Halifax Fire removing barriers to bring in career firefighting recruits

If it’s always been your dream to fight fires and ride along in a big red fire truck, you’re in luck.

For the first time since 2007, Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency (HRFE) is recruiting career firefighters as part of a new program.

The new program, which has taken months to get off the ground, is aimed at removing barriers for those who want to have a career as a firefighter, and bring in people who may not have applied without it. It was approved by Halifax Regional Council earlier this week.

In addition to changes to the recruitment process, HRFE has also convened an Outreach Committee, and are actively engaging African Nova Scotians, Aboriginals, new Canadians, LGBTQ community members and women to consider a career in the fire service.

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READ MORE: Halifax councillors reject latest firefighter staffing motion.

Application requirements have been changed, and include the following:

• Grade 12 education or equivalent
• Nova Scotia Class 5 Driver’s Licence (or equivalent from another province) with a safe and responsible driving record
• Criminal record check with no job-related convictions of a criminal offence for which a pardon has not been granted
• Ability to communicate clearly in English (oral and written form) under demanding, high-pressure situations
• Must be 18 or older at the time of the application
• Legally entitled to work in Canada

The most notable changes are that recruits no longer need a post-secondary certificate, and the cost of applying, which used to be upwards of $1,000, are removed.

Aptitude testing, physical ability testing and a panel interview will also be a part of the hiring process.

For more information, interested candidates can attend one of six information sessions:

• Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, 7-8:30 p.m. – Cole Harbour Place (Westphal Room), 51 Forest Hills Parkway, Cole Harbour
• Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, 10-11:30 a.m. – Dartmouth Sportsplex (Common Room), 110 Wyse Rd., Dartmouth
• Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, 2-3:30 p.m. – Halifax Forum (Multipurpose Centre), 2901 Windsor St., Halifax
• Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, 10-11:30 a.m. – Prospect Road Community Centre (Multipurpose Room), 2141 Prospect Rd., Hatchett Lake
• Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, 2-3:30 p.m. – Black Cultural Centre, 10 Cherry Brook Rd., Cherry Brook
• Monday, Jan. 25, 2016, 7-8:30 p.m. – St. Andrew’s Community Centre, 3380 Barnstead Lane, Halifax

HRFE says that “If you are community minded, highly motivated, physically fit, and a team player, then we want you to consider becoming a firefighter.”

Visit halifax.ca/fire for more details.