August 16, 2001

PRESS RELEASE

To: Newsroom

For Immediate Release

Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer

Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

The Shreveport Fire Department Wants You!

It takes a special person to answer the call. A person willing to go into a burning house to save a child or perform CPR on a cardiac arrest victim. The needs are varied but one constant remains: a dedication to public service and the protection of life, property, and the environment.

For those interested in the fast paced - life saving world of firefighting and medical emergencies, the Shreveport Fire Department is looking for you! The department is now taking applications, through October 5, for the position of firefighter.

Applicants will be required to test for and pass a state Civil Service exam, tentatively scheduled for early November, before being considered for further evaluation. If selected, firefighter recruits are sent through a 16-week basic training course at the Fire Training Academy that includes training as an emergency medical technician (EMT).

The base pay for new firefighters is $24,348 annually. Health, life and dental insurance is available, with the city picking up 60 percent of the premium. After one year, firefighters receive 18 days of paid vacation. If college is in their future, after the first year, the city provides 100% reimbursement for accredited college courses.

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