Fall River Fire Department begins hiring initiative after Gabriel House fire

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) — The Fall River Fire Department said had begun a new hiring initiative to “expand operational needs and strengthen daily emergency response staffing” after the Gabriel House fire.

The department said the initiative uses the Civil Service Local Register to hire experienced firefighters.

“Priority consideration will be given to candidates who have earned Firefighter I/II certification from the Massachusetts State Fire Academy, hold at least EMT-Basic certification, and are currently employed full-time as firefighters,” the announcement of the initiative reads. “Other applicants will be considered based on their qualifications.”

The department also said it had expanded its staffing since the Gabriel House fire but had been relying on overtime to keep shifts staffed.