By Jane Glenn Cannon
The Oklahoman
NORMAN, Okla. — City fire officials are seeking more than a few good men and women — 17, to be exact — for a training academy that begins in June.
Applications are available from now through Jan. 15, Deputy Fire Chief James Bailey said.
Fifteen of the 17 firefighters being recruited will be paid for out of a public safety sales tax passed by Norman residents in 2008.
The 15 new recruits will staff a fire station being built at 36th Avenue NW and W Tecumseh Road. The other two will fill vacancies left by firefighters who have retired, Bailey said.
The new fire station is expected to be completed in about a year. The training academy that begins June 1 will last about 24 weeks.
“Our plan is to have 15 people trained in time to fully staff the new fire station, which we hope will be opening about the same time their training is completed,” Bailey said.
Qualified applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a minimum of 30 college hours from an accredited college or university. Additionally, applicants must have the ability to obtain an Oklahoma driver’s license, have no felony convictions and be able to perform the essential duties of a firefighter recruit, Bailey said.
Applicants must pass a written examination, physical agility test, a background investigation and physical examination.
While attending the academy, the trainees will draw full salary and benefits. The 24-week training includes classroom instruction and practical field exercises in firefighting techniques and practices, emergency response and rescue, as well as equipment maintenance, Bailey said.
The trainees will be required to obtain basic certification as a Level I firefighter, an emergency medical responder and a hazardous materials responder during a one-year probationary period following their training, the deputy chief said.
APPLICATIONS
WANT TO SIGN UP?
Anyone interested can apply at the fire administration office at 201-C W Gray St., or go to www.normanok.gov to download an application. For more information, call 366-5482.