CITY OPENS FIRE FIGHTER RECRUITMENT

            The City's Department of Human Resources announced today that online applications will be accepted for Fire Fighter Recruits beginning at 12:00 midnight on June 1, 2008, and ending at 11:59 p.m. on June 5, 2008.  Paper applications will not be accepted.

            An announcement of the recruitment will be published in the jobs sections of the Honolulu Advertiser this Sunday, May 18.

            More than 4,100 applicants responded to the last five-day recruitment in June 2005.

            Mayor Mufi Hannemann said, "We anticipate another great response this year because this is one of the most rewarding careers in City government, the benefits are great, and it's a chance to join an outstanding team.  This is an excellent opportunity for men and women interested in serving the community and protecting property and lives."

            Prospective applicants can get a sneak preview of a fire-fighting career at the City Career Expo on Wednesday, May 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Blaisdell Center.  The Honolulu Fire Department will feature its "Can You Take the Heat?" women's recruitment initiative at the event, as well as general information on becoming a fire fighter, demonstrations on the use of personal protective equipment and the candidate physical ability test, and videos of fire fighters on the job.  Physical fitness demonstrations are scheduled on the Pikake Room stage at 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m.  Fire vehicles will be on display throughout the day at the Galleria entrance on Ward Avenue.

            Honolulu Fire Chief Kenneth Silva said, "We want to make women aware that they can do the job of a fire fighter so we're showcasing 'Can You Take the Heat?' and emphasizing career opportunities within the Honolulu Fire Department.  The fire service is a highly rewarding career for men and women. We want the best candidates to apply so we can train them to serve the public and continue to provide our high level of quality service."

            The online applications will be accepted at http://agency.governmentjobs.com/honolulu/ beginning June 1.  Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m., June 5.  Applicants may set up an account profile in advance; however, the application will be available only during the established period.  Information and FAQs are also available at the website.

            Applicants without computer access can use computers at Oahu WorkLinks, public libraries, and some community parks.  The Department of Human Resources, located in the Fasi Municipal Building, 650 South King Street, 10^th Floor, will have a limited number of computers available from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. during the designated dates.

            Qualified candidates will be contacted to take the Fire Fighter Recruit written examination scheduled for September 13, 2008.  Candidates who pass that exam then will be placed on a list based on their scores.  As the HFD fills vacancies, candidates will be called to perform swimming, diving, and physical ability tests.  Those passing the physical tests will be subsequently interviewed by HFD officers.

            Effective July 1, 2008, HFD recruits earn $3,377 a month for one year, the duration of their probationary period.  The salary climbs to $3,652 a month thereafter.  Fire fighters receive a benefit package that includes partially paid medical, dental, and life insurance, paid sick leave, 13 paid holidays, annual vacation, and a retirement plan.

            Applicants must be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States.  Non-citizens with unrestricted employment authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services may also be eligible to apply.  In addition, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and an appropriate valid driver's license.

            Of the 4,107 applicants in 2005, 3,980 met the qualifications to take the written examination.  A total of 2,309 took the written exam, but only 601 individuals passed.  The Honolulu Fire Department has provided training for about 130 recruits over the last three years.

Contact:

Terry Seelig, Honolulu Fire Department, 723-7117

Bill Brennan, 597-6928