Mayor Tom Henry today joined Fort Wayne Fire Chief Eric Lahey to announce the Fort Wayne Fire Department’s hiring initiative to add 26 new firefighters to the department.

The application process opened today and is available at www.fortwaynefiredepartment.org. The application deadline is May 1. Applicants must hold either an Indiana Paramedic License or a National Registry Paramedic Certification upon application. Applicants must be 21 years old by May 1, 2016, and cannot turn 36 years old by January 1, 2017.

The 89th recruit class is expected to begin in early fall, with graduation in late December.

While the Fort Wayne Fire Department works closely with the existing emergency responders and departments in Allen County, a need has been identified to have a new department of firefighter paramedics that will be fully integrated into the current work force and firehouses.

“Being in position to add 43 new firefighters to our department this year is unprecedented, and it’s a show of commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and businesses,” said Mayor Henry. “Fort Wayne is moving in the right direction as a leader in providing excellent public safety services to our community.”

“Today’s launch of our paramedic hiring process is a great way to highlight our continued efforts to increase the level of service we provide to the public,” said Chief Lahey. “It’s an honor to serve and protect our community. The individuals recruited for this class will have already demonstrated professionalism as paramedics and a strong desire to give back. We’re looking forward to great results from this class and the lifesaving skills they will bring with them.”

Last month, the 88th recruit class began with 17 recruits. They are in their 16-week process to become firefighters for the City of Fort Wayne. The anticipated graduation date is May 13.

The additional 26 firefighter paramedics will enhance the fire department’s level of fire service by ensuring four firefighters are on a fire apparatus at all times and fill positions that are vacated through anticipated and unanticipated retirements.

Over the last 15 years, the City has grown from 65 square miles to more than 110 square miles. The fire department is responsible for the second largest area of land in Indiana as well as infrastructure critical to the entire region. Adding firefighter paramedics will result in optimal response and protection capabilities during the more than 18,000 runs for service performed annually by the department.