Can you handle the heat? South Bend Fire Department is looking for local recruits!

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend Fire Department is looking for locals who want to make a difference in their community and are in the market for a career change.  

With 11 firehouses serving more than 100,000 neighbors across South Bend and surrounding areas, recruitment is essential.  

Jean Gomez, SBFD Recruitment Coordinator shares, “there is an issue on recruitment, and retention with the fire service in general, not just here. Basically, what we want to do here is let people know that the fire service is there.”  

The department recently introduced its first ever Recruit Mentor Program.  

Gomez says the goal is “to get out there. We want to let people know that this is here.”  

Recruits practice mock interviews through seminars with current fire crew members.  

When they’re not in their seats, they’re on their feet. Candidates get experience in physical training, and a 75-foot ladder climb on a real South Bend firetruck. 

The idea to mentor hopeful firefighters came from current firefighters themselves, who are now volunteering their time to make it happen.  

Gomez recalls his own journey to being a firefighter, saying, “if I would’ve had that mentor or that person to tell me... I think my experience would’ve been a little better.”  

It’s a tedious process though. Hiring is based on need and can take anywhere from months to a couple of years.  

That’s why these applicants are taking advantage of this mentorship. When it is finally their turn, they’ll already have firsthand knowledge and experience.  

SBFD hopefuls shared their thoughts on the mentor program so far.  

"The mentorship has been awesome. I’ve never done anything to do with firefighting; I've learned so much these past couple months and it’s been great”, says Frankie Lizzi.  

Eric Peterson adds, “lots of information being passed around, lot of helping hands and friendly faces.”  

Elliot Granados says, “they just give you tips and it really helps. Like, a person who has never been experienced in the field, or if they have experience, it kind of helps them build off of that.”  

Getting them one step closer to making their firefighting aspirations a reality. 

For more information on the Recruit Mentor Program, visit its Facebook page. 

If you’re interested in joining SBFD, head to their website.