Wheeling Fire Department Civil Service Tests Scheduled for August 8 | News, Sports, Jobs

photo by: Shelley Hanson

Firefighter Jason Milton of the Wheeling Fire Department, left, and Fire Chief Jim Blazier stand with a decontamination tent during a recent training session.

The Wheeling Fire Department is looking to replenish its hiring list with a new round of civil service exams in August.

Fire Chief Jim Blazier said the written portion of the exam will be held Aug. 8 at 6 p.m. in the West Meeting Room of the WesBanco Arena. The agility portion of the exam will be held Aug. 24 at the South Wheeling Outdoor Pool, across from Ritchie Elementary School.

“We are looking for motivated people who want to become firefighters and paramedics,” he said. “You don’t need experience. You may have no knowledge. We will teach you what you need to know. »

Blazier said probationary firefighters must live within a 20-mile radius of Wheeling. Candidates must be no more than 35 years old at the time of the exam and at least 18 years old. Applicants must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Retired military personnel under the age of 40 can also apply.

“It’s a kind of vocation. There are things we do that some people don't like to do. You have to have an interest and a desire to be a public servant and help people,” he said.

Blazier noted that the agility portion of the exam is usually conducted in the Ritchie Elementary School pool; however, as their pool is undergoing some repairs, the exam will take place at the city's outdoor pool.

Blazier encourages those interested in becoming a firefighter to visit the city's website for more information and to fill out an application form as well as a study guide for the civil service exam.

The base salary for a new firefighter is $47,650.

Blazier said the department typically seeks to replenish its list of candidates every three years. Sometimes it runs out sooner rather than later. The fire department currently has 93 employees, including firefighters and support staff. Blazier said the department would likely immediately hire two to three people from the new list.