Chesterton, Portage, Valparaiso fire departments team up to hire

The idea to team up in hiring firefighters was sprung out of lunch meetings held by Chesterton Fire Chief John Jarka and Portage Fire Chief Tom Fieffer in order to exchange ideas and develop policies together "because we're not that different," Fieffer said. 

When Dutz was promoted as fire chief last year he joined the group. 

"We help each other whenever there's a fire, so why not do it at this level also," Jarka said. 

The chiefs said it's more economical for the three departments to set up the hiring process together. Dutz said another benefit is in the past, applicants would have to choose which test to take if two or three of the departments were testing on the same day. 

"It's better for the applicant too," Dutz said. "We all hire differently." 

Applicants will also be able to check a box on the application for which department they prefer. Departments will also keep their own individual list in addition to a master hiring list. 

Portage and Valparaiso also require firefighters to become paramedics, whereas Chesterton's requirement stops at being an emergency medical technician. 

Dutz said he doesn't think any departments are doing the same thing in the area. 

"We're excited about it," he said. 

The first written test, swim test and aerial ladder climb for all three departments is Sept. 17 at Portage High School. Applications will be available at the Chesterton, Portage and Valparaiso fire department headquarters beginning July 1. 

Applicants will have until Aug. 12 to turn the applications in. Once a hiring list is established, it will be good for two years beginning Jan. 1.