And, because three out of four Fire Department responses are for medical emergencies, all Minneapolis firefighters are certified in emergency medical treatment. Firefighter cadet applicants must be at least 18 years old, live in Minneapolis at the time of application, and have or be able to obtain a Minnesota driver's license. Applicants must also pass a reading test and a physical work simulation test. Early next year a class of 30 cadets will begin 12 weeks of classroom instruction and six to eight weeks of hands-on training. Cadets are paid during training.
Training includes college courses in fire fighting and emergency medical care.
Cadets who successfully complete the program will join the ranks as firefighters. The Fire department hopes to select applicants for two or three additional classes of about the same size from the list created through this year's application process. Call 673-2709 to get in touch with a firefighter recruiter. We hope you will be able to attend and provide further input on neighborhood needs and priorities. A public hearing on needs will be held on October 19.