Mayor Joseph P. Ganim
Bridgeport, CT
Fire Chief
Richard Thode
For Immediate Release
February 8, 2019
For More Information:
Dalmarys Matos (203) 576-7201
dalmarys.matos@bridgeportct.gov
Firefighter Recruitment Inquires:
(203) 337-2068
Press Release
Mayor Ganim, Bridgeport Fire Chief Thode Announce Physical Test Scholarships Available For Firefighter Recruitment
$175 Voucher for Candidate Physical Ability Test Available For Income Restricted, City Residents
Bridgeport, CT –Mayor Joe Ganim and Bridgeport Fire Chief Richard Thode are announcing today that $175 scholarships are available to cover the cost of the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) for Bridgeport residents who can show financial need. To encourage and assist qualified applicants who live in Bridgeport, the Civil Service Department will issue 150 scholarships to cover the cost of the required CPAT exam. The applicants must first receive their national CPAT certification before applying for the Bridgeport Fire Department.
"Your financial background should not hinder you from applying to be a Bridgeport Firefighter," said Mayor Ganim. "In Bridgeport we are doing all we can to eliminate any challenges for residents to apply to be a firefighter. This is a chance for our residents, who reflect the diversity of our city, to have the opportunity to serve their very own neighbors.”
Bridgeport Fire Chief Thode said, "We welcome all people who fit the qualification to apply for the scholarship. It is a national standard but we recognize it can be costly for those who are disadvantaged. As a department, we will do everything we can to lend a helping hand for those desiring to make in difference in our community and start a great career."
Scholarships are available on a first-come, first-serve basis to assist Bridgeport residents only. Registration for the CPAT is now open and will be until March 9, 2019. Once the CPAT is passed, an applicant will be allowed to take the BFD written exam. Applications for the BFD will be open on April 22, 2019.
To qualify for this assistance, an applicant must: (1) Be a resident of the City of Bridgeport (2) Meet financial need requirements and provide proof (3) Demonstrate community service/involvement (4) Attend a minimum of four CPAT training sessions at 236 Evergreen Street training facility in Bridgeport (at no cost to the applicant).
For more information on the CPAT scholarship or BFD, go to http://www.bridgeportct.gov/Fire.
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