Question for Indiana firefighters

[fire345]

I was woundering what the DROP retirement means as far as fire departments hiring people? How many firefighters do you think departments like Gary, Hammond, Fort Wayne, East Chicago, Indianapolis, and other departments are going to lose? From what I am hearing alot of these departments are going to be hiring alot of firefighters. Just woundering if this is ture. Thanks

[IFDFFENG20]

In Indianapolis, we are losing 50+ FF's by the end of this year. A recruit class is scheduled for the begining of next year with about 30 hires. By the end of 2007 we will lose another 100 or so FF's. I would expect another hiring process to begin sometime next year. We are in serious budget cutting now and have had some apparatus (1 engine and 2 squads) placed out of service permanently. There could be more depending on the status of the Mayor's county-wide fire consolidation plan. I will post here when a hiring process is announced. You can also call HQ and find out about filling out a form so you are contacted when the process starts. I am not sure of the other departments around the state. Good Luck.

[fieldseng2]

I was on the job in NW Indiana for over 12 years (right next to most of those Fd's you mentioned). Although not as big as Indy...those depts also have a large number signing up for the DROP. So comparatively speaking....they SHOULD have a large number of vacancies coming up.

My dept. had just under 60 members. Last I heard there were 3 signed up. But, they were the only ones qualified to.

Times are tough in "The Region" though.....Last I heard Gary was cutting staffing down to 3/rig.... My old FD (Hobart) is fighting the city to keep paid staffing and not go volunteer.

If you wanna have a good career and stay in Indiana...stay away from Lake County...Head south to the Indy area or check out Fort Wayne. But, if you want to know more about Gary, Hammond, E.C.....and so on, drop me a line.

fieldseng2