(Atlantic) Workforce shortages are affecting Iowa Fire Departments, and The State Firefighters Association is asking Iowans to volunteer.
The Atlantic Fire Department is no exception. Atlantic City Councilman Jim Behrens and liaison to the Atlantic Fire Department said several years ago that the Atlantic Fire Department members approached the City wanting to lower the minimum age. Because of dwindling numbers, they discussed at a recent meeting about revisiting the issue to reduce the minimum age requirement from 21 to 18.
Behrens says the Police Reserves has 18-year-old members on the force, and the Shenandoah Fire Department has a Cadet Program.
To become a firefighter in the state f Iowa, a person must be 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or G.E.D., have a valid driver’s license, have an excellent Candidate Physical Ability Test score, and have no criminal background. Some departments require a couple of other certifications like C.P.R., E.M.T., etc.
