The Grand Rapids Fire Department is Looking for Firefighters

Are you looking for a new job? Do you have what it takes to be a firefighter? The Grand Rapids Fire Department is now hiring. The department started taking firefighter applications the first of the month.

Firefighter Job Requirements

There are some very physical requirements to be a firefighter. Possible recruits will be required to haul a dummy that weighs 165 pounds. You also need to be able to climb stairs, pull down a ceiling that could be hiding flames and hammer through wall. All of these things must be done while wearing a 50 pound vest. The vest simulates the same weight the gear a firefighter has to wear while battling a blaze.

You will also have to pass a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). This test is made up of eight separate events. Participants are required to complete all eight events on a closed course in under 10 minutes and 20 seconds. The events include:

Stair Climb
Hose Drag
Equipment Carry
Ladder Raise and Extension
Forcible Entry
Search
Rescue Drag
Ceiling Breach and Pull

The other requirements to become a firefighter include:

Being at least 18 years old
Having a High School Diploma or GED
Having a valid driver's license
Have at least 20/30 corrected vision or 20/100 for uncorrected
No felony convictions

Grand Rapids Firefighter — Photo: The City of Grand Rapids via YouTube

How Much Does the Job Pay?

According to the recruitment page on the Grand Rapids Fire Department's website, the salary for a firefighter ranges between $48,796 and $74,550 a year.

What are the Employee Benefits?

As an employee of the City of Grand Rapids, city employees are offered the following benefits:

Competitive salaries
Comprehensive health care package including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
Paid vacation days
Paid sick leave
Paid jury duty
Bereavement leave
Defined contribution retirement plan (401a and RHSA)
Cash death benefit
Paycheck direct deposit