The Bakersfield Voice

By: Lauren Helper

Description: Kern County Fire Department seeks new recruits

While wildfires blazed in Southern California, consuming homes and, in some cases, lives, a different sort of fire raged in the hearts of the 350 individuals packed into the Beale Memorial Library on Oct. 23 — the burning desire to become firefighters.

The Kern County Fire Department recruitment session was the first of 10 that will take place in Kern County, three of which will take place in Bakersfield.

“This is the largest crowd we’ve seen in a couple of years,” said Deputy Chief Michael Cody, who’s responsible for hiring new recruits. “I’d say it’s probably a pretty good possibility that what is going on down south is the reason for that. It’s drawing a lot of attention to what we do.”

According to Cody, at any given time there are usually about 152 firefighters on duty in the county. Each station answers about 150 to 200 calls per day. Seventy to 75 percent of those calls have to do with emergency medical services. Health problems like heart attacks are the most common.

Seventy-five firefighters are in other areas right now as part of the 550 to 600 15-person strike teams fighting the Southern California wild fires.

“We’re actually at a draw down point right now, which means no one else can leave the county without putting us in danger of not being able to cover ourselves if we face a major disaster,” said Cody, who explained that Kern is part of a unique program in California where Kern trades their time with other fire departments in the state.

“It is basically an unwritten rule that if we go down there and help them out, when we face similar problems they will send guys our way to help us out,” said Cody.

The department hires about 300 people a year. Additionally, 30 new positions have been created so that each station in the county can have three men as opposed to two.

Although firefighters are needed, the application process involves being put on the hotseat, so to speak.

The fire department tests — which includes a written test, skills, physical agility and an oral interview — every two years. Testing and recruiting takes about six to seven months, during which time the candidate pool is whittled down from about 2,000 to the top 200. Recruits then go through intense mental and physical training in the 16-week fire department academy. After completion of the academy, the individual will be on one-year probation in the department. They are then in a position where they can bid on where they want to work, but ultimately that decision is made by seniority.

Cody said while the process can be a tough ladder to climb, the end result is worth it.
“It’s not often that you find a job where you like going to work every day. You can ask any fireman you run into and they’ll say they like going to work. The work is very fulfilling,” said Cody.

Individuals at the recruitment meetings can expect, if they make it through the process, to be hired sometime next October.

The department usually has two academies per year, but this year they have a third academy going on because of the many open positions due to retirements within the department.

Each academy has about 10 to 35 recruits.

Southwest resident Tom Machado, 36, is in his eighth day of the academy when The Voice visited the Olive Drive training facility. The recruit worked as a river and rock climbing guide prior to applying.

“I like action. It’s the same type of environment,” said Machado, who looks forward to fighting wildfires. He also likes the camaraderie of the department — and the fact that he won’t be tied to a desk.

“It’s a prefect fit for my personality. I can’t think of a better profession for me,” said Machado.

Department engineer and instructor Gary Moreno, a 26-year veteran of the department, said they are looking for a specific type of individual.

“We’re looking for someone who’s well-rounded and knows a little about a lot. An understanding of human nature is also crucial,” said Moreno, who added that a college degree also gives applicants an edge.

Richard Ramirez, 26, got his degree in childhood development for Cal State with the intention of becoming an elementary teacher. Plans changed, and now he’s a three-year veteran of the department.

“It’s a good place to be. We’re constantly looking out for each other,” said Ramirez, who said he loves getting up and going to work every day.

“I’m so proud of him,” said fiance Megan Janson.

Phillip Ruiz, 27, is also in his second week as a recruit. He and his group were simulating laddering from a roof to a burning attic.

Even simulated calls involve a lot of sweat and effort, but Ruiz is thrilled to be a part of it.

“I love helping people in need. Being a firefighter has been my dream since I was little,” said Ruiz, whose father, Pete, is retired from the department.

“My dad is proud and surprised, I think, that I was the son who followed in his footsteps,” said Ruiz.

Cody said that while the majority of firefighters are male, the department highly encourages women to apply.

“Our goal for the department is to have the population of our firefighters be representative of the community we protect. We are fairly close to that in all areas with the exception of females,” said Cody, who said the biggest reason for the disparity is a lack of upper body strength. “It is extremely difficult for women to acquire the strength needed to pass the test. We actually had two women pass last year and it was the first time we have had that happen,” said Cody, who said even long distance runners and other athletes haven’t passed.

The department is working on a physical fitness training program with Bakersfield College to help people pass the test, with specific emphasis on helping women acquire the upper body strength that is needed.

Upcoming recruitment meetings
When: Nov. 15, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Golden Valley High School cafeteria
When: Nov. 27, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Olive Knolls Church

About the position:
• Open recruitment expected to begin in winter of 2007-08. Information will be posted on the county personnel site.
• Must be 18 to apply. No smokers.
• Apprentice position pays $1,453 bi-weekly. After probation is over, a 20 percent pay increase to $2,962 bi-weekly.