City of Kirkland Provides Boost to Recruits at Firefighter Bootcamp

Published on September 28, 2021

Firefighter Boot Camp

Media Contact:
Joy Johnston
Interim Communications Program Manager
jjohnston@kirklandwa.gov
(425) 979-6562

KIRKLAND, Wash. –The City of Kirkland hosted its first ever Firefighter Bootcamp for those interested in a career with Kirkland Fire on September 18, 2021 at the Public Safety Testing facility in Kent.  The Firefighter Bootcamp helps future recruits successfully pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), which is the standard test for measuring an individual's ability to handle firefighting’s physical demands. Eighteen recruits attended. Invitees were chosen based upon their scores on the written exam and their interest to work for Kirkland Fire.

“The City of Kirkland’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is one of the primary reasons we’ve created this training opportunity,” said Kirkland Mayor Penny Sweet. “We want to do everything we can to help ensure that our Fire Department remains diverse while working proactively to increase representation of all people, especially women and minorities. A career in the fire service is attainable by anyone, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation, and we are excited to welcome all into this fulfilling profession.”

At the event, public safety testing instructors provided one-on-one training on the equipment used for the CPAT. The event also featured tips and strategies for passing the CPAT, as well as advice on the conditioning needed to increase strength and endurance for the test. Participants met with Kirkland’s Deputy Fire Chief Dave Van Valkenburg and were able to network with other recruits who are interested in a career with Kirkland Fire.

The Kirkland Fire Department will begin the hiring process for entry level Firefighter in February 2022.  The department is planning to hire 20-25 new firefighters over the next three years.  Candidates must have completed a Public Safety Testing written test and have a valid CPAT from any verifiable CPAT testing center by February 11, 2022, which is when the Kirkland Fire Department will request a list of eligible candidates from Public Safety Testing. Interviews will start the week of March 7, 2022.  Learn more on the Join the Fire Department webpage.

This bootcamp is part of Kirkland’s diversity recruiting efforts to achieve the vision of City legislation Resolution R-5434. Passed in August of 2020, R-5434 is the City of Kirkland’s commitment to examine and dismantle institutional and structural racism in Kirkland.

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