Gainesville Fire Rescue to host inaugural GFR Fire/EMS Signing Day

Press release from City of Gainesville

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR) will officially welcome its 2022 class of first responder candidates at a Fire/Emergency Medical Services signing day ceremony before the start of its monthly midnight basketball tournament.

When: 8-9 p.m. Friday, July 1

Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center, 1028 N.E. 14th Street

The future public safety employees will each accept a conditional letter of employment from the City of Gainesville, which will sponsor their training at Florida State Fire College (FSFC) in Ocala. Future employment is contingent upon earning firefighter certification and successfully completing Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training.

Upon accomplishing these requirements, the certified candidates will complete a 7-week orientation at GFR to demonstrate proficiency before joining fellow firefighters in response to emergency calls.

“These candidates are pledging their commitment to excellent service for the community and to each other as the City demonstrates its commitment to delivering ‘Best in Class’ neighbor services to all residents,” said GFR Fire Chief Joseph Dixon. “We continue to invest in and secure the future of GFR emergency response in our community, and we invite neighbors to come out and celebrate with us.”

The 10 candidates were originally selected by GFR based on National Testing Network scores, performance testing, and individual interviews.

Following the ceremony, several of the candidates will assist at the July midnight basketball tournament for area middle and high school students.

The events are free and open to the public.