DAYTON, Ohio (WKEF) -- The Dayton Fire Department is accepting applications for new Fire Recruits, with a specific focus on recruiting minority candidates into its ranks.
Between now and February 20, 2022, anybody who wishes to can apply. Those who are successfully processed will then take a Civil Service exam in March to establish an eligibility for hiring.
The Dayton Fire Department is currently 89% Caucasian, and it hopes to help diversify the force so that it more closely resembles the racial and ethnic make-up of the City of Dayton. As a part of this, the DFD is working to attract underrepresented groups in a variety of ways, including establishing an Explorer program to aimed for youth between 14 and 18, a partnership with Dayton Public Schools to establish a Fire/EMS Career & Technical Education (CTE) program at the high school level, and a “DFD Fire Camp for Women”, to encourage women to pursue fire service careers. Additionally, it utilizes the City’s internal “Homegrown Heroes” promotional program, along with DFD members attending dozens of community events, job fairs, and organizational gatherings.
“The culmination of all those efforts is now,” the department said in a press release.
If you are interested in applying, you can find more information here.