Bowling Green Fire Department hosts recruitment open house, looking for firefighters

Bowling Green, KY – An open house was held on Monday evening by the Bowling Green Fire Department (BGFD) as an initiative to encourage new recruits to join the firefighting force. Those who attended the event at Station 7 were given a comprehensive tour of the station, offering a peek into the life of a firefighter. Besides, they were also given an opportunity to interact with active firefighters.

Participation from Active Firefighters

“We wanted to get the opportunity for people to come in and see what our stations are like, to be able to ask the questions, to know kind of what they are getting into, and if they had any concerns to hear from the people on shifts that do it every day,” said BGFD Public Information Officer Katie McKee.

Preparing for the Future

With the new Station 8 at the Transpark, and Bowling Green now being Kentucky’s third-most populated city, the BGFD is in need of new recruits. “We try to hire for character, and then train for ability. So if you’ve got the character that we’re looking for, honor, integrity, professionalism, a desire to serve others, we want to know before you come to work for us that you have a heart to serve other people,” said BGFD Deputy Chief of Operations Bret Smith.

Eligibility to Apply

Individuals looking to apply need to be at least 18 years old, be a high school graduate with a valid driver’s license, and a good driving, police, personal, and employment record. “So it is a long process, you have to go through a written test, you have several interviews, you’ll get into a polygraph,” McKee said. “Then once you are offered the job, that’s when you’ll start the 12-week recruit class.”

Fulfillment in the Job

Although the job can be tough and dangerous, Bret Smith, who has been a firefighter for 23 years, said that he wouldn’t trade it for anything. “There’s a lot of personal fulfillment that you get from doing this job. Going out and helping other people, sometimes on their very worst day, is very rewarding. I can’t imagine another career that gives as much, that you have to put as much into it then it gives so much back to you as an employee, as being a firefighter.”

The Hiring Process

McKee mentioned that the department is currently taking applications, with the hiring process beginning in October, and shifts for newly hired starting in April or May of the following year. Interested applicants can find the necessary qualifications and the application forms on the city employment website.

Conclusion

The opportunity to become a life-saving hero is open for all. The Bowling Green Fire Department eagerly welcomes all eligible and passionate people to be a part of their team and carry forward the noble task of protecting the city and its people.