By Fred Hanson
The Patriot Ledger
BRAINTREE, Mass. — The town will be administering an entrance exam for firefighters Feb. 12, but Fire Chief Kevin Murphy doesn’t know if he’ll have any openings in the near future.
The test results will be used to select firefighter candidates for the next two years.
“Right now, we’re down four firefighters due to attrition,” Murphy said. “I’m hoping to hire two in July, but that’s a long way off.”
Some retirements of department members are possible, but no one has made firm plans to retire, Murphy said.
The test will be overseen by the town’s human resources department.
Murphy said this year’s test includes 30 questions from a study guide published by the International Fire Service Training Association. The change was made to make the test “a little harder,” Murphy said.
The Braintree Fire Department is not covered by the state’s Civil Service system, and uses its own examination.
Applications for the test may be obtained at the town’s human resources office, which is on the lower level of town hall, 1 John F. Kennedy Drive.
A $50 processing fee is required, and no personal checks will be accepted. Applicants must be licensed to drive and must submit copies of their birth certificates.
Filled-out applications must be submitted to the human resources department by 4:30 p.m. Friday.
The test will be given in the cafeteria of Braintree High School, 128 Town St. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. In the event of snow, the test will be postponed one week, to Feb. 19.
Copyright 2011 The Patriot Ledger