Mayor Stimpson welcomes new class of MFRD recruits

Apr 20th, 2015

MOBILE, Ala. - Mayor Stimpson today welcomed 30 new recruits to the Mobile Fire Rescue Department, the first class of new recruits since 2013.

"This class is a significant milestone for the department," said Mayor Stimpson. "I've always known we could attract talent to this city, and the fire class that starts training today may be the most impressive in our city's history."

There were 90 qualified applicants who were interviewed for these 30 positions. All 30 accepted applicants had at least a basic level medic certification, and 22 of the 30 new recruits already had a full firefighter certification.

"This is significant for a couple of reasons," said Mayor Stimpson. "First, our citizens can have the assurance that top notch recruits are protecting their lives. Second, the 22 candidates who came already fully certified saved the city $460,000in training expenses."

Through these significant cost savings, the City of Mobile will be able to select another class of recruits this calendar year.

Stimpson addressed the new recruits during a meeting at the MFRD training center on Monday. The group was introduced during a news conference attended by city officials including Councilwoman Bess Rich, the chair of the council's Public Safety Committee, along with Public Safety Director Rich Landolt and Fire Chief Billy Pappas.

"I commend the leadership of Admiral Landolt, Chief Pappas and the MFRD team who did the hard task of interviewing and selecting these new personnel," said Stimpson. "District Chief LeAnn Tacon, District Chief Ken Keller and Captain Jason Craig showed great judgment in helping MFRD move forward. Together, we will become the safest, most business and family friendly city in America."