WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — Firefighters answer the call and put their lives on the line to save ours daily.
"You're going to ask them to risk their life and go into a burning building or go into the middle of the Susquehanna River to rescue someone or anything else. We need to make sure we have good, educated, experienced firefighters," Wilkes-Barre Fire Chief Jay Delaney.
The Wilkes-Barre Fire Department is looking for the next potential firefighters to step up to the plate.
But this time around looks much different. The fire civil service exam is now going digital.
For years the test to become a Wilkes-Barre firefighter was held on one day in person.
"If someone were to be away the day that we would have the exam, they would just miss it. That's all there is to it. As it is right now, they have their choice of a 90-day period where they can schedule and take their exam online," said William Murtha, Fire Civil Service Commission chairman.
The online exam opens the department to candidates anywhere, nationally, through the National Testing Network, which works with more than 1,000 departments nationwide.
"I think we're moving into the year 2024 and not 1984. But in all seriousness, I think it's going to bring us better candidates and a more diverse group of firefighters, EMTS," Chief Delaney said.
Wilkes-Barre needs to fill a handful of open spots within the department almost immediately.
"As soon as the list is certified, we will begin the hiring process for four firefighters/EMTs."
Applications through the National Testing Network must be in by August 15.
More information is posted on the department's Facebook page.