Stow FD

[ffmedicintheCLE]

Anyone taking the test from around Cleveland? Anyone know if they are hiring or just testing?

[bw3]

I'm not sure, they held a test about 2 years ago. They could just be forming a new list. They have awesome equipment, but the department itself doesn't get many calls.

[OHFirestopper]

They're on track to get a safer grant in May, They're forming a new list so if everything comes through and they get the grant they will be able to hire. They're old list is still good right now for a couple months.

[OHFirestopper]

Anyone taking the test from around Cleveland? Anyone know if they are hiring or just testing?

http://stow.patch.com/articles/200-i...hter-positions

[ffmedicintheCLE]

Nice. Hiring 5? Woah

[MontvilleFire39]

I am torn on testing for Stow. While I understand the odds are long they have to hire somebody. That being said does Stow have the finances to continue to fund these positions once the grant runs out? They made no qualms about highlighting the fact that they are no longer obligated to maintain the grant funded positions beyond 2 years.

[ffmedicintheCLE]

I am torn on testing for Stow. While I understand the odds are long they have to hire somebody. That being said does Stow have the finances to continue to fund these positions once the grant runs out? They made no qualms about highlighting the fact that they are no longer obligated to maintain the grant funded positions beyond 2 years.

Well as in THEORY...the SAFER grant is to fund the positions for 2 years and THEORY states that "insert fire department here" can bank the money over the 2 years to fund the positions for after the grant runs out or they can reapply for the grant...now back to the real world...not going to happen. So flip a coin I'd say

[ffmedicintheCLE]

read this today...

Stow -- A $743,741 federal grant that the Stow Fire Department will receive will potentially cut down on overtime hours, Mayor Karen Fritschel said.

The fire department will receive the grant to replace five full-time firefighters who retired, according to U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette (R-Bainbridge Township).

"With firefighters and police, there sometimes are injuries," Fritschel said. "When you are five short and then there are injuries, you can be caught short-handed."

Fritschel said while Fire Chief Bill Kalbaugh "has been a wizard at keeping overtime pay down, this will help our bottom line."

Division Chief Lou Ann Metz agreed, saying, "This will allow us to return to full staffing levels, which means better firefighter safety on the ground, more manpower available to answer calls for service and a decrease in the need for overtime costs."

The grant will pay for 100 percent of the five salaries for two years.

"At the end of the grant period, if retained, the city of Stow would be responsible [for the salaries]," Metz said. "The department does anticipate some retirements within the next 24 to 36 months."

The grant was part of the federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program (SAFER) grant program. It is used so departments have adequate staffing levels to protect their communities.

A total of $420 million will be awarded to departments with fiscal year 2010 funding, LaTourette said.

The Stow Fire Department has 42 line personnel and six vacancies. The sixth was created Jan. 15 with the retirement of Fire Captain Dan Carver.

The other five vacancies were created with the retirements of George Goodyear, Richard Henkel, David Hickey, Michael Murphy and Anthony Rorrer.

"The hiring will begin as soon as possible," Metz said.

Metz said a firefighter entry exam will take place on Feb. 19. Applications are available at Stow City Hall or at Fire Station No. 1.

Fritschel praised Lt. Jeff Cochran, who wrote the grant.

"In these difficult economic times, Stow is so fortunate to get this grant," Fritschel said. "This will benefit our residents and our businesses."

guess this process will be pretty quick then???

[ffmedicintheCLE]

About 300 showed up today guessing from ID numbered card given out. tough test as well. good luck to everyone

[ffmedicintheCLE]

anyone that tested hear anything yet??