SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — The Spokane Valley Fire Department is keeping up with growth in the Inland Northwest by hiring one of its largest class of new firefighters.
"We’re trying to get as many candidates to come and apply for what I believe is one of the best jobs in the world,” said Deputy Chief of Operations Zack Bond.
The department is looking to bring on 20 entry-level firefighters to support increased demands for service.
Bond said SVFD responded to a record number of incidents in 2022 and is on track to meet a similar volume for 2023.
"Over 23,000 in 2022. We’re looking to at least meet that in 2023," Bond explained. "To keep up with that demand, we need to keep up with the number of firefighters we have to meet that demand."
Bond said it's beneficial if applicants have some experience in firefighting, but it isn't required. He said people looking to join the team should be prepared for the physical and mental demands of the job.
"There are a lot of steps to go through to get through the door, but once you get through the door, going through the medical evaluation, psychological evaluation, there's a written exam, a CPAT which is a physical agility exam," Bond said.
He said once recruits pass the required physical and written exams, they'll participate in 16 weeks of intense and in-depth training.
"We’re going to teach you what you need to know to do the job,” Bond said. "You can expect a 40 hours a week of intensive firefighter training that's going to touch all the disciplines. From the basics of firefighting to hazardous materials, some technical rescue, live fire training.”
After the exams and training, firefighters will be officially welcomed to be a part of a unique family of brothers and sisters who serve.
"Here at the Spokane Valley Fire Department, we hold that dear to the process," Bond said. "And that’s incorporating the new folks as probationary firefighters and teaching them what it means to be part of a team that operates under stress and becomes literally a family."
The entry-level firefighter application is live through Nov. 6.
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