VIDEO: Each year, those who aspire to be a firefighter must pass a series of tests; physical, mental and interview processes. This year, Grand Island Fire Department is putting 37 individuals to the test to fill five openings.
Grand Island Fire Chief Cory Schmidt said once they get through the written and physical test, the field of candidates is nearly cut in half.
Candidates wore a 50-pound weight vest, an additional 25-pound vest for the stair climb exercise and had to complete a course in 10 minutes and 20 seconds. Schmidt anticipates that out of the field of 37 candidates, there’ll only be around five or 10 quality applicants after the physical and written test. Even with that said, he’s happy with the turnout, and cold weather exemplifies what firefighters go through in the field.