During the last two months all the pieces fell into place for me to start testing and applying for Firefighting jobs in the Puget Sound region. This has been a simmering dream of mine for many 
years but one I have not aggressively pursued. I completed the computer based "written" test and passed the physical CPAT test. My options of departments were limited due to the increasingly stringent application requirements. It seems a lot of people are looking for jobs. With no expectations, I applied to the Edmonds, East Pierce and Mountlake Terrace Fire Departments.
years but one I have not aggressively pursued. I completed the computer based "written" test and passed the physical CPAT test. My options of departments were limited due to the increasingly stringent application requirements. It seems a lot of people are looking for jobs. With no expectations, I applied to the Edmonds, East Pierce and Mountlake Terrace Fire Departments.Two weeks ago I received and invitation to interview with Edmonds Fire Department. The initial interview went very well and I was pleased with my performance. I was incredibly surprised when the Assistant Chief called to invite me back for a Chief's Interview, a "get to know ya" as he described it. That call was last Monday the interview would be Thursday. I crammed in a few sessions of practice in the two days I had to prepare. 
What I expected was a sit down discussion, boy was I wrong. The interview was a continuation of the prior interview with harder and more pointed questions. It was nerve wracking and difficult, but I made it through without losing my composure. I was informed the selection would be made by Friday. I didn't expect to continue as this was first interview in a couple years, and it is rare to get an offer without the usual 3-5 years of interviewing and testing. I was ill-prepared for the news I received at 3:30 last Friday.
What I expected was a sit down discussion, boy was I wrong. The interview was a continuation of the prior interview with harder and more pointed questions. It was nerve wracking and difficult, but I made it through without losing my composure. I was informed the selection would be made by Friday. I didn't expect to continue as this was first interview in a couple years, and it is rare to get an offer without the usual 3-5 years of interviewing and testing. I was ill-prepared for the news I received at 3:30 last Friday.The Assistant Chief called our home, Cheryl called me at track practice, I called the Assistant Chief, he was in a meeting and said he would call back. THE LONGEST HALF HOUR EVER passed and the call came in. 
"We would like to make a contingent job offer." As he said it his cell phone began to break up making distorted digital voice sounds. I asked him to repeat his last statement explaining his phone was breaking up, he laughed at the timing and repeated his statement.
"We would like to make a contingent job offer." As he said it his cell phone began to break up making distorted digital voice sounds. I asked him to repeat his last statement explaining his phone was breaking up, he laughed at the timing and repeated his statement.It was official and I was stunned. Pending the physical and psych evals, Recruit Academy and 9 months of probational fire work I will be offered a badge as a Firefighter with the Edmonds Fire Department. It is still hard to believe the process went so quickly. There is a lot of work to be done prior to May 1 at which time I will report for duty, and the Academy begins on May 8.
Thanks to all for your prayers, thoughts and support. It has been a startling fast process covered in prayer. I appreciate all of you and I know Cheryl will appreciate all the help in the next twelve months.
Thanks again, Tony
P.S. I'm in the yellow helmet and yellow dry suit.
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