Mayor Taveras Announces New Fire Academy Class

Standing alongside the city's public safety commissioner, the president of the Firefighters Local 799 union, community leaders and firefighters, Mayor Angel Taveras announced today that Providence will begin accepting applications for its first fire academy in four years.

The Public Safety Department looks to hire between 35 and 50 firefighters to fill vacancies that are costing city taxpayers millions in overtime each year. During a press conference at the Messer Street Fire Station, Mayor Taveras also announced that the city will focus efforts and resources toward encouraging Providence residents to apply for the academy and prepare for the academy tests.

"It is important to me that we recruit a talented class of firefighters. I am confident that we can find that talent right here in Providence," said Mayor Taveras. "The new fire academy will create good family jobs in our city and at the same time save up to $1 million annually by reducing overtime costs."

Public safety overtime is one of the driving forces of Providence's fiscal challenges. For every five vacancies filled, the city can cut overtime costs by $448,000. The fire academy will save the city between $3.1 and $4.5 million in overtime costs each year and produce net savings up to $1 million annually.

"I applaud Captain Scott Mello for leading the effort to launch the city's first academy in four years and am excited to swear in a new class of firefighters," said Public Safety Commissioner Steven Paré. "Filling vacancies in our department will go a long way to saving taxpayers money and, more important, saving lives."

"I appreciate Mayor Taveras' commitment to open a new fire academy and look forward to working with the administration to recruit a talented, qualified and diverse class of new firefighters," said Local 799 President Paul Doughty. "Firefighters are vital and contributing members of the community and we are excited for the opportunity to welcome new members into our family. The academy will help the city create new, good, family-wage paying jobs."

To encourage Providence residents to apply for the academy, First Source and Workforce Solutions will work to connect local residents with training and information to prepare them for the written and physical tests.