Many students leave high school with plans for college, and some attend trade schools, but very few look to join the Milford Fire Department.
Firefighters in Milford are required to be trained as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and hold their certificate while at the department.
Milford’s fire department handles about 9,600 calls annually, ranging from medical calls, accidents on roadways and highways, and fires. Milford Fire is equipped with two quint companies, five engines, and one squad company.
Almost all new probationary firefighters will serve on one of the three medic units in the city and can work up to the apparatus they want to be on. But to make it there, they must go through and complete the Milford Fire hiring process.
People who are interested in joining must start by filling out the application, stating their prior education, and having a valid driver’s license. Then they must take three exams: the Milford Physical Aptitude Test (MPAT), an oral exam, and a Connecticut Physical Aptitude Test (CPAT).
Firefighter and paramedic Giovanni Marzullo says, “The hiring process is extensive and takes a while to complete.” Staying on top of his studies, continuing to stay in shape, and practicing interview questions are some strategies that aided Marzullo in feeling prepared and reaching his goals. So, continuously studying, making sure I was working out and in good shape to take the physical, and practicing interview questions…” is what helped him stay prepared and helped him to get hired in the department.
Marzullo states that the biggest challenge he faced within the process was the tests, and that it was “unlike any other test I’ve previously taken.” Tests at the Milford Fire Department have a harder testing process, asking more of candidates to truly test their knowledge and understanding of a wide range of topics.
All stages of the test require a minimum score of 70% to pass and make it to the next stage. At the end of the oral exam, all previous scores are accounted for and averaged out to make the final score to be ranked.
Following each recruit’s ranking, depending on placement, they will be called and offered a job, and if accepted, the new firefighter will be sent to the Connecticut Fire Academy for 16 weeks to receive training.
After 16 weeks have been completed, you will enter your probationary period of 12 months. During the 12 months, the firefighter will continue to study, complete training, and be tested on more topics to grow their knowledge.
