By EVA TALLMADGE
PORT ANGELES — After reviewing more than 100 applications from across the nation and a rigorous selection process, the Port Angeles Fire Department recently hired Bryant Kroh, a local volunteer and Port Angeles High School graduate, to a full-time position.
“When Rayonier shut down [in 1997], we lost a position,” Keith Bogues, training officer, said.
“Last year, we got that position back in our budget, so we were able to hire [Kroh].
“Our call volume is fairly high, and increased about 90 percent in the last 10 years.
“We haven’t had an increase in staff, so everyone basically got a whole lot busier. Being able to hire Bryant is going to offset that a little bit.”
Started work in December
Kroh began work on Dec. 19, but his first two weeks were spent meeting the firefighters who work different shifts and City Council members, learning city policies and acquainting himself with the station.
On Jan. 1, he began shift work, but new firefighters remain on probation for a year.
During that time, they enhance their basic fire skills and are tested on knowledge of streets and locations, among other things.
“It allows him to refresh the skills he has and shows the people he works with what he can do so they have confidence in him,” Bogues said.
“At the end of his year, he’ll have gone through all of these things, and we’ll know if we want to keep him.”
The department has three shifts of six firefighters, and one “floater” who works four 24-hour shifts, interspersed with 24 hours off, before taking four days off.
“We’re running on a very limited amount of manpower, so he’s going to hit the deck running,” Reid said.
“He’s been one of our volunteers for years, so he should work out great.”
The department hasn’t hired a firefighter for more than five years because the main emphasis has been on medical calls.
“We have increased our number of paramedics to handle the call volume and provide better care for the citizens,” Reid said.