DC Fire and EMS Seeks Various Firefighter/EMT Recruits

OMCP/Kristi King

OMCP/Kristi King

OMCP/Kristi King

DC is looking to hire firefighters/emergency medical technicians through an open application process for the next 30 days.

“Quite frankly, there’s nothing more rewarding than being able to help someone every day you come to work. I grew up in this department for the past 30 years and loved every minute of it,” Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly Sr. said during a Monday briefing.

For the first time, entrance exams will be offered both virtually and in person at test centers.

English is mandatory, but bilingual candidates are particularly encouraged.

“It’s important because our community is multilingual,” Donnelly said.

“And like any other group in town – whether black, white, male, female – whether you are from the northwest or the southeast, whether you speak another language or identify as LBGTQ+ or one of these groups, the more people we have, the better off we are in terms of our ability to connect with the community, understand their needs, and have the community feel comfortable calling us “, did he declare.

Napoleon Epps, who is currently in training, was born and raised in DC. He has family and friends in the department and said his pride and dedication made him want to apply.

“Tradition is what really drove me to want to apply and to push hard,” Epps said.

Another trainee, Nigel Naismith, said his father was from Costa Rica. He is originally from California and has worked at 911 for four years, but recently moved to DC

“As a paramedic, I want to continue serving my community,” Naismith said. “That’s why I decided to join the department – to continue to serve the community where I am and do the best for the people around me.”

Applicants are welcome from anywhere, but application and entrance exam fees are waived for DC residents.

“We want people from our community to serve our communities, and there’s no better way to do that than to hire from home,” Donnelly said.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, 19 years of age or older, have a valid driver’s license, and a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).

So what type of person would be a good fit?

Lt. Rosshawnda Mason of the DC Fire and EMS recruiting office said she always referred to the department’s core values.

“The BASICS – which represent bravery, responsibility, security, integrity, compassion and service. We are looking for candidates who possess all of these qualities,” Mason said. “We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are worthy of confident, eager to learn, and ready to serve Washington, D.C. residents and visitors.”

Those who pass the exam will be required to undergo and pass a physical fitness test, background check, health and drug screening and interview before being selected as recruits.

“There are opportunities for upward mobility, benefits and a great pension, to say the least,” Mason said.

But Donnelly added that the rigorous review process isn’t just about ticking boxes.

“We are looking for the right people; this is a difficult work. And there’s a lot at stake for everyone when they come out,” Donnelly said.

“So it’s very important for us to have the right people, and the right people don’t all fit the same mold. They come from many places. They come from a lot of backgrounds, and we want anyone who is interested to apply and see if you have what it takes.

Individuals selected for the position must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, which includes all eligible boosters, except when vaccination is not medically advised or violates sincere religious beliefs.

You can apply on the District website. The application process closes August 30.