ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - Roanoke Fire and EMS is trying something new to ramp up recruitment.
The department is lowering the hiring age from 21 to 18 years old. Chief David Hoback said this initiative works well in other departments in Virginia and he believes it can open the doors of opportunity for those under 21 in Roanoke.
Eighteen-year-olds will be eligible for hire as firefighters if they have had a driver's license for 18 months and either a GED or high school diploma.
"We've had some people that come to us that are really good candidates but they are not 21 and they have to wait a couple of years. This time it gives them an opportunity straight out of high school and of they are a good candidate and meet all the qualifications, we can hire them and they can go straight into a profession," said Hoback.
The application process ends March 31. Recruitment school starts in July. The department hopes to hire about 20 new candidates.