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Video: Ky. department agility test helps narrow pool of 60 applicants

The department will see 60 candidates over two days and will select at least two new firefighters

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Eric Robinett climbs up a 100-foot latter on Tuesday as he goes through the Ashland Fire Department physical agility test. (The Daily Independent Photo/Rachel Adkins)

By Rachel Adkins
The Daily Independent

ASHLAND, Ky. — Applicants for the Ashland Fire Department showed off their strength and endurance on Tuesday as they completed a physical agility test.

The department will see 60 candidates over two days and will select at least two new firefighters according to Deputy Fire Chief Greg Ray. The applicants previously completed a written test in May. An interview and background check is also a part of the hiring process.

The timed test is made of 10 different stations that includes maneuvering through a dark tunnel maze and running up three flights of stairs with an additional 25 pounds to simulate carrying a water hose. Those completing the course also wore a 50-pound vest for the entire duration that simulated the weight of gear they would wear on the job. Outside the station they had to climb a 100-foot ladder attached to a fire truck where they were not timed.

Ray said the physical portion of the tryout is important because of the demands of firefighting.

“You have to keep physically fit and if you don’t you’re going to have some problems,” he said, adding the leading cause of death with firefighters nationwide is a heart attack.

Participants could only complete the test once but were allowed to practice on the stations a couple of times leading up to the test. However, they were not allowed to go through the entire course.

If they made an error during the tryout they either received a warning or were penalized a few seconds. Those who snatched up the best times will move on to the next round.

Ray said a decision on the new hires will probably not be made until the fall. Applicants who are not chosen will still have a chance of being hired in the future.

“If there’s any leave because of retirement, we’ll have a list that will be good for a year,” said Ray. “Anybody that leaves after this time within a year will be picked off the list.”
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(c)2016 The Daily Independent (Ashland, Ky.)

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