Following is a letter from the Austin Fire Chief explaining their need for community volunteers to assist on an interview board to select the next batch of Austin firefighters. If you can make a 10-day committment, please read on.
March 8, 2011
Dear Citizen of Austin,
You’ve probably heard by now that the Austin Fire Department is deep in the throes of hiring what will be its largest cadet class ever—more than 100! Our first step in the hiring process, the entrance exam, garnered more than 3,300 qualified applicants who sat for the test.
The next part of the process is the oral interview, a structured face-to-face meeting with each of the candidates who are moving on to this next phase. These will be your firefighters, paid by your tax dollars, and we want you to be involved in the selection process. The upcoming group will require approximately 50 members of the community. This is where you come in!
We recently completed interviews for experienced firefighters. Several community volunteers participated in the process. The following are testimonials of community members who have served so far:
-I had a great experience as a member of the Oral Interview Board for the AFD. A fascinating process from start to finish and to know that I can be giving back a bit to those who serve, was not a bad feeling either! I appreciate that the city of Austin and the Austin Fire Department would include a civilian in the process. Thank you.
-Assisting the AFD in the hiring process was very rewarding
-I learned a lot about the rigorous hiring process our dutiful firemen must go through to be qualified for the job
-It truly was a pleasure for me to participate in this process. I learned to appreciate the character and work ethics in our fine fire fighters. Thank you
Do you know someone who would be interested in helping us with this process? Would you please spread the word of this need on our behalf? We’re looking for a diverse group of individuals who are willing to lend a hand. The upcoming segment of interviews will happen over a ten day period between mid April and mid May.
If you know someone who would be a good fit for this temporary volunteer assignment, please have them contact Ruben Garza at 974-4124 or fireemployment@ci.austin.tx.us
Thank you for continued support of YOUR Austin Fire Department!
Sincerely,
Rhoda Mae Kerr
Fire Chief
