LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Recruit Vincent Lopez left his life as a behavioral therapist and moved across the country for a new career.
What You Need To Know
- Applications for the Louisville Fire Department are now open
- The department said it gets about 600 applicants each hiring cycle, and there are 40 vacancies
- The application process includes multiple tests, which take months to complete
- Requirements include being 18 or older, a high school or GED diploma and a valid driver's license
"It wasn't all just, 'I'm going to Kentucky; I'm going to be a firefighter,'" he said.
Lopez said he liked the culture and teamwork of the Louisville Fire Department, where applications are now open. But most of all, Lopez wanted to be a role model to children.
“I saw that a lot of kids really looked up to firefighters, and I always wanted to be someone people look up to in the community," Lopez said.
Capt. Tamara Stewart said those interested in becoming a firefighter with the Louisville Fire Department must take multiple tests as part of the application, which takes months to complete, but it's all to hire the best to support the Louisville community.
Requirements include being 18 or older, a high school or GED diploma and a valid driver's license, she added.
"We will teach you the rest," Stewart said. "You'll come out as a firefighter, an EMT, a hazmat tech and a rope tech.”
The Louisville Fire Department has 21 fire stations throughout the city. Stewart said it gets 600 applicants each hiring cycle, and the department has 40 vacancies. Key qualities for recruits include having a great attitude, mental toughness and being teachable.
“When it comes to athletic performance, we're looking for an all-around athlete with a warrior spirit, indomitable spirit," Stewart said. "We also need people that understand the importance of studying and always being a good learner.”
Stewart said many people come to the department for a career change.
“I was actually a schoolteacher for eight years before I got on the fire department," Stewart said. "I still get to make bonds with my community, and I actually still get to teach in the fire department as well.”
There are many challenges in this career, Lopez said, but it's still fulfilling.
“I just say if you're going to do it, go all in," Lopez said. "There are going to be a lot of sacrifices are going to come with this, but it'll all be worth it in the end.”
Lopez is only in his eighth week but said becoming a firefighter was the best decision he ever made.
More information on the application process, benefits and compensation can be found on Louisville Metro's website.