The Grand Rapids Fire Department is Looking for Firefighters

Are you looking for a new job? Do you have what it takes to be a firefighter? The Grand Rapids Fire Department is now hiring. The department started taking firefighter applications the first of the month.

Firefighter Job Requirements

There are some very physical requirements to be a firefighter. Possible recruits will be required to haul a dummy that weighs 165 pounds. You also need to be able to climb stairs, pull down a ceiling that could be hiding flames and hammer through wall. All of these things must be done while wearing a 50 pound vest. The vest simulates the same weight the gear a firefighter has to wear while battling a blaze.

You will also have to pass a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). This test is made up of eight separate events. Participants are required to complete all eight events on a closed course in under 10 minutes and 20 seconds. The events include:

• Stair Climb
• Hose Drag
• Equipment Carry
• Ladder Raise and Extension
• Forcible Entry
• Search
• Rescue Drag
• Ceiling Breach and Pull

The other requirements to become a firefighter include:

• Being at least 18 years old
• Having a High School Diploma or GED
• Having a valid driver's license
• Have at least 20/30 corrected vision or 20/100 for uncorrected
• No felony convictions

How Much Does the Job Pay?

According to the recruitment page on the Grand Rapids Fire Department's website, the salary for a firefighter ranges between $48,796 and $74,550 a year.

What are the Employee Benefits?

As an employee of the City of Grand Rapids, city employees are offered the following benefits:

• Competitive salaries
• Comprehensive health care package including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• Paid vacation days
• Paid sick leave
• Paid jury duty
• Bereavement leave
• Defined contribution retirement plan (401a and RHSA)
• Cash death benefit
• Paycheck direct deposit

Here is a recruitment video from the Grand Rapids Fire Department...

The Grand Rapids Fire Department will be accepting firefighter applications through the end of June.