MADISON COUNTY, Alabama – Huntsville Fire and Rescue hosted training sessions on Tuesday and invited potential candidates to take a behind-the-scenes look at their work and training.

“So most of the time you can apply for a job and think, ‘Oh, they’re just doing fires… medical calls, car accidents,” said Cory Green, the chief recruiter for Huntsville Fire and Rescue. . “But we actually have a technical rescue group that does a lot more than the public even thinks.”

Huntsville Fire and Rescue does more than fight fires. Many are part of special teams, like the Heavy Rescue Team, who are about to save a life.

“Today we’re just working on the boat operations a little bit and then we take a casualty out of the water who might have spinal injuries C or things like that,” said Captain Allen Painter.

He went on to say that the team does 10 to 15 water rescues a year and the only way to get good is to train.

“The more you can rehearse and the more you can practice on something, the less you have to think about it,” said Captain Painter.

HFR Fire Chief Mac McFarlen says knowing how to execute a water rescue without having to stop and think about the next step is a matter of life and death.

“Even if you do a rescue like this, you only have one chance,” said Chief McFarlen. “It’s not like a lot of other things you will do in life. If you are called to do it, you only have one chance and you must do it right.

Because Huntsville is growing continuously, HFR is looking for new recruits to join the team.

“With Huntsville annexing more land, we need to cover this land for protection and ownership, but we need more people now,” Green said. “I think it’s a good opportunity to do that right now because we haven’t had our numbers as high as we would like, so your chances of getting hired are higher.”

Green says they’re looking for someone who is goal-oriented with a high work ethic. He also says they need to have a heart for people and a passion to make a difference.

One of those potential prospects is Alex Mitchell, who is looking to take big steps forward at HFR.

“I’m fortunate to have a father who has been able to do this for 20 years,” Mitchell said. “I was born and raised in a fire station and I love it every day.”

Mitchell says he looks forward to the fellowship, as well as helping the community.

To apply, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and a high school diploma or GED.

To learn more about the steps in the HFR hiring process, visit their recruiting website.

Cory Green says if candidates have questions or concerns, they can contact him directly at his email address: [email protected]