County fire department to accept applications for prospective firefighters




County fire department
to accept applications for prospective firefighters
By Stephanie Bertholdo
and Lori Porter

For the first time in seven years, the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACFD) is accepting applications for new recruits.


Maria Grycan, a representative with the LACFD, announced the department’s intent to fill spots at its training academy at last week’s Agoura Hills city council meeting. "We anticipate a huge amount of applicants," Grycan said. She added that the number could reach the tens of thousands.


According to LACFD Chief P. Michael Freeman, few fire departments can match the experience L.A. county offers to firefighters seeking a "prized" career packed with "excitement," "diversity," and "purpose." LACFD has a reputation of being a world-class emergency services agency, said Freeman.


Applications will be accepted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Thurs., Dec. 2 through Sat., Dec. 4. According to Grycan, applications must be delivered in person to one of several locations in Los Angeles County (see www.lacofd.org). Photo identification is required.


The website noted that there is no need to arrive before the start of the filing period since no preference will be given to early applicants. "All applications received during the filing period will be processed," it said.


Minimum educational requirements include graduation from high school or its equivalent by Dec. 31. Candidates must be at least 17½ years old at the time the application is filed.


Once top candidates are identified, they will undergo a physical ability test, a background check, medical examination and selection interview. Candidates will enter a sixteen-week training program at the L.A. County Training Academy.


According to the website, the academy will combine classroom and field training to learn techniques and procedures for fighting structural, watershed, chemical petroleum, electrical and other fires. Trainees will learn how to rescue and evacuate people during fires and how to provide emergency medical care.


It was noted on the website that the physical class "involves frequent heavy lifting over 25 pounds, often combined with bending, twisting or working on irregular surfaces, and occasionally requires extraordinary physical activity."


Monthly salary for trainees is listed at $3,690 per month.


For more information, visit the website or call (213) 738-2084 or the department’s hotline at (323) 881-2308.



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