Fire Department Launches Apprentice Program

LONGVIEW — The Longview Fire Department is looking for individuals interested in becoming firefighter/paramedics as part of the Fire Apprentice Program. Apprentices receive salary and benefits, and the City of Longview pays education related expenses as well. The program includes 22 weeks of firefighter training followed by 12 months of paramedic school. After completion of firefighter training, apprentices are able to work as a Firefighter/EMT within the department while finishing paramedic school. This year, there are 6 openings in the Fire Apprenticeship Program. To be considered for the program, applications should be received through January 5, 2011.

According to Chief J.P. Steelman, “If someone has ever been interested in becoming a firefighter, now is a great time to pursue that dream. In Longview, we want all of our firefighters to also be fully certified as paramedics, but it is sometimes difficult to find applicants that have both certifications. The Fire Apprenticeship Program allows us to hire the best available individuals and then train them for the proper certifications, which will hopefully broaden our pool of eligible applicants.”

In addition to the Fire Apprenticeship Program, the Fire Department is also currently accepting applications for certified Firefighters and Paramedics. To apply or to learn more about the program, visit http://www.Fire.Longview.Texas.gov or contact Fire Training Chief Curtis Shaw at 903-237-1209.