VIDEO: The Beloit Fire Department is changing its recruitment process in hopes of increasing the applicant pool, and making the job more accessible to people of all socioeconomic classes. Beloit Fire Chief Brad Liggett said the department has struggled in the past to attract a diverse group of applicants. He said it's likely because the department has too many high cost training requirements. For example, prior to this hiring cycle the department required some college credit, and paramedic training. Chief Liggett said that could cost an applicant up to $13,000. “In an impoverished community that makes it very difficult to be hired locally and to bring candidates that may not have the resources to achieve those educational goals,” said Chief Liggett.