January’s job report in the U.S. shows strong gains in employment. Despite added jobs, many employers are struggling to find new hires.
Tucson Fire is working to bring more people under its employ. They’re hoping to get at least 40 men and women for their next recruiting class. It will be the biggest class they’ve had in several years.
Tucson Fire Chief Chuck Ryan says finding recruits has been a challenge.
“We’re seeing, as a whole, about 50% fewer total applicants every time our recruitment process has opened and whether it’s here in Tucson, or Boston or L.A. or Calgary, it’s the same everywhere,” Chief Chuck Ryan said.
Even for those who’ve never thought about working as a Firefighter or EMT, the next recruiting class offers training for those new to the field.
“I didn’t expect to work in the fire service. I graduated from University of Arizona, had a completely different plan. And then I learned about the fire service. And it really checked a lot of boxes for me,” Tucson Fire Deputy Chief Paul Moore said.