Hammond Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr. has announced a new proposal for Hammond residents who are looking for an opportunity to fulfill their dream of becoming a Firefighter/Paramedic/EMT but can’t financially afford the expense.
Currently, the City of Hammond has 155 firefighting personnel all trained in paramedics/EMTs. However, with longevity, many firefighters will soon be retiring and replacements will be needed to ensure an easy transition and protection of Hammond’s residents. Mayor McDermott believes Hammond has enough capable citizens within its city limits to fill this void in the Fire Department’s personnel roster.
Medic Bound has been created for Hammond residents, who are otherwise eligible and qualified but are unable to financially afford the cost of the required EMT school, turn out gear, uniforms and the medical testing (including blood work, physical and psychological testing) required to apply with the Hammond Fire Department. To apply for medic Bound, eligible candidates must have documentation of three years of residency in Hammond prior to submitting their application and are willing to stay in the City for at least three years following being sworn in as a Hammond Firefighter.
“It is in the best interest of the City of Hammond and its residents to encourage Hammond youths to apply for the Medic Bound Program”, stated Mayor McDermott. “They know the people and the neighborhoods. Their community pride and the desirability for the continuity of community growth makes it a lifetime opportunity for any aspiring firefighter.”
The Hammond Fire Department will begin taking applications between July 13th and July 24th at Central Fire Station, 6110 Calumet Avenue between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Applicants must be between the ages of 20 and 25.
Please contact Fire Chief, Jeffery Smith at 219-853-6416 for questions and specifics about the application process.