POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County has announced an upcoming exam for the position of “Professional Firefighter.” The exam will be used to create an eligibility list for the various fire departments in Dutchess County that have professional firefighters on staff. The exam announcement and full details can be found HERE.
The exam announcement indicates that the application deadline is January 28, 2022. The March 19, 2022 exam requires that the applicant must be a high school graduate or possess a high school equivalency diploma. There is a $25 fee to take the exam.
Arlington Fire Department Lieutenant Joe Tarquinio serves as president of the Dutchess County Professional Firefighters Association is encouraging qualified candidates to take the exam. “This is the best job in the world,” the veteran firefighter said. “This is an opportunity to help your community in times of need and truly make a difference.” The association consists of union firefighters from the Arlington, Beacon, Fairview, LaGrange, and Poughkeepsie Fire Departments.
City of Poughkeepsie Firefighter Nick Bucher, who serves as president of IAFF Local 596, is hoping that the exam draws a large turnout of candidates to replenish vacancies created by retirements and other circumstances. “Men and women from all backgrounds need to take the test as the first step in joining the ranks of the best job in the world. If you want to truly make a difference, the career of a professional firefighter is where you can do it.”
Other requirements candidates must meet at the time of appointment include:
(A) Completion of 15 college credits; or:
(B) One year of full-time, post-high school work experience; or:
(C) One year of satisfactory military service; or:
(D) An equivalent combination of training and experience within the limits of (A) through (C) above.
Interested applicants can apply online HERE or complete the paper application found HERE, and follow the submission instructions.
