Are you interested in a career as a firefighter but unsure of what the job really entails? Maybe you are just interested in what a day in the life of a firefighter is like. Well, now you can find out by applying for the Biloxi Fire Department’s Citizen Ride-Along Program.
“We have had individuals express their interest in being at a scene of a fire or an emergency incident or as a career firefighter,” Biloxi Fire Chief Joe Boney said. “Because of this interest, the department has made it possible for individuals to ride-along with our firefighters in a fire department vehicle.”
The program is open to the public and interested individuals must be 18 years of age or older, complete an application and pass a criminal background check. Once the application process is complete, the individual will be scheduled for a ride along based on their requested dates and times. Requested times must be between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. and no longer than 12 hours.
Through the program, participants will get real-time insight into a day in a life of a firefighter.
“By offering such a program, we hope for a greater understanding of a firefighter’s duties, and for the riders to see firsthand how exciting and rewarding being a firefighter can be,” Boney said. “We also hope that this program raises interest of those wanting to become a firefighter.”
The department is currently accepting applications for firefighters. To be part of the Biloxi Fire Department, interested individuals must be age 18 or older, complete a public safety application and complete the hiring process, which includes a physical agility and written tests. The requirements and study guide information is listed on the city’s website.
Since the program begun in July, the fire department has conducted five ride-alongs.
See the ride-along program application
See the public safety application
See more about the Biloxi Fire Department
News & notes: Council, U.S. 90 paving, Cedar Lake cleanup
Council: The Biloxi City Council holds its first regularly scheduled meeting of the month this evening at 6 at Biloxi City Hall. To see the agenda and supporting documents for the meeting, click here.
U.S. 90 paving: Motorists on U.S. 90 today found a fresh coat of asphalt on the southernmost lane of U.S. 90 from DeBuys almost to White Avenue. Warren Paving will be working again this evening and nightly, Sunday through Thursday, through November. To see background on the project, click here.
Cedar Lake Church: Volunteers from Cedar Lake Church spent several hours Saturday picking up litter at the I-10 exit at Cedar Lake Road. To see the lively group, click here.
