Huntsville Fire and Rescue Service Hosts Meet and Greet to Meet the City's Continued Growth

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Dozens of prospective firefighters looking to launch their careers with Huntsville Fire and Rescue (HFR) got a dose of what it would be like on the job.

The HFR is sounding the alarm to attract more candidates. Department officials spent Wednesday evening organizing a meeting in an effort to bring in more firefighters.

This shouldn't come as a huge surprise, but over the past year, no city in Alabama has added more residents than Huntsville and with that growth comes a need for more first responders.

As thousands of people settle into Rocket City, growth comes with some challenges.

“It is important for us to fulfill these roles to protect the lives and property of our city,” said Captain Cory Green, HFR lead recruiter. “We’re trying to keep up with the growth. I'm sure everyone has seen the construction work all over Huntsville and it's important that more people help us fill these roles.

Green says people who become firefighters are beacons of hope in times of crisis, guardians of their communities and heroes to those in need.

This is something that resonates well with future firefighters like Austin Vest.

“They are honorable, courageous, the list goes on,” Vest said. “They prioritize service inside and outside of work, I just feel like I'm called to do Jesus went out and helped other people and that's something that I feel like I have to.”

Candidates like Vest had the chance to meet with officials and tour HFR Station 1 near downtown Huntsville.

Vest's linear ties to firefighting also fuel his interest in the profession.

“Since I was born, my cousin has been a chief for over 20 years in a fire department and that just motivated and inspired me to be like him,” Vest told News 19. “I've heard all the stories crazy about how he's helped other people come out and he's someone I want to be.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Huntsville, the state's largest city, added nearly 10 residents per day in 2023. That's why HFR will soon add a 20th station to be located in West Huntsville.

“As more and more people come here, there will be a lot more accidents and incidents that happen and not necessarily intentional, maybe some will be, but we have to have people and staff on site to be prepared for all of these situations,” Green said.

Anyone interested in applying can visit the HFR website to learn more about the hiring process and complete an application. HFR will organize a second meeting on June 8 and the recruitment cycle will end on June 14.