If you have always dreamed of becoming a firefighter, you now have the ultimate opportunity. Up to 40 firefighters are being sought in “one of the largest recruitment campaigns ever carried out by the Stuttgart Fire Department “. This is according to the new fire department requirement plan– still in progress – which allocates many more necessary positions than the fire department has ever had. And although the plan has not yet been finalized, the advertisement and applications for the new positions have already begun.
Requirements and selection
Of the 40 positions, 30 are earmarked for candidates for the post of town fire chief. Anyone wishing to apply has until March 27 of this year. However, several requirements must be met in order to become part of the Stuttgart fire department.
Prospective firefighters need at least a secondary school leaving certificate, completed vocational training suitable for firefighting, a driving license and good health. The latter is tested in various ways, for example in a 3000-meter run, which must be completed in a maximum of 16 minutes, as well as shot put or long throw. As the successful applicants are taken on in the civil service, other personal qualities must also be fulfilled.
Training for firefighters
Becoming a firefighter is not an easy task that is completed quickly. The preparatory service is scheduled to begin on April 1, 2023. It is divided into six months of basic training and a one-month career training course. Normally, basic training only takes place once a year, but due to the particularly large number of posts, there will be two courses this time.
After the one-month course, candidates must complete one year of practical training. During this time, they are introduced to operational and guard duty as well as special courses such as paramedic training. Once they have successfully completed their career training, they are deployed as probationary officers in one of Stuttgart’s five fire stations.
In addition to these 30 positions for general applicants, a further ten new positions will be created for already trained emergency services personnel who can apply for the higher fire department by March 2. Further positions are expected to be created over the course of the summer, which will also be aimed at older firefighters and emergency paramedics.