The Beckley Fire Department is now accepting applications for its upcoming firefighter testing process. Two open houses, where those interested can learn more about the career, will take place on June 6th and 26th, followed by an entry-level exam on July 24th.
Neal Lemrow started at Beckley Station One in December, and he says there’s nothing else he would rather do:
“I wish I had done it sooner. It’s been fantastic so far. I like everybody I’ve met. I like all the things that I’ve learned. And there’s more to go.”
Beckley Fire Chief Ed Thompson says he dreamed of being a firefighter since he was young, and finds his job rewarding every day:
“It gives you a good sense of self-worth. You know, I never went home at the end of a shift feeling bad about what I did the previous 24 hours. You’re always helping people, and you always have something to feel good about.”
Beckley needs good firefighter candidates. According to Thompson, recruiting has gotten harder in recent years, despite competitive pay, 20-year retirement plans, and other benefits.
“Well, it used to be a very difficult job to get. When I started, we had 600 people applying for six jobs. The recruitment numbers are down nationwide. It’s just harder to get people to look at this as a career option nowadays.”
If you’re 18 to 35, live within 50 miles of Beckley, and think you have what it takes to be a firefighter, Lemrow says you should start preparing for the July 24th entry-level exam now.
“You can find applications at any of our stations as well as city hall, and you can turn those applications back in to City Hall or at one of the stations, and we’ll collect them all.
For more information, visit beckley.gov/fire-department.
