Fire Department recruits for next wave of firefighters

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HE’LL BE TRAINING: Captain Michael Mernick of the division of training talked about the rigorous 18-week training program recruits must complete to become probationary firefighters.

LOOKING FOR RECRUITS: Assistant Chief Edward Hannon III, Chief James McLaughlin and Mayor Scott Avedisian at the announcement of the department’s recruiting drive.

Warwick Fire Chief James McLaughlin emphasized Wednesday that Warwick firefighters are trained to handle all sorts of emergencies whether rescues at sea, addressing an accident on heavily traveled Route 95 or getting an injured worker off the roof of a three story building or trapped while repairing a wind turbine.

Now the chief is reaching out to recruit the next wave of Warwick Firefighters.

Joined by Mayor Scott Avedisian, McLaughlin kicked off the department’s recruiting drive that will run through Nov. 10.

Avedisian is hopeful of attracting “the best and brightest candidates” to form a pool from which the department will select recruits for the next two years. The objective is to form a class of about 18 recruits – the number will depend on projected retirements – who will undergo 18 weeks of training. Assuming they graduate, they will become one-year probationary firefighters.

During the academy training that could start early next year, recruits will receive $600 a week. As probationary firefighters they would be paid $933.08 a week, the mayor said.

Presently the department is budgeted for 220 firefighters and up until earlier this year had more personnel than needed who acted as “floaters” to fill in for sick firefighters. Because of retirements the department now has a contingent of 218, the chief said.

Applications must be submitted in person prior to Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. at Warwick Fire Department headquarters (111 Veterans Memorial Drive, Warwick, 02886). Application packages will be available at Warwick Fire Department headquarters.

Qualified applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old, a United States citizen, with High School Diploma or GED Certificate or higher. Applicants must also hold a valid driver's license, and background investigation. By meeting the requirements, the applicant will be eligible to take the written exam.

For more information regarding the recruitment and selection process, call the Warwick Fire Department at (401) 468-4056 or visit on the web at warwickrifd.org.