Wheeling Fire Department Civil Service Testing Scheduled Aug. 8

photo by: Shelley Hanson

Wheeling Fire Department Firefighter Jason Milton, left, and Fire Chief Jim Blazier stand with a decontamination tent during a recent training session.

The Wheeling Fire Department is looking to replenish its hiring list with a new round of civil service exam testing in August.

Fire Chief Jim Blazier said the written portion of the exam will take place at 6 p.m. Aug. 8 at WesBanco Arena’s West meeting room. The agility portion of the exam will take place Aug. 24 at the outdoor swimming pool in South Wheeling across from Ritchie Elementary School.

“We’re looking for dedicated people who want to be firefighters and paramedics,” he said. “You don’t have to have experience. You can have zero knowledge. We will teach you what you need to know.”

Blazier said probationary firefighters must live within a 20-mile radius of Wheeling. Candidates should be no older than 35 years when they test and at least 18 years old. Candidates must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Retired military members up to 40 years old can also apply.

“This is kind of a calling. There are things we do that some people don’t like to do. You’ve got to have an interest and a desire to be a public servant and help people,” he said.

Blazier noted the agility portion of the exam is usually conducted in Ritchie Elementary’s pool; however, since their pool is undergoing some repairs, the exam will take place at the city’s outdoor pool.

Blazier encourages those who are interested in becoming a firefighter to visit the city’s website for more information and to fill out an application, https://www.wheelingwv.gov/departments/Fire/fire-employment, and a study guide for the civil service test.

The base salary for a new firefighter is $47,650.

Blazier said the department typically seeks to replenish its list of candidates every three years. Sometimes it runs out sooner rather than later. The fire department currently has 93 employees including firefighters and support staff. Blazier said the department will likely hire two to three people off the new list right away.