to the fire and not away.”