Lexington Fire Department recruiting next generation of first responders

VIDEO: The Lexington Fire Department is actively recruiting firefighters as it seeks to fill positions across its 24 fire stations. The department is looking for candidates between ages 19 and 35 to join what Lieutenant Chris McFarlane, a recruiting officer, describes as a lifelong career. โ€œWhen they join this line of work, theyโ€™re in it for life,โ€ McFarlane said.

McFarlane joined the department 22 years ago and said his life changed forever after becoming a firefighter.

โ€œOf course, we were just young college guys, never thought that was really for us,โ€ McFarlane said. โ€œWe eventually went to one of the meetings and didnโ€™t take us very long, going lights and sirens down the road that we were like, โ€˜Oh, I think we could do this.โ€™โ€

The fire academy provides certifications through formal education and technical skills training. McFarlane said the departmentโ€™s mission extends beyond firefighting.

โ€œFighting fires is a large portion of what we do, but thereโ€™s itโ€™s so vast in the mission that we have to help people,โ€ he said.

The job requires 24-hour shifts and challenging work. McFarlane said the department welcomes people exploring career options.

WKYT-TV CBS 27 Lexington

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