Posted Friday, December 17, 2021.

HUNTINGTON – The Huntington Fire Department is expanding and will add three new firefighter positions over the next three years.

The first position will be filled early in 2022. Applications are being accepted now through January 14, 2022. The application form, instructions and requirements can be obtained at here or by calling (260) 356-3620.

Fire Chief Tony Johnson said the additional crew members will bring HFD up to a minimum of four firefighters per truck at all times, including when the department must respond to multiple calls at once. A four-person team can cover all roles and responsibilities on an emergency run, preventing a scenario in which a unit might have to wait for a second truck to arrive before beginning search and rescue or other life-saving actions.

“In the types of emergencies that the Huntington Fire Department trains and equips our firefighters to respond to, every minute and second matters,” Chief Johnson said.

City Council approved the new positions earlier this year. HFD currently employs 35 firefighters, and that number will increase to 38 by 2024. The department has previously employed as many as 41 full-time firefighters.

HFD operates two frontline firetrucks that respond to emergency calls and one reserve truck to back those up, as well as a tower truck that responds to all structure fires. The newest firetruck was placed into service in October of this year and carries upgraded tools and equipment with which the truck it replaced could not be equipped.

As with the new truck, the additional positions being added will improve public safety and empower the city’s firefighters to do their jobs at the highest level.

“This will help them respond faster and do their jobs more efficiently,” Chief Johnson said. “It will be safer for them and safer for the people of Huntington.”