New Requirements Announced for Fire Department Recruits

The coursework requirements for new firefighter recruits has been increased, the Hawaii Fire Department said today.

All applicants considered for hire in Hawaii County must have completed English 100 and Health (Medical Technology) 125 courses with a grade of “C” or higher, the department said.

The requirements apply to those looking to enter the Kapiolani Community College Emergency Medical Technician Course required for all new firefighter recruits.

HFD firefighter recruits attend EMT training through Kapiolani Community College at its Hawaii Island EMS Training Center in Hilo.

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact their local community colleges or universities for information regarding on-campus and on-line courses for the ENG 100 and HLTH 125 courses.

It is possible that similar courses can be substituted for ENG 100 and HLTH 125. The department advised applicants to call Kapiolani Community College counselor Russell Kinningham (kinningh@hawaii.edu) or 734-9224 for information on substitutions.

The HFD expects a firefighter recruitment this fall with the hiring process anticipated to begin in February 2014. The department will allow applicants to apply for the recruitment without ENG 100 and HLTH 125 for this period only. However, these courses must be completed before the hiring process is completed or the applicant will not be considered.

The Big Island’s fire department is the only one in the state which also provides emergency medical services. Because the HFD provides the county with emergency ambulance services, all firefighters are required to become State of Hawai`i Emergency Medical Technicians or EMTs.