Mayor Mike Purzycki and Chief of Fire Michael Donohue today encouraged individuals who would like to become a firefighter for the City of Wilmington to apply now for the City’s 41st fire academy, which opens early next year. Potential candidates need to prepare now for the extensive application and training process prior to the opening of the academy.
Applications for the fire academy are available online at this link, and will be accepted until Monday, November 30, 2020. Applications are also available online here. For additional information about a career with the Wilmington Fire Department, please visit: www.wilmingtondefirecareers.com
“Being a Wilmington firefighter is a very challenging career but one that is very rewarding,” said Mayor Purzycki. “Chief Donohue and I know that it takes a special individual to risk his or her life in service to the larger community. We are looking for more special people to become part of our team.”
Staffing for the Fire Department is currently below 95% of the authorized or budgeted levels (due to retirements and other forms of attrition), which is the trigger that enables the City to schedule a new academy to replenish personnel. The authorized strength of the Fire Department is 156, with 142 positions currently staffed. The exact number of recruits needed for the department will be determined as the opening of the academy draws closer.
Details for the 41st Wilmington Fire Academy are as follows:
- Application period ends November 30, 2020.
- The opening date of the fire academy is expected to be the first week of April 2021 graduation is anticipated to be in August 2021.
- For information about becoming a Wilmington firefighter, contact Battalion Chief John Looney at 302.576.3179 or by email at [email protected].
The initial screening process for the academy will include a written exam, a physical agility test, and interview panels that will include a Chief’s interview.
Source: City of Wilmington