Chattanooga Fire Department Lowers Hiring Age to 18 to Boost Recruitment Efforts
The Chattanooga Fire Department has received approval to lower their hiring age to 18. This new policy aims to broaden the department’s recruitment efforts and impact a younger demographic.
“This is going to give kids the opportunity to become firefighters, especially those whose parents or grandparents have inspired them. Now we are opening up those dreams for them to follow their passion. We can also start recruiting at middle schools,” said Captain Damien Vison, Community Outreach and Community Coordinator.
City Council’s final vote will opening new doors for potential recruits. By reducing the age requirements, high school graduates can enter their careers sooner and start serving their communities immediately after graduation. The Chattanooga Fire Department is also planning to implement outreach programs in local schools to educate students about firefighting careers and provide them with hands-on experience.
“Well, it’s something that has been long awaited. This is going to give the community another tool to use; not everyone wants to go to college. We’re losing firefighters to surrounding departments, and it’s going to be a huge recruitment tool for UTC, Chattanooga State, and the Hamilton County school system as well,” said Vison.
