Wilmington Fire Department Seeking Recruits For 41st Fire Academy

From the City of Wilmington:

October 20, 2020

Mayor Mike Purzycki and Chief of Fire Michael Donohue announced today that the City of Wilmington is seeking individuals who would like to become a City firefighter. They note that potential candidates will need to prepare for the extensive application and training process prior to the opening of the new fire academy early next year.

Applications for the City’s 41st fire academy, which are available online at this link, will be accepted until Monday, November 30, 2020. Applications are also available online here.

“Being a Wilmington firefighter is not easy,” said Mayor Purzycki, “but it is an extremely rewarding form of public service. Chief Donohue and I know that it takes a special individual to risk his or her life in service to the larger community and I have the highest regard for the men and women who do just that for Wilmington each and every day. I can think of few careers that are more challenging and rewarding at the same time.”

Staffing for the Fire Department is currently below 95% of the authorized or budgeted levels (due to retirements and other forms of attrition), which is the trigger that enables the City to schedule a new academy to replenish personnel. The authorized strength of the Fire Department is 156, with 145 positions currently staffed. The exact number of recruits needed for the department will be determined as the opening of the academy draws closer.

Details for the 41st Wilmington Fire Academy are as follows:

• Application period will be open from October 19, 2020 through November 30, 2020.
• The opening date of the fire academy is expected to be the first week of April 2021 while the anticipated date for graduation is early August 2021.
• For information about becoming a Wilmington firefighter, contact Battalion Chief John Looney at 302.576.3179 or by email at firerecruitment@wilmingtonde.com.

The initial screening process for the academy will include a written exam, a physical agility test, and interview panels that will include a Chief’s interview.

This press release was produced by the City of Wilmington. The views expressed here are the author’s own.